CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — America now knows all the excitement surrounding West Virginia’s first pet, Babydog! Her appearance at the Republican National Convention Tuesday night alongside Governor Jim Justice was a huge success.
Of the many candidates who spoke on the second night of the Republican National Convention, Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Jim Justice was the only one who brought a pet. The audience loved Babydog, and so did the media.
The 60-pound English bulldog was featured in articles in the New York Times, the Washington Post, USA Today and on television news in what analysts often refer to as great “political theater.”
“She makes us smile and she loves everyone. And how could the message be simpler than that?” Justice said.
“You know, Jim Justice is a marketing expert. There’s probably no better marketing expert in the entire state. And he’s realized that his dog helps him get his message out and that people accept the dog. And I think they like the dog better than the governor, and that’s why they make a good team,” said Tom Susman, a political analyst for WMOV radio.
Political calculations were also at play. Before Justice, Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno from Ohio and Republican Senate candidate David McCormick from Pennsylvania took the stage. Republican leaders are convinced that Republicans will control the Senate if they can win all three seats from the Democrats.
The Washington Post, Fox News Channel and Politico all say Babydog “stole the show” at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday night.
