They never go home. Former pols manage to stay in the spotlight: Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman has the right idea. He’s teaching a course at Georgetown University on the value of humor in politics. Perhaps that’ll help him in his US Senate bid from Kansas… We wonder if Bill Clinton bikini shopping in Rio de Janeiro with British actor Sir Anthony Hopkins qualifies as subject matter. The former President was just taking a beach break before addressing students and their professors in San Paulo… Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an Amazon book reviewer, has his own page on the site. Wonder if he’ll review Bill or Hillary Clinton’s memoirs.
Is this competition for presidential access? It seems a rift is developing among President Bush’s top aides. Political strategist Karl Rove has accused communication strategists Karen Hughes and Mary Matalin of leaking negative stories about him to the press, specifically that he took part in meetings involving two companies — Intel and Enron — in which he owned stock.
California Rep. Gary Condit didn’t get a standing ovation for his TV acting gig with Connie Chung. And in fact, he hasn’t got rave reviews for any of his recent behavior. Perhaps he should take lessons in stage presence from some of his more talented colleagues. Many Senators and House Members have admirable — and sometimes surprising — talents in addition to legislating. Sen. Orrin Hatch has written inspirational songs for Gladys Knight and other performers. Rep. David Obey plays harmonica and performs with his sons and friends in a bluegrass band called The Capitol Offenses. They’ve even recorded three albums. His colleague, Joe Scarborough, a self-admitted frustrated rock star, plays in a band called Regular Joe. Rep. Anna Eshoo plays violin. Senators Trent Lott and Larry Craig performed as the Singing Senators. Rep. Louise Slaughter was a torch singer with a dance band and still jumps in when she has the opportunity. Rep. Amo Houghton has been playing drums for 60 years and now has a band called Amo & the Swing Voters. Reps. Earl Blumenauer, George Miller, Adam Schiff, Ellen Tauscher, Joe Crowley, and Loretta Sanchez get high marks as stand-up comics.
The real movie star in the Senate is Fred Thompson, who has played a White House Chief of Staff in “In The Line of Fire,” a CIA Director in “No Way Out,” and an air traffic controller in “Die Hard II.” “The word ‘star’ was only connected with me after I got out of the movie business,” says Sen. Thompson. “It seems that the further I’m removed from it, the bigger the star I am.”
The President and First Lady said good-bye to the Boeing 707 used as Air Force One. His last meal on the plane included childhood faves — pink lemonade and Oreo cookies. After 29 years of service, the plane is being retired to the Ronald Reagan Library in California. The First Couple flew back to DC on the new Air Force One looking rested after a month-long vacation at his Crawford ranch. On to the Fall. All eyes are on President Bush as he hosts his first State Dinner, this one for his pal, Mexican President Fox. The First Lady is attempting to keep a low profile on her behind-the-scenes plans.
President Bush may be criticized for his decision on stem cell research or tax cuts, but his pup, Barney, certainly helps to elevate his status among dog-lovers. Barney is the tenth Scottish Terrier in a long line of presidential pups. The most famous Scottie was Fala, FDR’s dog, who not only shook paws with foreign dignitaries but stood at attention on his hind legs when the Stars Spangled Banner played. Barney and Spot are both featured on the President’s new web site.