Presidential hopeful Barack Obama is touring the Middle East and Europe right now, apparently in hopes that his globe-trotting will boost his foreign policy bonafides. But a Yahoo-Associated Press poll released earlier this month suggests he might do better spending time at PetSmart.

Outgoing First Dogs

The survey of 1,759 people in June suggested that 42 percent of pet owners preferred McCain while only 37 percent would vote for Obama. Those could be numbers worth looking at, given that 63 percent of Americans share their household with companion animals.

MCain's own animal house is mighty crowded: There's Sam the English springer spaniel, two Yorkshire terriers named Lucy and Desi, Coco the mutt, turtles Cuff and Link, and tuxedo cat Oreo, who bears more than a passing resemblance to former Demcractic First Pet Socks Clinton.

Obama, not to be outdone, has said he is willing to consider a family dog. And here is where you come in.
The American Kennel Club is running what may be the first Presidential Pet Convention to elect a candidate. So far, the breeds nominated include: Bichon Frise, Chinese crested, poodle, soft-coated Wheaten Terrier and minature Schnauzer.
This slate was limited to hypoallergenic dogs, as Obama's two daughters have allergies.

Go here to cast your vote.

And if you want to know more about the pet poll, click here for the full Associated Press story.

Oh, and Newsweek science writer Sharon Begley questioned the pet poll in the magazine's latest issue in a story about new statistical methods. Her take: It's race, age and marital status that makes you more or less likely to own a pet. So it's those factors, not whether you are a dog or cat owner, that are more likely to influence your vote.

(White House photo by Shealah Craighead)