Will Buddy Get The Knife?

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Jan. 9) -- Ever wonder what you're missing when CNN airs just five seconds of White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry's briefings? Wednesday's session included topics such as human cloning, the closing of the president's fund-raisers to television cameras and, of course, presidential dog Buddy.

Q: Mike, before getting to more important issues, how come you guys aren't neutering Buddy? (Laughter.)

MCCURRY: There are a lot of people around here who have been neutered, but I haven't heard a discussion of Buddy being neutered. I do not know the answer to that. I will talk to the First Dog owner and get the answer to that question.

Q: You would know if there was going to be an announcement today, wouldn't you?

MCCURRY: I would not go beyond what I just said -- the Treasury Department is the place to go.

Q: On the neutering? (Laughter.)

MCCURRY: Not on neutering. Can you spay or neuter a puppy?

Q: Six months.

MCCURRY: Any dog owners out there that can help us?

Q: Mike, neutering is usually six months --

MCCURRY: That's what I thought. It's got to be a little bit older.

Q: I heard that you were planning not to neuter him.

MCCURRY: I wasn't planning to do anything with him. (Laughter.) Other than sucking up to the president by scratching little Buddy's belly from time to time. (Laughter.)

Q: It will, however, be at risk. (Laughter.)

MCCURRY: I'll find out on that. And I know your insatiable appetite for dog trivia -- I will see if I can find out about that.

Friday Jan. 9, 1998

• Gingrich, Wilson Eulogize Bono
• Kerrey Takes More Steps Towards A 2000 Bid
• Will Buddy Get The Knife?
• Christian Coalition Eyes Direct Political Gifts
• Clinton Announces Work-Study Expansion