Mutts like me

When Obama was asked the all important question...''Everyone wants to know, what kind of dog are you going to buy for your girls?''

To which he responded,

With respect to the dog, this is a major issue. I think it's generated more interest on our Web site than just about anything.

We have ... we have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic.

On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but, obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So ... so whether we're going to be able to balance those two things I think is a pressing issue on the Obama household.

And with the casual use of the phrase ''mutts like me'', many see a future White House what will be at ease discussing race.

Really, you're just seeing that? I think that was evident in throughout the campaign. Just see how he responded to the Rev. Wright controversy or his recent appearance on the Daily Show.

But it's more than that. It underlines the multi-racial and multi-cultural understanding that this new administration has that many in this country still can't seem to grasp.

This issue has always been addressed as black and white. However, it's many colors and beliefs, often within the same individual. It's looking at your family and having to search deeper to find common points since it's not always that evident on the surface. It's a quality that can then be extended past our homes and into our communities.

The lines that divide us are blurring and finally we'll have a White House that personifies that. Hopefully, the discussion will, likewise, move beyond race and search for common bonds that connect us all.