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?
[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.]
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!!
Posted by: Lisa Lashaway | November 18, 2008 at 04:38 PM
The White House can't compare to the RDR digs!! Stay put Margaret!
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | November 16, 2008 at 02:16 AM
The more I see this the more I laugh! LOL x 2 : )
Posted by: Craig from Great Falls | November 13, 2008 at 10:34 PM
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!
Posted by: Consuelo Larrabee | November 12, 2008 at 10:44 PM
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????
Posted by: Jodie | November 11, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Is beloved Margaret a democrat?
Posted by: Claire S. Moen | November 10, 2008 at 11:28 PM
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?!!
Posted by: Nina | November 10, 2008 at 09:01 PM
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!!
Posted by: Boundforglory | November 10, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Another stellar post!!
Posted by: pjmac7 | November 10, 2008 at 05:57 PM
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!
Posted by: Carisa J | November 10, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Well, I think a goat is better than the hyena that Teddy Roosevelt had.
Posted by: MariaRose | November 10, 2008 at 12:27 PM
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.
Posted by: Peggy Fields | November 10, 2008 at 12:15 PM
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.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | November 10, 2008 at 12:08 PM
AWWW NO - UH UH!! Margaret is best right where she is - in her adorable pictures and too funny stories.
Posted by: Angela | November 10, 2008 at 11:57 AM
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!).
Posted by: Mary | November 10, 2008 at 11:47 AM
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.
Posted by: Margaret S | November 10, 2008 at 11:38 AM
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'.
Posted by: Marigold | November 10, 2008 at 11:36 AM
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!
Posted by: Sasha in MN | November 10, 2008 at 11:28 AM
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?
Posted by: Heidi & the kitties | November 10, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Oh man - you know you'd miss her! I love Margaret!!
Posted by: Elona | November 10, 2008 at 10:54 AM
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"!
Posted by: Margaret | November 10, 2008 at 10:52 AM
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 !!
Posted by: Suzanne | November 10, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Oh my gosh--how funny!!!! Please put a book together with pictures of your blog.
You go Margaret!!!! Goats are the "in thing".
Posted by: jennie wiseman | November 10, 2008 at 07:17 AM
I should have voted for Margaret.
Posted by: Miranda | November 10, 2008 at 03:46 AM
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.
Posted by: Donna | November 10, 2008 at 12:35 AM
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
Posted by: ginger | November 09, 2008 at 11:21 PM
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!)
Posted by: ihearthounds | November 09, 2008 at 11:01 PM
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!!!
Posted by: Kristen D. | November 09, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Dea Margaret, If there's an election for new White House pet, you'll surely get my goat - - uh, I mean my vote.
Posted by: Moon Rani | November 09, 2008 at 10:22 PM
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!!
Posted by: kelli | November 09, 2008 at 09:32 PM
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.
Posted by: lisa James | November 09, 2008 at 07:45 PM
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!!!
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | November 09, 2008 at 07:34 PM