ABC: Laura had to enlist the help of Condi to convince Bush to do "White-tie" for Queen Elizabeth II

[sabra]

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/05/condi_convinces.html

ABC News' Ann Compton Reports: President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush host their first-ever "white-tie" dinner Monday night in honor of a state visit by Queen Elizabeth II.

The formal white-tie dinner almost didn't happen. First Lady Laura Bush confides to ABC News that her husband refused, not liking the formality. She says she had to enlist the help of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in convincing the president that when it's the Queen of England, you have to go white-tie.

On her last two visits, the monarch slept in the 'Queen's Bedroom' on the second floor of the White House, but there isn't much privacy right across the hall from the Bushes' bedroom. So Queen Elizabeth II will stay at Blair House across the street, a complex with lots of bedrooms and meeting rooms for her entourage.

[SpiralHawk]

1. "Sheesh I gots two wifes nagging my lazy, uncouth butt. Sheesh." - Commander AWOL

"Nag, nag, nag. I think I'll sign up for Bill O'reilly's self-help workshop for troglodyte repubicons:
"How to keep women in their place: barefoot, pregnant, silent, etc. etc etc." -- Commander AWOL

[bananarepublican]

80. 'I sure hope I don't confuse the Queen's bedroom with Jeff G's!' n/t

[JHB]

2. Surprise factor:

Zero.

[earthlover]

3. i guess condi wears the pants in that family

[rodeodance]

17. BINGO

[rkc3]

30. Probably not the only thing she wears in the family.

[no_hypocrisy]

4. Bet he wanted to wear his cowboys boots again in front of the Queen.

In 1991, Bush famously appeared wearing cowboy boots at a White House dinner given by his father for the Queen and cheerily informed her of the inscription on the heels: "God save the Queen." A frosty frown appeared on the royal brow, an eon passed, many feet shuffled all around. Convinced that understatement or sarcasm would be lost on the man standing before her, the Queen asked bluntly: "Are you the black sheep of your family?" Bush replied in the affirmative and shot back: "Who's the black sheep in your family?"...


http://dir.salon.com/story/opinion/world_press/2003/11/25/bush_visit/index.html

[Warpy]

19. Bet he did

He put on that there monkey suit, but them boots is stayin' on.

[WinkyDink]

35. Because so many residents of Kennebunkport wear them.

[rasputin1952]

5. For a person who brags about his expensive suits, he has no

real feel for anything that might be appropriate for the occasion.

I'm not saying that "white tie" is all that important, but there are times when it would be considered appropriate.

Personally, I'd ask her to a BBQ/picnic in the backyard, but I'd do that for anyone in the area.

I think Elizabeth II is a pretty decent human being, she did a lot during WWII and has always been a friend to the US, but I guess I've just been a little too far from royalty for it to affect me...:)

[sarge43]

26. Regardless of any opinions about her as an individual, she

is the head of state of one of this country's most important and long standing ally. She is entitled to all the bells and whistles. However, we are talking about Bush here - a deep dish narcissistic slob. Quelle surprise he couldn't be bothered making a few hours effort.

[rasputin1952]

34. bush has no idea how to dal w/anything that comes along...

he's a social ape, a joke.

I have been extraordinarily fortunate to have a somewhat varied upbringing, and can stand w/anyone socially. I'm not wealthy, in fact I'm an extremely poor student at this point, (although an older one that has realized that an education is important), but I have had time with the wealthy and famous, the dirt farmer and everyone in between. Personally, I prefer the dirt farmer, the neighbors, the guy who picks up my garbage, the guys who show up in the ambulance when I needed it.

I could sit w/the Queen of England and have a discussion, i have no idea where the discussion would go, I'd probably follow her lead, so as not to embarrass the country, but I'd have fun while doing it, either in jeans and a T-Shirt or "white tie". bush seems to be annoyed w/the "bother" of it all; if he's not in the spotlight, he just doesn't care. He is the Classic Boor.

