A step up on the Democrats: Republicans ready to campaign for November. Bush did a little soft-shoe before welcoming McCain on the front steps of the White House today. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.
by Jill Zuckman
President Bush walked out the front door of the White House this morning to greet the new Republican nominee for president, Sen. John McCain, under the elegant North Portico, a spot usually reserved for foreign dignitaries.
But McCain and his wife, Cindy, had not arrived yet.
The president deflected questions from the press, saying there would be plenty of time for that later during a Rose Garden gathering. He did agree, however, that “it is a beautiful day.”
“Well anyway, as I was saying,” Bush joked, deciding to blame his advance man for the timing snafu.
Bush proceeded to do a little soft shoe for the press. “I’m just going to tap dance,” he said.
Eventually, Bush turned and headed back to the front door.
More Top Picks Why Your Bright Child Hates School Hidden Learning Issues
“Let’s start over and play like it never happened,” he said, disappearing inside the White House for a minute.
And then the McCains pulled up the driveway in a black Cadillac and Bush walked back out to greet them, shaking hands with the senator and hugging Cindy.
They are currently having lunch and will come to the Rose Garden for the formal endorsement scheduled for 1:15 p.m. More later.