For Christmas, I received “The Out of Office Countdown 2007 Calendar.” It’s not only a calendar but also a compendium of unintentionally witty statements our president has made during his years in office. It will keep me laughing until George W. Bush leaves the White House in 2009. No doubt, you probably have surmised that I didn’t vote for “W” either time and that I will be glad when his term of office is ended.
But let me take a broader view. Regardless of whether one voted for Bush or not, whether one likes his policies or not, it must be admitted that his next career could certainly be on Comedy Central. I offer the following remarks as proof.
In 2000, Bush made this poignant statement: “Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?”
In 2002, when his Texas gubernatorial portrait was displayed — presumably in Texas — he thanked the audience for “taking the time out of your day to come and witness my hanging.” Huh?
In 2005, he said — presumably with a straight face — “Who could have possibly envisioned an erection — an election — in Iraq at this point in history?”
These are only three samplings of a myriad of misstatements in the countdown calendar, but you get the idea. Bush is the master of the misspoken word. And, even if I had voted for him, as a writer I would be embarrassed by his lack of attention in things speech related. I hope he can get through the next 677 days with fewer mistakes, but I’m not encouraged.
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