Day 85
April 14, 2009
"I love him. He's perfect!"
—Malia Obama, giving her new dog a big hug as the First Family unveils him to the press
"He's got star-quality ... That's a good-looking dog, though, let's face it."
—President Obama, introducing new dog Bo on the South Lawn
The First Family parades its adorable new 6-month-old black-and-white pup before a throng of reporters on the South Lawn. The press has long awaited the arrival of the dog — something Obama promised his daughters during the election campaign and reiterated during his speech after being elected. Obama jokes that Michelle Obama's new garden may be "in danger" because Portuguese water dogs apparently like tomatoes.
On a more serious note, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs gets tough with North Korean leaders, telling them to stop "provocative threats" after they vow to restart their nuclear reactor and boycott nuke talks after the U.N. Security Council unanimously condemns their launch of a long-range missile.
Back in Illinois, former governor Rod Blagojevich pleads not guilty at his arraignment on 16 charges of criminal corruption, telling reporters outside the courthouse, "Now we can begin the process of getting the truth out, and I can clear my name and vindicate myself."