[sarge43]

58. Bush always raps on about how he likes to read history

Hell, he is a Yale history major. Well, she's history on the hoof. This woman has known many of the giants of the 20th century. Winston Churchill taught her parliamentary politics 101. She's been at the center of some of seminal events of the 20th century, starting with the downfall of British Empire. Elizabeth II is a living history book. I can think of a few things I'd like to discuss with her.

However, you're right. Bush is a boor; worse, he's a poser, a liar.

[rasputin1952]

59. Just talking about WWII would fill a volume of quite some weight

Finding out about Churchill, FDR, Roosevelt from reports to her. How she dealt w/the Blitz, here is princess putting on a uniform and helping in hospitals...not just photo-op stuff, but real stuff!

You are correct sir, she is a living history lesson...just sittng down w/her would be a fantastic opportunity to learn great things...I'd even give up coffee and actually have tea if I could have a few hours w/her and Philip...:woohoo:

[sarge43]

64. No, that wasn't a photo-op

During WWII, all British single women, 18 thru (I think 35) had to register for national service (military, farms, factories). When she turned 18 she went to the mat with Dad about it. He said her role as heir presumptive was sufficient. She said I'm registering and I'm serving. She won and joined the Territorial Service. She was a driver/mechanic by the way, not a medic.

I'd like to hear about the Suez Crisis. I understand it was the only time she ever threaten to use the political nuke of canceling Parliament and calling for new elections.

[rasputin1952]

69. Being a driver/mechanic makes her seem so much more human

I think that is excellent...:thumbsup:

I can recall seeing pics of her in a uniform at a hospital though...she might have just dropped in.

As far as Suez is concerned, that might have proven very interesting. But I get the impression there is no bluffing from her, she's gonna call it if she said she would.

[sarge43]

73. She was probably making the rounds with her mother.

No, I wouldn't want to play poker with her. No bluffing and has the face.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

81. Yes, and another tale of diplomacy and Repuke ignorance.

Supposedly, when Reagan was President and Gorbachev was President of Russia, Nancy was giving Raisa Gorbachev the tour of the White House. Raisa was asking Nancy about the history of the priceless portraits on the wall, etc.

Nancy knew absolutely nothing about the history of any of the artifacts.

Raisa earned her Ph.D. in Marxist-Leninist theory and was a sociologist and university lecturer and undoubtedly knew her world history.

[sarge43]

83. Never heard that story before, but doesn't surprise me.

Ron and Nancy's IQ were probably higher than their combined shoe size, but not by much.

[WinkyDink]

36. Bush is inappropriate by breathing. And he is DEFINITELY a smart-ass b*****d in deliberately

showing disrespect.

As a psychopathic narcissist, Bush respects NO OTHER HUMAN BEING, PERIOD.
And I include his blood relations in that indifference, also.

[rasputin1952]

42. I agree...he has the moral level of Himmler or Heydrich...

He just has no moral base, he is indeed a sociopath.

[RC]

86. Here's the fashion plate hisself.

[Tanuki]

6. Wasn't * dressed in "white tie" in the Fahrenheit 911 scene

when he told those assembled, "Some call you the elite....I call you my base"? I guess he doesn't mind formality when it involves fundraising an groveling for votes.

[Beaverhausen]

9. Yes, I believe he was

We know what his priorities are, of course.

[muriel_volestrangler]

31. Yes - link here

http://montages.blogspot.com/2004/07/haves-and-have-mores.html

[renate]

7. they're called "manners," George

Look into them.
:eyes:


Your Majesty, I'm sorry our president is such a hick.

[Cleita]

8. Didn't Ronald and Nancy Reagan feed the Queen and Prince

Philip tacos when they visited them at the Santa Barbara Ranch back when he was President? I mean how tacky can you get. I personally love tacos, but it certainly isn't something you serve at a formal dinner even if it's at the ranch.

