Biden Will Adopt Next Dog from Pound

Photo by Scott Olson / Getty Images.

In an interview to be aired on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" this morning, Vice President-Elect Joe Biden says that his family will adopt a dog from a pound to keep their puppy company. Their puppy, a German Shepherd, was purchased from a puppy mill last week, drawing the ire of animal activists across the country.

In response to this news, Stephanopoulos comments, "Very politically correct." Biden brushes off the comment and says they've had rescued animals in the past, and currently have a rescued cat. What's missing from the interview is any hint of an apology or sign of regret over the puppy mill purchase. Stephanopoulos' comment gave Biden the perfect chance to respond to the public, but instead of addressing the issue directly, Biden ducks. You can watch the video at Stephanopoulos' blog.

While adopting a shelter dog is a good move, in no way does it makes up for purchasing the first puppy from a puppy mill. Biden says that they've always had two dogs, so he could have adopted two dogs from a shelter.

Biden was faced with negative publicity and a media maelstrom around his puppy mill purchase, including a new website: BidenDog.com. By that point, it might have been too late to stop that sale, but it's never too late for an apology. Biden's animal-friendly positions have been lauded within the animal protection community, so his actions send a strong message to the public. I just wish he would admit his mistake.