October 24, 2007

Senator Hillary Clinton has dodged a number of potentially show-stopping bullets during her run for president – but some say the plight of her former cat, Socks, may not be so easy to overcome.

Sources say the black and white tuxedo cat was given to Mr. Clinton's former secretary when he stepped down as leader of the free world.

Having pets in the White House has a long-standing tradition. Martha Washintgon reportedly had cats while her husband was in office, and just about every president since has had either a cat or a dog.

As Senator Clinton tries to soften her image – and make her mark as the first ever female president – she could potentially lose the support of America's pet-friendly voters.

The image she's created is exacerbated by Socks' abandonment – But facing an all male cast of competitors means she needs to appear tough.

But just how tough? Writer Caitlin Flanagan of the Atlantic Magazine says Socks may have been more of an image booster than a family pet.

During a children's lecture about her book “Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids' Letters to the First Pets,” Mrs. Clinton said pets are, “an adoption instead of an acquisition,” - a remark that indicates she doesn't always practice her own wisdom.

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