Posted on 03/28/2007 8:49:51 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - Tell us, Mr. President, how have things changed since the last broadcasters' dinner?
"A year ago my approval rating was in the 30s, my nominee for the Supreme Court had just withdrawn, and my vice president had shot someone," President Bush said Wednesday night during the annual gathering.
"Ah," he said, "those were the good ol' days."
In keeping with the lighthearted traditions of the Radio and Television Correspondents' Association dinner, Bush poked fun at himself and a few others in remarks that drew laughter and applause at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
Bush thanked the organization for providing dinner, "and I'd like to thank Senator Webb for providing security."
Virginia's Democratic senator, Jim Webb, had to explain this week why an aide was carrying a loaded handgun as he tried to enter a Capitol complex building.
Noting that Vice President Dick Cheney was not in attendance, Bush said: "He's had a rough few weeks. To be honest, his feelings were kind of hurt. He said he was going on vacation to Afghanistan where people like him."
Cheney's recent trip to Afghanistan was marked by a bombing near where he was meeting with officials.
On the controversy over the Justice Department's firing of eight federal prosecutors, Bush said: "I have to admit we really blew the way we let those attorneys go. You know you've botched it when people sympathize with lawyers."
Acknowledging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (news, bio, voting record), D-Calif., at the head table, Bush said some had wondered how he'd get along with her. "Some say she's bossy, she's opinionated, she's not to be crossed," he said. "Hey, I get along with my mother."
Looking ahead to life after leaving the White House, Bush said he might follow President Clinton's lead and produce a memoir.
"I'm thinking of something really fun and creative for mine," he said. "You know, maybe a pop-up book."
Possible titles: "How W. Got His Groove Back," "Who Moved My Presidency?" and "Tuesday with Cheney."
But seriously, folks, Bush noted that another person missing from the audience of broadcast journalists was Sen. Barack Obama (news, bio, voting record), the Illinois Democrat running for president.
"Not enough press," the president cracked.
Comics from the TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" provided the professional humor. Among other things, they persuaded Bush political adviser Karl Rove to participate in an improvised rap song.
The black-tie dinner, the group's 63rd annual gathering of journalists, politicians and their guests, features political and topical humor.
President Bush attends the annual Radio and Television Correspondents Association dinner, Wednesday, March 28, 2007 in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Actually they were pretty funny. GW's getting to be more of a comedian every day he's in office !!!
yeah, laugh it up with the media and Pelosi. in the meantime, Scooter Libby is facing prison time - put there by the same people in this room tonight being "entertained".
Can't help lovin' that man....He was great tonight!
U.S. President George W. Bush listens to his national athem as he attends the annual Radio and Television Correspondents association dinner at a hotel in Washington March 28, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Reed (UNITED STATES)
The President was more somber tonight than at past dinners. It also seemed shorter than normal. I guess with the news about Tony Snow and the idiocy of the Democrats in Congress, he doesn't have a lot to laugh about.
I would think the "pop-up book" joke, woulda worked better for Bubba
Was this kid there?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krgUf7m6Lr8
That's why it's funny.
;-)
Very nice and subtle backhand to GrannyNanny, particularly after her patronizing and b*tchy comment today about how he should "calm down." Stupid, stupid woman.
backhand = back of the hand
My opening joke would have been, "wow, there haven't been this many communists in one room since the last session of the Politburo." Followed by, "How many AQ member's in the house tonight? Let's get a show of hands."
The broadcasters dinner is a traditional time for jokes, which the President delivered well.
Why is it EVERY occasion has to be a Bush-slam, even offhandedly?
One more reason that Hillary should never be President--imagine the kind of humor she would come up with on an occasion like this one.
Does anyone know when C-Span will re-air this?
I heard 6:30am EST? I THINK...
excellent point, thank you
me and the misses watched it. To me Dubya was dead tired and frankly, bored. It was slow and silly. Brian Williams shoulda been slapped for his pouting in the " Whose Line Is It Anyway" skit.
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