I think the media are making a big deal of it as well because if you look at the Whitehouse website that is how it is announced so the Whitehouse are also making big of it. I assume that the US are hoping to get better relations with France.
I had not checked out the White House website, so didn't know they were making a big deal of the Chirac-Bush dinner. From my point of view (one I'm sure many millions of American share), I hope GWB does not ease the chill between himself and Chirac. I believe Chirac's treachery was beyond the pale and unforgiveable.