Margaret with sign

Margaret thought that the only off-note in Barack Obama's otherwise superb election night speech was the part where he told his daughters, "you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House."

If this campaign was about change, Margaret reasoned, why a puppy in the White House?  So many presidents have had dogs as pets.  That's really just the same old stuff.  Why not … just for the sake of argument here … why not a miniature goat? 

That, Margaret said, would be change.  Real change.

Then she listened to the President-elect's first press conference on Friday and heard how the puppy was becoming quite an issue with the hypoallergenic thing.  While she recognized how important it was that the Obama family wanted to adopt a shelter dog, rather than buy a dog from a breeder — what a wonderful signal that sends to the country! — Margaret thought she could offer the soon-to-be First Family a way out of their predicament. 

"Consider me," she says.

Margaret even claims to be hypoallergenic, though we are not exactly sure there's any valid scientific data to support her position on this.

She points out that there is historical precedent for a goat in the White House:  Both President Abraham Lincoln and President Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893) had pet goats.  Lincoln even allowed his two goats, Nanny and Nanko, to ride in the presidential carriage.  (Hey, she is not making this up!  See this article.)

But since it's been more than a century since a goat graced the White House lawn (not to mention the Rose Garden … yum yum yum!), surely it's time to consider having a goat again as the nation's First Pet?

 Margaret with Yes We Can

[A side note from Steve to new White House staff:  Just consider that when things go wrong — as they inevitably do in any White House — there would always be a real scapegoat to blame.]

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32 responses to “Margaret Weighs In On An Important Topic”

  1. Janet in Cambridge Avatar
    Janet in Cambridge

    Margaret, you are, as they say here in the Boston area, a little pissah. You are beyond smart, you are a political animal and cute as a button. You know whereof you speak. If I were in the White House, I would have a go-at as sweet as you to take care of my front lawn. I wish you all the luck in the world in getting the Obamas to change their minds, but I think you will be happier where you are. In Montana you will never, ever be a scapego-at, although you may, at times, be, unflatteringly referred to as “livestock.” (It’s better than being “deadstock”, I suppose.)
    I (heart) Margaret!!!

    Like

  2. lisa James Avatar
    lisa James

    I just hope the Obama’s realize that any and every kind of dog is available through rescue. We in rescue know that, but so so many people think shelters are just filled with mutts.

    Like

  3. kelli Avatar
    kelli

    Your post is too cute!! Margaret is too cute!! If I had the room, I would have a minature goat just like Margaret.
    Keep up the good work!!

    Like

  4. Moon Rani Avatar
    Moon Rani

    Dea Margaret, If there’s an election for new White House pet, you’ll surely get my goat – – uh, I mean my vote.

    Like

  5. Kristen D. Avatar
    Kristen D.

    OMG, this is SO funny!! Look how cute Margaret is in the first photo!
    I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – I HEART MARGARET!!!

    Like

  6. ihearthounds Avatar

    Who knew that Margaret has such a keen sense of humor?!? I agree – why not a goat? Why not a whole slew of rescue animals for that matter??? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see a mini menagerie in the white house? (All rescues of course!)

    Like

  7. ginger Avatar
    ginger

    Margaret, you are one classy goat. I personally think you have a great sense of style & you should have your own advice column. I love seeing your face! Do you like to be hugged? I’m sending you a big one.
    Hugs to all,
    ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

    Like

  8. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    What a CUTIE! And so politically savvy. Her photos would convince them for sure. You should send this to the Obama transition team. Margaret would melt their hearts.

    Like

  9. Miranda Avatar
    Miranda

    I should have voted for Margaret.

    Like

  10. jennie wiseman Avatar
    jennie wiseman

    Oh my gosh–how funny!!!! Please put a book together with pictures of your blog.
    You go Margaret!!!! Goats are the “in thing”.

    Like

  11. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne

    Margaret cannot go to the White House! What would she possibly do without Steve 🙂 Perhaps she is planning to have the Obamas give him a room too !!

    Like

  12. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    Margaret- One can only HOPE! I’m definitely in YOUR corner, 🙂
    ps: on mutts in the White House, the President elect acknowledges they would be fine, if hypoallergenic, which is great, but I think he could also pick up on the term “All Americans”!

    Like

  13. Elona Avatar
    Elona

    Oh man – you know you’d miss her! I love Margaret!!

    Like

  14. Heidi & the kitties Avatar
    Heidi & the kitties

    Margaret, would you really want to leave your beloved Steve to go to the White House? Maybe Steve could be appointed Secretary of Disabled Animals (and Alayne would be their Attorney General), and ALL the RDR animals could relocate to the White House lawn! Can’t you just see Margaret over President Obama’s shoulder in the White House, trying to eat a bill she doesn’t like?

