And the Winner Is ... Portuguese Water Dog

Bo Obama to be newest White House resident

(NEWSER) - The newest Obama will be named Bo, the Washington Post reports in the latest in a series of leaks about the Portuguese water dog the first family plans to introduce to an entranced nation Tuesday. The White House tried to keep a lid on puppy information, but a blog released a picture and interview (yes, an interview) with a dog that looks just like one pictured elsewhere with the family. More»

43% want first family to get pooch from shelter

(NEWSER) - A majority of Americans think the First Family should adopt a mutt, according to an AP poll. While the nation’s pet-less are split on the issue, pet owners, who represent 60% of the population, went 2-1 in favor of a mixed breed. That may not be enough to sway the president-elect: He recently said he’s leaning toward a purebred. More»

(NEWSER) - Among the families around the world gathering tomorrow to celebrate the beginning of Passover with a dinner, or seder, will be a high-profile group: the Obamas. The White House seder tradition started on the campaign trail in 2008, when then-senator Barack Obama surprised three staffers by showing up for their makeshift celebration in a Pennsylvania hotel basement. Last year's seder was a bit more impressive, with close to two dozen friends, relatives, and staffers gathering at the White House. More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama will visit two national parks during a family trip to the Mountain West next week, the Denver Post reports. The first family will travel to to Colorado and Montana in addition to Wyoming, home of Yellowstone, and Arizona, where they'll see the Grand Canyon. More»

Obamas polish image through careful offering to celebrity mags

(NEWSER) - As the nation gets to know the first family, it may seem as if we're watching "a reality show set on the glorified soundstage at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.," the Los Angeles Times reports, but what we're seeing is in fact a meticulously crafted image. Information about the Obamas is being strictly managed to bolster the president's popularity and keep the paparazzi at bay. Photos, interviews, and glimpses of White House life are systematically parceled out to celebrity news outlets, who in turn agree to not publish any unauthorized snaps. More»