Bush makes light of woes to broadcasters

WASHINGTON – Tell us, Mr. President, how have things changed since the last broadcasters’ dinner?

“A year ago my approval rating was in the 30s, my nominee for the Supreme Court had just withdrawn, and my vice president had shot someone,” President Bush said Wednesday night during the annual gathering.

“Ah,” he said, “those were the good ol’ days.”

In keeping with the lighthearted traditions of the Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association dinner, Bush poked fun at himself and a few others in remarks that drew laughter and applause at the Washington Hilton Hotel.

Bush thanked the organization for providing dinner, “and I’d like to thank Senator Webb for providing security.”

Virginia’s Democratic senator, Jim Webb, had to explain this week why an aide was carrying a loaded handgun as he tried to enter a Capitol complex building.

Noting that Vice President Dick Cheney was not in attendance, Bush said: “He’s had a rough few weeks. To be honest, his feelings were kind of hurt. He said he was going on vacation to Afghanistan where people like him.”

On the controversy over the Justice Department’s firing of eight federal prosecutors, Bush said: “You know you’ve botched it when people sympathize with lawyers.”