A poodle in politics is an insult used to describe a politician that obediently or passively follows the lead of others.^[1] It is considered to be equivalent to lackey.^[2]

Usage of the term is thought to relate to the passive and obedient nature of the type of dog. Occasionally, it is used comparatively, e.g. Big cases will decide if watchdog is just another poodle.^[3]

In Israel, a rookie lawmaker tried to have the term's use banned from the Israeli parliament.^[4]

In recent times, it has been used against Tony Blair with regard to his close relationship with George W. Bush and the actions surrounding Iraq. Pop star George Michael used it in his 2002 song "Shoot the Dog," the video of which showed Blair as a poodle on the White House lawn. However, it has a longer history as being a label to criticize British leaders perceived to be too close to the USA.^[1][2][5]

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b} Watson R. Tony Blair: The US poodle? BBC News/Analysis. January 31, 2003. URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2711623.stm. Accessed on: May 17, 2007.
2. ^ ^{a b} Online Etymology Dictionary. URL: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=poodle. Accessed on: July 2, 2007.
3. ^ Day M. Big cases will decide if watchdog is just another poodle. Australian, The. April 12, 2007. Available at: http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/markday/index.php/theaustralian/comments/big_cases_will_decide_if_watchdog_is_just_another_poodle/P60/. Accessed on: May 17, 2007.
4. ^ Copans L. Israeli lawmaker wants to ban 68 insults in parliament. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The. July 1, 2001. Available at: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4196/is_20010701/ai_n10709100. Accessed on: May 17, 2007.
5. ^ Assinder N. Blair battles "poodle" jibes. BBC News. February 3, 2003. URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/2721513.stm. Accessed on: May 17, 2007.