Oliver, a goldendoodle from Fall River, has launched a write-in campaign for the White House
Oliver's campaign slogan is simple: "Because people suck."
President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden watch out: A new independent, write-in candidate has entered the race, and he may not only capture the votes, but also the hearts, of the electorate.Oliver, a 2-year-old goldendoodle from Fall River, has decided to make his bid for the Oval Office, with a campaign slogan prominently displayed on a lawn sign that some may relate to in this tumultuous year: “Because people suck.”Oliver — whose sign has drawn mounting attention from passersby and, recently, from local media — has his nose to the ground on the campaign trail, according to his family, Marcee and David Finelli. He’s beloved not just by the couple and their two children – he’s also taken his neighborhood by storm.“We have a beautiful neighborhood and great neighbors,” David told Boston.com in a phone interview. “And they’ll come by and ask if they can give him a treat … He’s a little bit of a celebrity in his own right in our neighborhood.”A recent apple-picking trip presented an opportunity for Oliver to flash his handsome furry face and meet potential voters.“He was speaking to some chickens and some goats, and a pig,” David said. “He’s trying to get everybody’s votes.”Oliver already has plans for if he’s elected, according to David.
Oliver meeting with potential voters while out campaigning.
“All treats for all dogs, and there would be no rules about jumping on the furniture either,” he said.
The idea for Oliver’s campaign came when Marcee saw signs similar to the one they eventually made for Oliver online. As his human mom, she spoke of how Oliver has “so many friends” who visit him while he plays in the yard safely behind his invisible fence.
“A lot of people in our neighborhood know him so we thought it would be cute to make light of the situation and put a sign up,” she said.
Oliver even has a partner to bring with him to the White House if elected. His girlfriend, Pepper, lives across the street, David said. She’ll be the nation’s next First Lady if Oliver wins.
Along with his sweet personality, Oliver has other qualities that may make him a formidable force in politics.
“He knows what he wants,” Marcee said. He’s also funny, loves being around and meeting new people, and enjoys attention, the couple said.
Though Oliver’s election bid has been fun for the family, and the Finellis said they just hope to bring some smiles and laughs during a tense time in U.S. politics, some haven’t seen the humor.
“We certainly do take the election very seriously because it’s an important thing, obviously,” David said. “In most cases people seem to like it, but some people are very offended by it.
“He’s a cute, little, white, fluffy dog. That’s all it is, it’s not bigger or further than that.”
For anyone who has any doubts about Oliver’s character, Marcee summed him up.
“He’s a good boy for sure,” she said.
For anyone who wants to follow Oliver’s campaign, he has his own Instagram page.
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