Bush Can’t Sweep Away Comment About Wife

President Bush clearly adores his wife. But his efforts to put that admiration on public display do not always hit the mark. Warming up an audience in Charlotte, N.C., last week, the president praised Laura Bush’s performance as first lady and offered an explanation for her absence. “It’s been raining,” Bush said, “so she needs to sweep the porch” of their Texas ranch before a visit by the president of China.

The comment apparently earned Bush no points with his wife. Laura Bush, standing with the president Friday on that very porch waiting for President Jiang Zemin, was asked if she appreciated it. She shook her head and mouthed, “No.” The president then blamed the press for getting him in trouble at home.