The president is a hit in the book world

[question everything]

It was four years ago, and Texas Gov. George W. Bush was running for president. A prominent network interviewer tossed him a familiar softball: "What books have you enjoyed lately?"

When Bush stammered slightly, the interviewer moved on. Next day he received a phone call from the campaign's chief functionary, Karen Hughes. Although good-natured about it, she complained "That was an unfair question."

"Unfair?" "Yes. His friends all know the governor doesn't read books."

(snip)

For him, this may seem a comfortable arrangement. But I'd hate to be the staffer assigned to tell Bush how he's doing in the book world. Recent months have seen a cascade of best sellers depicting a clearly befuddled, if not failed leader. Come November, this president may feel he's been done in less by John Kerry, Ted Kennedy or other credentialed Democrats than by guys with names like Simon & Shuster.

Despite his disdain for their wares, book publishers have got to love George Bush for the smash sales he's inspired. For his part, the president may wonder why he is skewered in print by some of the persons he trusted most – including at least two he had chosen for responsible government posts.

(snip)


But maybe there's a bright side. Next time this president is asked if there have been mistakes, he can refer questioners to a nearby Barnes & Noble.

Van Deerlin represented a San Diego County district in Congress for 18 years.


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