George Bush will not Attend Olympics - He is sending his Dad

[doxieone]

to represent him.

Per the WH transcript today during his press conference with Greek PM.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/05/20040520-4.html

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you for coming. I've really been looking forward to this discussion with our friend. Welcome. It's the first chance I have to wish you a happy Name Day.

PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS: Tomorrow, you know about that?

PRESIDENT BUSH: I know about that, and I'm glad to do so.

We'll talk about a lot of subjects -- we've already covered quite a few -- and then I'm going to host a lunch with the Prime Minister here shortly.

One of the topics I do want to discuss is the Olympic Games, how excited I am for your country to host the Olympic Games. I wish I could attend, but this is a political season. So, instead, I'm sending my father to lead our delegation.

I want to thank you for your very close cooperation, working together to make sure the Games are successful, that people are able to travel to your beautiful country in as secure an environment as possible. You're making very good progress, Mr. Prime Minister, and I appreciate your hard work. I know your intentions are to have this the best possible Games, and for that, I'm grateful.

snip

[Beetwasher]

1. His Ego Wouldn't Be Able To Handle It

They can't hand-pick the audience at the Olympics.

[wubbathompson]

2. Can you blame him?

Even the thought of George Bush being at the games would invite massive terrorist activities in an effort to kill him. I can't imagine any world leader will go.

[Spinzonner]

3. Hmm, brilliant stratergy

Gets a prestigious US presence at the Olympics and deals with that Oedipus issue at the same time.

[havocmom]

4. Actually, Poppy grounded the boy and has taken away the keys to AF1

And I would be willing to guess there is a Poppy look-a-like for stand in appearences out in the open.

[Dover]

5. When will they begin?

..

[Spazito]

6. Daddy won't be any more welcome than his spawn would be...

imo. If there were going to be boos if baby boy attended, there will be boos when daddy dearest appears too.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

7. People, people!

Dumbass can't go - he has a terrorist attack, election suspension and imposition of martial law on which to put the finishing touches!

[Bridget Burke]

13. No time to drop by the Pit of Despair for some fun?

(Not so funny--since we seem to be running several pits.)

[Malva Zebrina]

8. and now Poppy represents the people of the US and it's atheletes?

Huh? Isn't there someone who is currently active in the government that would represent the people of US? Instead, we have a failed ex-president standing for the US?

[prolesunited]

12. You know, this is rather odd

Is there any precedence for this?

How many sitting presidents have not attended the games? And when they didn't, who went in their place?

Of course junior can't go. Can you imagine the protests? I really wouldn't be surprised if there's booing at the U.S. I'm sure the talking heads would spin it away as everyone hates us for our freedoms.

[JayS]

9. I doubt he has much vacation time left on the books. :) n/t

n/t

[benburch]

10. He's a coward.

Big tough jet pilot. Yeah sure.

[grasswire]

11. oh dear

A possibility too horrible to mention has crossed my mind. I pray that security for GHWB will be as tight as that of his son.

[PfcHammer]

14. I bet the Grecians will be devastated by his absence