[JHB]

25. But when else can the Queen eat tacos?

...if not at the ranch of a foreign Head of State?

It'd be her only excuse! (everywhere else, "It's just not proper".)

[originalpckelly]

28. Did she bring along the dogs to blame the farts on?

[Cleita]

38. From what I have read, the royals don't eat at these functions.

They push the food around on their plates and pretend to eat. So I guess it really doesn't matter from a food point of view. It's really all about protocol and the British royals are sticklers for that so it seems white tie is in and tacos were just tacky.

[yvr girl]

75. I was at an official dinner with Diana, Princess of Wales and she cleaned her plate

She even asked for some extra dessert. (I was at the table next to hers, about 5 feet away.)

[Cleita]

76. Then you know better. You were there. This is what I read

in some celebrity rag on the grocery store aisle. Obviously they were prevaricating. It would make sense though if you didn't want to be caught in a photograph with your mouth full.

[yvr girl]

78. The press are kicked out for dinner

They are there for the beginning (welcome, anthems etc) and then they come back in for the speeches.

[Cleita]

77. Then you know better. You were there. This is what I read

in some celebrity rag on the grocery store aisle. Obviously they were prevaricating. It would make sense though if you didn't want to be caught in a photograph with your mouth full.

[dflprincess]

72. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt fed the King and Queen hot dogs

because they wanted them to have an American meal.

[Arkansas Granny]

10. At least he didn't wear this shirt to the dinner.

This is the only one I ever see him wear when he's not in a suit.

[BuyingThyme]

11. I was very concerned about this.

I hope they don't do the beer bong thing.

[sandnsea]

12. After six years

I think he's a bigger boob than the day he took office. And Laura had to get Condi?? Yes.. Madam Secretary... would you please come over after your morning briefings on war, famine, and disease... yes, well, I need you to dress the President, since you've already been put in charge of potty breaks and all...

This is the guy the media said was the serious, stable husband that women chose after their flirtation with the artsy moody John Kerry type. I guaran-damn-tee you that Teresa does not have to dress John - and that even if she did, she'd only have to say "white tie" once.

Brother, what a cad. :eyes:

[Bluebear]

13. Boor. nt

[Grandrose]

14. He is the Commander Guy!!!

Where was Barbara Bush, oh that's right, she's as obnoxious as her son! I guess Condi has two jobs, SOS and Momie? Wonder if Condi does windows?:eyes:

[Beaverhausen]

15. "If she gets to wear a crown, why can't I wear one?"

[kskiska]

40. If Judi Giuliani ever gets to the W.H. she WILL wear her crown

[gratuitous]

16. "Who does she think she is," snipped Little Boots

"The Queen of England?"

Actually, although I can't imagine anyone ever saying it to her, I bet the Queen would chuckle a little bit if you said that to her.

[bullwinkle428]

18. "Awwww...wah cain't ah wear mah "Who Farted?" T-shirt??"

:rofl:

Ah thought you wuz gonna ask me 'bout the pig...

[Rob H.]

20. Proof positive that boatloads of money still buys ZERO class...

and also proof positive that our president is a pissy, spoiled brat.

[Mandate My Ass]

23. GMTA

Rich white trash. What a loser. Now I know why the Reagans didn't invite any of them to the WH for state functions.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

21. Typical Texas jerk.

When I worked at the courthouse in Houston, I occasionally saw male attorneys in their expensive suits with alligator cowboy boots. Yuck.

The only place I've been to where men wear white tie and tails is to the symphony where the conductor and the solo pianist wear them.

Bush probably doesn't even know what tailcoats are.

[Javaman]

32. He knows what tailcoats are. He has been riding them all his life

:rofl:

[kskiska]

22. Condi likes dressing up

and Junior likes seeing Condi that way.

[Stinky The Clown]

43. Is that Larva wrapped in wallpaper standing next to him?

[TheCentepedeShoes]

53. Larva. OMG that's funny

Mind if I borrow?

