This little tale reveals more about who Fred Barnes is and who he isn't. In a time of war,state dinners and other festivities just might appear unseemly and even improper to all except "beltway boys". Maybe he doesn't realize that Washington's insiders may have to get used to things W's way.
Oh, I don't think Fred has a problem with the President's attitudes. He's commenting more on the hysteria in the 'establishment' that their favored position holds no water with the Bush Administration. The President is neither impressed with, nor cowed by the DC 'movers and shakers', so he doesn't feel the need to coddle them as other Presidents have done.