Heard on CNN last night:
DON LEMON (CNN anchor): Listen, let’s talk about this, guys. [The Obamas are] getting a dog. Everyone is excited. Mark, I mean, are we really making too much of this?
MARK PRESTON (CNN Political Editor): Yeah, I think so, Don. Look, I have a dog. My two young children, they love our dog. The fact of the matter is, it’s just a dog.
LEMON: A cute dog, if you look at picture.
PRESTON: It’s cute. You know something? A lot of people are losing their jobs, the economy is in the tank, and we’re worried when this dog will show up at the White House…
And? Mentions of The First Pet on CNN since CNN’s political editor told colleague “we’re making too much of this?” Twelve. And counting…
Can’t teach an old dog new tricks. (And, no, CNN is not alone).
Liz Cox Barrett is a writer at CJR.