As we sometimes do, Zoe and I were discussing politics the other day and, in particular, the primary candidates in the 2016 presidential election. She surprised me with the announcement that she has already made up her mind on which candidate to support. I am relieved to say that she is not supporting a Republican. Her fiscal conservatism, after all, has been a major point of debate in this household (when you have two towers, a bowl regularly filled with food, and stellar pet insurance, who needs social programs?). I am proud to say that she
is supporting a Democrat (or, Demo-cat). But in fact, her candidate--or, should I say, cat-idate--is not human.
Meet Limberbutt McCubbins of Kentucky. Finally, a cat-idate that represents feline issues (or, as cats would say, real issues). And while he may be a cat, he's still a more serious candidate than that other guy from Kentucky.
If you're wondering where exactly Limberbutt stands on the issues, you're not alone. It will not be surprising that he is a cat of few (actually, no) words. But the Louisville Courier-Journal recently ran a glowing profile on the cat-idate that gets us a little closer to knowing what the 30-pound cat-idate is about:
The Democrat, with plans to improve space exploration and environmental protection, isn’t used to doing interviews. In fact, he hardly ever left his home until a mention on “The Rachel Maddow Show” thrust him into the national spotlight.
[...]
If you hadn’t guessed, the idea to run for president didn’t come from Limberbutt McCubbins (yes, that’s the candidate’s name). That bit of genius came from Isaac and fellow teenager Andrew Valentine, who’ve long been obsessed with classmate Emilee’s cat — who weighs about 30 pounds and isn’t actually all that limber.
While he may appear to live a cushy cat lifestyle today, life was not always so easy for Limberbutt. Limberbutt came from humble roots. He was born to a stray, and when the cat family was rescued, Limberbutt and his two siblings were not adopted. Since then, they have made a life for themselves in the McCubbins home, where they have spent the past five years.
These humble beginnings have informed Limberbutt's platform, which is admittedly cat-centered, but more focused on social justice than you might expect...from a cat.
Limberbutt never dreamed of grandeur, but with his entrance in the race, he’s been forced to consider policy changes that could benefit America’s blue-collar pets. Now, he preaches of legalizing gay cat marriage, increasing H-1B visas to employ more migrant cat workers and creating an Affordable Cat Act that would cover certain veterinarian costs.
“And it even includes dogs,” Isaac said of the proposed health care change. “We thought long and hard and said, ‘You know what, this is not a country with discrimination anymore.’ ”
You can read more about Limberbutt's key political positions
on his website, where you can also purchase campaign gear. And, as you can see
in his platforms, Limberbutt is a strong supporter of catnip legalization. This is one of Zoe's most urgent issues, despite its current status as legal (shhhhh), so it would certainly explain her support for the campaign.
While Limberbutt's human campaign managers hope to get him on the ballot, they are not currently accepting donations. The Courier-Journal explains why:
“At this point in time, we do not wish to see any money because then we have the chance to be audited. And since someone hasn’t paid their taxes in several years,” Isaac said, trailing off as he gazed at the apathetic candidate.
You can also "like" Limberbutt
on Facebook and follow him
on Twitter, where he uses the hashtags #Limberbutt2016, #MeowIsTheTime, and #YourVoteMatters. This, above all else--Limberbutt wants you to vote. Especially if you're a cat.
You know what's even more hip than skateboarding? Fulfilling your civic duties by getting involved in your community.
http://bit.ly/...
#MeowIsTheTime #Limberbutt2016 #YourVoteMatters
We've tried 43 humans...perhaps meow is the time for a cat in the Oval Office.
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