    Like

  15. Sasha in MN Avatar
    Sasha in MN

    I would give up sweets & coffee for Margaret! She is so amazing, I especially love the pictures of her with Steve at the lunch table.
    I have always wanted to befriend a goat, my friends even nicknamed my guest bedroom “the barn” for my goat aspirations. Delightful post and Margaret…Yes You Can!

    Like

  16. Marigold Avatar

    Oy. Margaret you are truly a girl after my own heart. Even your name is close to mine. Do you like Peanuts as well? Goatdom needs to unite in this cause. In the meantime, you GO! and don’t let anyone nickname you ‘Lipstick’.

    Like

  17. Margaret S Avatar
    Margaret S

    Margaret–Gotta love that name–I agree! It is time for a goat. Why not reach across the pen and consider a Great Compromise? How about a goat AND a dog! They would make great buddies, are a green way to clip the grass on the White House Lawn, and add some diversity to the White House.

    Like

  18. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    Don’t be tempted by the bright lights of Washington, Margaret! Even though you may have pushed your luck by jumping on the kitchen table, you will always have a wonderful life at RDR.
    (Steve, you need a new section on the home page – meet the go-ats!).

    Like

  19. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    AWWW NO – UH UH!! Margaret is best right where she is – in her adorable pictures and too funny stories.

    Like

  20. Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin Avatar
    Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin

    Margaret, you are just a sweet, little doll & I love you! You would be sooooo unhappy living anywhere without Steve. I know the grass is probably greener thinking about going to live in the White House with that huge beautiful lawn & flowers but, believe me, where you live right now is 10 times better. I know you are intrigued you would be able to pose for pictures almost 24/7, 365 days a year but I bet anything the Obama’s wouldn’t like it much if you started to eat a visiting dignitaries plate of food or stole the spotlight while they are taking pictures. I just say if this is what you really want then I will vote for you but think about my advice & know that where you are is sooo much better cuz you get to go inside the house & join a meal or two, be in any & all pictures & no one will use you as a scapego-at & I’m sure a scapego-at will more than likely be needed a time or two.

    Like

  21. Peggy Fields Avatar
    Peggy Fields

    I’ve always thought Steve should write a book about Rolling Dog Ranch. But now I think Margaret shouldn’t be a chapter, she should have a book of her own. A children’s book perhaps: “The Amazing Story of Margaret the Goat.” Too cute.

    Like

  22. MariaRose Avatar

    Well, I think a goat is better than the hyena that Teddy Roosevelt had.

    Like

  23. Carisa J Avatar
    Carisa J

    Margaret is the cutest go-at ever. Love the latest pictures of her. She can’t leave RDR for the White House. The Obama’s can get their own goat.
    Still wish I could have seen pics of her getting into the UPS Truck!

    Like

  24. pjmac7 Avatar

    Another stellar post!!

    Like

  25. Boundforglory Avatar
    Boundforglory

    Margaret; she’s one amazing goat!
    What thought she put into the matter; thank you for helping her put thoughts down on blog, Steve!
    I agree….it’s time for a goat in White House! But please, Margaret, don’t leave the ranch in search of more tender roses in Washingon; you’d be missed terriby!!

    Like

  26. Nina Avatar
    Nina

    Too Cute!!! Margaret, you are one precious goat and I would surely vote for you. However, I am not so sure you would like to live at the White House….the Ranch has Steve and the White House doesn’t!!! One day maybe Steve will take you on a trip to visit the Obamas?!!

    Like

  27. Claire S. Moen Avatar
    Claire S. Moen

    Is beloved Margaret a democrat?

    Like

  28. Jodie Avatar
    Jodie

    OMG Margaret you are such a love!!!
    I would stay at RDR though, the White House would have too many rules for you and wouldn’t you miss your boyfriend Steve????

    Like

  29. Consuelo Larrabee Avatar
    Consuelo Larrabee

    I think Margaret has a long political career ahead of her. The humidity in Washington DC is dreadful & she’d miss the Montana air. But she could save the government on grounds keeping expenses & demonstrate how her kind is death to weeds, noxious plants, etc., in super fast time. (“If you want a job done, vote goats!”) She’d be a hit w/the White House family & the public & she could nibble on the shoe laces of the adoring press. Go, Margaret!

    Like

  30. Craig from Great Falls Avatar
    Craig from Great Falls

    The more I see this the more I laugh! LOL x 2 : )

    Like

  31. Shirley * James * Portland, OR Avatar
    Shirley * James * Portland, OR

    The White House can’t compare to the RDR digs!! Stay put Margaret!

    Like

  32. Lisa Lashaway Avatar
    Lisa Lashaway

    Go Margaret Go!!! I used to live and work on Capital Hill and know what a big deal Roll Call is, this is GREAT!!! Good interview Steve!!

    Like

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