[Stinky The Clown]

65. Sure ......

... why not? I stole it, too. :)

[sarge43]

61. Yeah, that's the Frump.

Actually, that's a rec room sofa cover, her preferred material when she can't find any whore house curtains.

[sarge43]

62. Deleted

[bdamomma]

68. laura's dress is terrible what a frumpy ole looking woman.

george is really checking out condi in that picture! George is probably whining "do I hava to wear a white tie Condi" "I don't want to".

[bumblebee1]

79. You must admit one thing.

Condi does not wear curtains or sofa upholstery material.

[Oeditpus Rex]

24. Understandable

White would show the spittle.

[Dulcinea]

27. He is such a rube.

He's like a teenage boy whose mother makes him dress appropriately for a formal occasion. Christ, how embarrassing. Just proof positive that money can't buy class, as my grandmother used to say.

[annabanana]

54. pre-teen. . Probably has gum in his hair. . .n/t

[Benhurst]

29. When Franklin and Elenor Roosevelt had the present Queen of England's

mother and father to the White House, they served them hot dogs on the lawn.

I don't think Queen Elizabeth II, gracious guest she is known to be, would fail to fit in, no matter what sort of meal or entertainment the Bushes decide to provide.

And face it, the White House would have trouble passing for a country squire's manor in England. We are, or at least used to be, a REPUBLIC, and the Founding Fathers provided the President with an appropriately modest dwelling.

Before making her party plans, Laura should read La Fontaine's cautionary tale of the toad who sucked in air in an attempt to make himself as large as a cow.

[immoderate]

39. Good point and they were right and appropriate.

It's perfectly proper for our leaders to show visiting heads of state things that are representative of our culture, like a barbecue. It's also important that the requirements of protocol be fulfilled. And of foreign entities, who tops the Q of England in our esteem? I think if we roll it out for anybody, it would be she.

"The purpose of protocol is so no one can ever say they were offended" --(?)

--IMM

[Benhurst]

46. I doubt she would be offended by not finding herself subjected to

a third-rate French dinner at George and Laura's.

[kskiska]

41. That was at Hyde Park

(snip)

After two days in Washington, the tone of the royal couple's visit transformed from formal to informal as they accompanied the Roosevelts to their home in Hyde Park, New York. The King and Queen's stay in Hyde Park illustrated to the American people that although they were Royalty, they also enjoyed the simpler things in life. In contrast to the formal State Dinner at the White House, dinner at the Roosevelt's Home "Springwood" was described to the press as a casual dinner between the two families; their evening entertainment was simple conversation, unfettered by formalities. Even more relaxing and informal was the following day's event - a picnic. FDR brought the couple to his new hilltop retreat - Top Cottage - on the eastern portion of his estate for an old-fashioned, American-style picnic. Much to the horror of FDR's mother Sara Roosevelt, the King and Queen of England were served hot dogs on the front porch of the cottage. Although the press made a great deal about the hotdogs (the picnic made the front page of the New York Times), the menu also included more delicate fare fit for a King and Queen:

MENU FOR PICNIC AT HYDE PARK
Sunday, June 11, 1939

Virginia Ham
Hot Dogs (if weather permits)
Smoked Turkey
Cranberry Jelly
Green Salad
Rolls
Strawberry Shortcake
Coffee, Beer, Soft Drinks

http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/royalv.html

[Benhurst]

50. Thanks. I had remembered it as having been at the White House,

which as I recall was very informal and rather ramshackle under the Roosevelts, which is not surprising since they were as close as we come here to aristocrats, not pretentious Merchants Death like the current occupants.

Thanks for the correction. :hi:

[TheCentepedeShoes]

56. Eleanor and Franklin

had more class in their pinky toes than the current squatters in our White House have displayed in their entire lives.
Edit: can't spell today

[MurrayDelph]

33. He was afraid that "White tie and tails"

meant he wouldn't have to wear pants.

