The back-and-forth between people of different political views in this country could stand some improvement, as currently it’s on the level of ad hominem “yer a wingnut/yer a moonbat” attacks. NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me!” news quiz consistently brings the funny LOLs when discussing political figures – sometimes with those actual politcal figures’ participation! Today’s show included a short segment to follow up on an important fact that came up in the wake of Karl Rove’s departure this week – Barney, the White House Scottish terrier, is not terribly well liked by staffers, who characterized him recently as “aloof and entitled.” Karl Rove dismissed the pooch as “a lump” in one of his many farewell interviews (which were thinly disguised attempts to get a few last lumps of his own in on Hilary Clinton).
Well, WWDTM decided to get to the heart of the matter and contacted a White House press secretary to set the record state regarding Barney:
The Swamp: White House defends ‘lil Barney in Rove-attack
WAIT, WAIT, DONT TELL ME! HOST PETER SAGAL: According to the New York Times, senior White House aides feel that the Scottish terror is “aloof and entitled.†Now, we did not think this slam at the presidential pet could go unanswered. So it is our pleasure to welcome Dana Perino, Deputy White House Secretary, to our show. Dana, welcome to Wait Wait.
DANA PERINO: Hi. Remind me why I agreed to do this.
MR. SAGAL: You know, I was hoping someone would have pushed the mute button while we had you on hold, but perhaps not.
MS. PERINO: No, I heard everything.
MR. SAGAL: Alright, well. Dana, so – and we know that you, unlike Mr. Rove, are still employed at the White House – and we ask you this: Is Barney, in fact a lump.
MS. PERINO: I wouldn’t call him a lump. Of course, you’re right, Karl is on his way out the door. Look, Barney’s kind of standoffish, but he’s got personality. He’s got a little bit of sass. You know, I don’t think – he doesn’t let people get too close to him.
MR. SAGAL: What does Barney think about Rove?
MS. PERINO: Well, I did see one thing last week when we were down in Texas. In fact it was actually more Ms. Beazley. They alternated from wanting to be petted by him to growling at him. So it was maybe a love/hate relationship.
KYRIE O’CONNOR: So Karl didn’t have to, like, carry the pooper-scooper or anything?
MS. PERINO: No, that job is reserved for other people. Like me.
MR. SAGAL: Really?
MS. PERINO: Well, I do deal with – I deal with the press a lot.
MR. SAGAL: I see. Well done! Well done, Ms. Perino. Dana Perino is, at least until her bosses hear this broadcast, the Deputy Press Secretary at the White House. Dana, thank you so much for joining us today.
MS. PERINO: Thank you, I love your show.
UPDATE: I just noticed that the transcript describes Barney as “the Scottish terror.” Wait! is that like Macbeth? AUGH! “Hot potato, off his drawers, pluck to make amends! AAURGH!”