Whilst most news organisations have covered the presidential election with close attention, and can we just say congratulations on winning
your second term President Obama (he must read Newsnibbles, right?) we have a much lesser known news story to cover.
Hank, the cat won 6000 votes in the Virginia Senate race. Whilst this was not enough to unseat the main political parties, an independent candidate winning this significant a number of votes is quite an achievement, according to our American Political Correspondent, Bee a lack of publicity for Hanks campaign could have been one of the key factors in him not winning more votes. She also told us:
“It’s very hard for third party candidates in our current political system. Democrats and Republicans have large financing behind them and clout. Also, third party candidates are almost never invited to debates, featured on ballot, etc. He was meowing into the wind!”
According to the report we read, whilst Hank’s platforms, such as animal welfare and job creation had some support, he did not have the celebrity support that his Canadian feline counterpart received, and he faced opposition from a pro dog campaign.
Had we heard of his attempt to revolutionise the political system in advance of the vote we would surely have given him more coverage, and there is almost certainly a lesson in this for PR people the world over. We have tens of readers, and yet you continually overlook us. With an interview in Newsnibbles who knows which way the vote would have gone?
Still, we would like to offer our congratulations to Hank, achieving 6000 votes in what is generally a two candidate race is no mean feat, and left him in a very respectable third place. If he runs next time we would like to wish him the best of luck.
Well done Hank! Hank 2016!!!