In case you don't believe that W understands what it means to lose a loved one in a war, there's this.
President Bush said yesterday that he gave up golfing in 2003 "in solidarity" with the families of soldiers who were dying in Iraq, concluding that it was "just not worth it anymore" to play the sport in a time of war.
"I don't want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander in chief playing golf," Bush said in a White House interview with the Politico. "I feel I owe it to the families to be as -- to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal."
In related news, he gave up luxury yachting in solidarity with the dead children in China's earthquake region; and skydiving for the homeless in Myanmar.
However, he's still willing to keep sending these signals: tap dancing at a press conference, and taking the most vacation days of any American President. Ever.
See "The Vacation President":
President Bush famously, if unjustifiably, casts himself as Ronald Reagan's disciple. But in at least one way, he has surpassed his master.
According to the meticulous records kept by CBS Radio White House correspondent Mark Knoller, Bush on Monday (March 2008) lodged his 879th day spent in whole or in part at Camp David or his sprawling estate in Crawford, Tex.
By comparison, the 40th president only -- only! -- spent all or part of 866 days at Camp David or his ranch in California during his eight years in office, according to the Reagan Library. (By my count, Bush actually beat Reagan's mark on Dec. 30, during his Christmas vacation in Crawford.)
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