According to Chinese astrology I am a Rat. I've know this for a long time, as I had a Vietnamese friend in Elementary School and we were all Rats in my class except for the few born in January or February. I never checked up on what it meant to be a rat though, it was an uninviting thought; I'd rather be a Tiger or a Horse, or at least something that didn't kill off half of Europe's population at some point. But it being the Chinese New Year and all and thinking it might humor me, I googled it and got to this site: http://chinese.astrology.com/ It turns out that the Rat isn't all that bad, and it did fit my personality. My lucky partner in crime is a Horse, and it sounded like a description of him to the T. Too make things even more complicated/worse , we, the Rat and the Horse, only have 29% chance of making it together. I don't believe in it per say, especially not the part where I'm not compatible with my Horse, but as the true Rat that I am I like gathering information; whatever information it might be.

It got me thinking, what animal is Hillary? Or Barack, or John? So I checked it up, so that we can all make the decision of what animal we put in the White House next. For the record, George W. Bush is a Dog.

Hillary is a Pig. What does Chinese Astrology say about the pig? Contrary to its rather negative reputation in the West, the Pig of Chinese Astrology may be the most generous and honorable Sign of the Zodiac. Pigs are nice to a fault and possess impeccable manners and taste. They have so much of the perfectionist in them that others may be inclined to perceive them as snobs, but this is a misconception. This Sign believes in the best qualities of mankind and certainly doesn't consider itself to be superior. Pigs also care a great deal about friends and family and work hard to keep everyone in their life happy. Helping others is a true pleasure for the Pig, who feels best when everyone else is smiling. A Pig with no one around to appreciate its giving nature is a sad sight. Pigs are so magnanimous they can appear almost saintly; this can lead some less-than-well-intentioned souls to stomp all over this Sign, and the bad news is, the Pig will take the blows! Pigs make great companions in part because of their refusal to see the more negative or base qualities in a partner, but that rose-colored view can lead to this Sign's allowing itself to be taken advantage of. Contrary to their seemingly benign dispositions, however, Pigs can be quite venomous in response to being crossed by a lover, friend or business partner. Pigs are highly intelligent creatures, forever studying, playing and probing in their quest for greater knowledge.

Barack Obama is an Ox. The Ox of Chinese Astrology is no bull in a china shop. Steadfast and solid, this powerful Sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. Oxen tend to be plodding and methodical; they approach projects in the step-by-step manner that serves them best, and they never lose sight of their goal. They are tireless workers who are detail-oriented and believe in doing things right the first time. The world may perceive Oxen as being far too serious or incapable of loosening up. This sturdy sort is less than social by nature and tends to become introverted in a crowd. To make things worse, they can't be bothered with what other people think and prefer to do what makes them feel best. Behind that calm facade, though, lives an Ox who can feel hurt, lonely and unable to connect with others. Friends and family are a great source of comfort to this beast, even if they don't always understand what makes the Ox tick. As a lover, friend, family member or housemate, the Ox makes a wonderfully strong, tender and affectionate companion who is protective and always reliable. Oxen don't care to be pushed, especially since they think they're the good guys of the Chinese Zodiac. There is some truth to that theory, since the Ox is smart, trustworthy, caring and honorable. If you need honest, steady and unbiased advice, call on the Ox.

John McCain is a fellow Rat. Though the Western rat is reviled as little more than a bottom-dwelling disease carrier, this animal is viewed much differently in the East. The Eastern rat is revered for its quick wits and its ability to accrue and hold on to items of value; rats are considered a symbol of good luck and wealth in both China and Japan. Clever and quick-witted, the Rat of the Chinese Zodiac is utterly disarming to boot. Its natural charm and sharp, funny demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone. The Rat likes to know who is on its side and will treat its most loyal friends with an extra measure of protection and generosity. Behind that sweet smile, though, Rats are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas. This Sign is motivated by its own interests, which often include money; greed can become a problem if the Rat isn't careful to keep its priorities straight. This Sign's natural powers of charm and persuasion can definitely come in handy! Others might perceive them as quick-tempered and sharp-tongued, but never boorish. Verbal jousting is a great pleasure for the Rat, a Sign that everyone around will quickly learn either to love or to hate. Rats enjoy being on the outside looking in, as the outside affords a view into the inner workings of a system or situation. The Rat's keen mind always seeks out new knowledge, to be stored away for future use. This ever-curious Sign also welcomes challenges as a way to stay sharp.

So there you go! Are you up for a Pig in the Oval Office, or are you lingering for the Ox? Maybe it is a true Rat this country needs! As for Huckabee, who is still in this race, he is a Sheep. And if you are wondering, Bill Clinton is a Dog as well; no doubt there!!