[DemGa]

37. Awww, that's a really cute story

:puke:
:puke:
:puke:
:puke:

[AwakeAtLast]

44. He just likes Condi's "convincing" more than Laura's

:puke:

And that puts a horrible picture in my head!

:puke:

[Ilsa]

45. George wanted to bring in his personal icemaker for cocktails:

It was the most vulgar thing I could find in one minute on the internet.

[kitty1]

47. Only if my white ties is embossed with the words "Commander Guy"

[kitty1]

48. Let's place bets on what kind of embarrassing stunt he pulls...

at the function. My money says he stands too close to her or gets in front of her. Something is going to go down for sure

[Raine]

51. My bet is that he will massage

her neck or fart in her face. x(

[Digit]

49. She probably had to compromise by allowing him to ask Her Majesty to pull his finger. n/t

[Raine]

52. He shouldn't be pResident if he doesn't

want to do things like dress properly for state dinners, it's part of the job and one of the things he's being paid to do.

[NastyRiffraff]

55. Oh, please God, don't let him sneak up behind her

and give her a "wedgie"

I'd put nothing past this buffoon.

[sarge43]

60. Phil would deck his ass and I'd pay good money to be there. n/t

[Manifestor_of_Light]

82. Will he barf on the Queen, like his old man barfed on the Japanese Prime Minister, probably drunk?

That's one way to impress foreign dignitaries by puking on them.

His old man was really impressive.

[indie_voter]

57. He's a narcissistic sociopath

If it's not about him, why bother?!

:p

[GRLMGC]

63. It's the least he could do

They pulled out the stops to entertain his ignorant ass when he went to the UK AND he fucked up her garden. He can forgo the chili dogs and beer bongs for at least one night.

[bdamomma]

66. I wonder if the Queen will address Bush as King George!!

I bet he won't bow down to her!!

[Rex]

67. Oh please, if they told Junior to wear a diaper and suck on a pacifier

he would! Junior's coke addled brain will do anything Condi tells it to do. Pickles gets confused with the curtains.

[Venus Dog]

70. This story is pure BULLSHIT!

Please take a look at this picture -

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/11/images/20031119-4_p35808-22-515h.html

Old man Bush was given honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth

Americans who have received honorary knighthoods include former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Steven Spielberg and former presidents George Bush and Ronald Reagan.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2328763.stm

and there was some speculation that junior was given the same honor as his old man at that State Visit back in 2003 -

Q: Scott, a few questions, please, on the international troops to Iraq, any more international troops. Is there a deadline? Is there any financial incentives for these countries to join? And on your statement about the state visit to the United Kingdom, you mentioned President Reagan's visit when he received an honorary knighthood. Is President Bush about to receive an honorary knighthood?

MR. McCLELLAN: You might want to talk to United Kingdom. I don't know what their plans are in terms of all the details of the state visit.

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=61166 (scroll 3/4 way down)

This crap has been put out in the corporate media to make us believe Lord Hissyfit is just a regular guy! He's not a Texas! He just plays one on TV! Everything about these people is staged - including "The Ranch" in Crawford.

[journalist3072]

71. Wifey Number 1 enlisting the help of Wifey Number 2???? Amazing! eom

[Scooter24]

74. Oh god...

I sure hope someone on the protocol staff pays attention to his attire. White-tie rules are very strict. And plese someone tie his bowtie and make sure he strays from the pre-made version.

[Ino]

84. Hmmm... Georgie Boy pressured into a formal occasion...

We may be in for a petulant rebellion in the form of crass behavior or comments. :popcorn:

[KoKo]

85. Agree....Propaganda to appeal to his RW 20% He Man Base!

Disgusting that they still pander to him this way.

[RB TexLa]

87. The White House has a "Queen's bedroom"

Sorry, but :puke:

I think I would have to just say I have a previous engagement with a few shots of Jameson and can't make the dinner with Elizabeth.