I do not want to turn this diary into some kind of Laura Watch, but I could not help but post this information from today's
New York Times (after I finished rubbing my eyes in disbelief, that is):
Laura Bush Joins Hit Makeover Show as It Focuses on Storm Victims
No,
really...
Mrs. Bush flew here on Tuesday for a cameo on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," the blockbuster ABC show that usually does impromptu remodeling for disadvantaged homeowners but is now taking supplies to hurricane victims for segments to be shown later this year.
That's right, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" - The "Queen for a Day" for the naughty aughties.
More below the fold...
... with her husband still struggling to regain his political footing many weeks after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, the decision to link her with reality TV had a whiff of the daring.
It also suggested that despite an increased effort by President Bush to address the hurricane crisis - his visit to Texas on Tuesday was his seventh to the area since Hurricane Katrina hit, hers was her fifth - the White House was casting about for more creative ways to convey its concern and manage public opinion.
Is that more creative, or more cynical?
And Tom Forman, the show's creator and executive producer, said he had given no thought to any political reasons the White House might have had for wanting to participate.
"The thing about making this show is I packed up and put away my cynicism a long time ago," he said.
Riiiight...
"I think given the scope of the disaster, you throw the rules out the window," he said. "And while we're certainly a nonpartisan show, I don't think she was there as a politician or a politician's wife or even as the first lady. I think she was there as someone who cares."
Awww... she cares! She really,
really cares! That must mean Shrub does, too. Because what's a better way for the President to show concern for and conviction to help the victims of a devastation national disaster followed by incompetent administrative bungling than to have his wife appear on a reality TV show?
As I believe Bill the Cat once said, "Ack! Barf!"
Full article
here.
