Tom Brady’s new puppy: a shrewd, Nixonian PR move
COMMENTARY
President Harry S. Truman always gets credit for saying, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.’’ It works in football, too.
Tom Brady took the dog advice this weekend, but also borrowed a tactic from a Truman contemporary, Richard Nixon. Not the 1970s Nixon who was run out of the presidency, but rather the 1950s Nixon who lots of people liked.
Accused during the 1952 presidential campaign (he was the vice presidential nominee) of improperly accepting gifts, Nixon booked time on television to defend himself. And made an emotional, sympathetic case. The highlight of the “Checkers speech,’’ as it delightfully became known, was his vow to keep one gift – a black-and-white dog his children had named Checkers. He made his critics look like heartless monsters trying to pull a puppy from the arms of children.
“We’re going to keep him,’’ Nixon said.
He saved his place on the ticket.
Brady is under fire from his own commissioner, and is an object of derision among non-Patriots fans thanks to Deflategate.
His new dog is not only a new friend, but a cuddly PR play. Especially among thosefans who hang on his wife’s every Instagram.
The dog is cute, friendly, and hopefully loyal. The dog looks happy to help his new owner.
And Brady’s going to keep him.
Tom and Gisele sightings
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