Bo Could have Helped You Perfect That First Pitch

Professor Diana C. Mutz (yes that really is her name!) of the University of Pennsylvania has uncovered an important correlation between politics and pets: they go hand in hand. According to a recent column in the Inquirer, Mutz's research has discovered the fact that Obama is the first person elected president in the history of the United States that was pet-less at the time of his election.

Yes, you read that correctly. According to Mutz, about four hundred assorted animals have lived in the White House ranging from an alligator (belonging to John Quincy Adams) to bear cubs (those would be Thomas Jefferson's) to a parrot (James Madison's).

But somehow, dogs hold a position of high esteem in the minds of the voters. It turns out that about half the households in the U.S. include dogs, and of these, there are about 6% more Republicans than Democrats. Which may explain why more pet owners were attracted to John McCain (at least in June 2008), whose menagerie includes two dogs, a cat, a ferret, three parakeets, turtles and some fish.

"Everything else being equal," says Mutz, "dog ownership does make a difference." In fact, the probability of voting for Obama went down 16% if the person doing the voting owned a dog. Mutz has only theories as to why this is true, one of which is that dog owners simply identify with other dog owners.

Her recommendation for the current president who is battling lowering popularity ratings: Be seen with your pooch. "Get Bo out there in front of the cameras," she advises.

Not to mention the wonders he could do for your pitching arm.