• The sandstone walls at 1600 Pennsylvania are bursting with beauty. We decided to play the wicked stepmother and ask, “Who’s the fairest of them all?” There are fine choices, whether you prefer men or women. In the off chance that you prefer to pass judgment using more than a thumbnail photo, we’ve even provided testimonials: boys here and girls here. Polls close Monday morning at 10, and for God’s sake no cheating please.

• Proof that “Republican Strategist” is fast becoming an oxymoron, as Jack Burkman offers cash for a lesbian to have sex with him. In case she changes her mind, Jack made sure she had one of his business cards. Stay classy Jack.

• President Bush didn’t get anything to eat on the way back from Iraq, so after landing he went and put his foot straight in his mouth. We weren’t the only ones who found it funny, but after the all the jokes this story has a happy ending.

• We scored an interview with former adult actress-cum-Nevada gubernatorial candidate Mimi Miyagi. But it looks like porn stars will do anybody.

• Former FEMA director Michael Brown sent us an email, proving he can both read and write.

• The circus won’t be coming to town now that Rove’s off the hook.

Our story about President Bush’s unfortunate exchange with L.A. Times reporter Peter Wallsten got picked up by many news outlets — both real and fake:

It’s all in the delivery, isn’t it?

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Earlier: President Bush’s “Oh, **** ” Moment of the Day
Breaking: President Bush Apologizes to Peter Wallsten

Ah, the power of the blogosphere. We were the first to report on President Bush teasing reporter Peter Wallsten for wearing “shades” at a Rose Garden press conference — sunglasses that Wallsten wears because he’s legally blind. Wallsten suffers from Stargardt’s disease, which causes vision loss.

And now, news of a presidential apology:

Wallsten said Bush called his cell phone later in the day to apologize and tell him that he didn’t know he had [Stargardt’s] disease. Wallsten said he interrupted and told the president that no apology was necessary and that he didn’t feel offended since he hadn’t told anyone at the White House about his condition.

More details, after the jump.

Additional info from the AP story:

“[Bush] said, `I needle you guys out of affection,’” Wallsten said. “I said, ‘I understand that, but I don’t want you to treat me any differently because of this.’”

Wallsten said the president said he would not treat him differently, so Wallsten encouraged him to “needle away.”

“He said, `I will. Next time I’ll just use a different needle,’” Wallsten said.

Wallsten said he thought that was a pretty good line. And his only complaint is that the president didn’t answer his question at the news conference.

Both President Bush and Peter Wallsten are to be commended for their graciousness. And if the president cuts back on his “clowning with the press” as a result of this incident, then some good has come of it.

Bush Apologizes to L.A. Times Reporter [AP]
Bush’s Banter Goes Too Far: Taunting a Blind Man [HuffPo]

Earlier: Presidents Get Jet Lag Too
President Bush’s “Oh, **** ” Moment of the Day
An Update on President Bush’s Screw-Up
The Rose Garden Press Conference Video

In President Bush’s defense, he may not have known that Peter Wallsten is legally blind. And Wallsten said he was not offended by the president’s remarks. But the president still looks pretty silly when he chuckles at the end of this video.

President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’ [Think Progress]

Earlier: An Update on President Bush’s Screw-Up
President Bush’s “Oh, **** ” Moment of the Day

Earlier today, we broke the story of how President Bush poked fun at reporter Peter Wallsten for wearing sunglasses while asking a question. Wallsten, it turns out, is legally blind.

The crew over at Think Progress has followed up on our scoop; check out their work here. They interviewed Wallsten, obtained the transcript of the exchange, and grabbed a video clip of it, too.

We also reprint the transcript here, after the jump.

Our recollection of the exchange wasn’t exact, but it was close enough. Here’s the relevant portion of the transcript:

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Peter. Are you going to ask that question with shades on?

Q I can take them off.

THE PRESIDENT: I’m interested in the shade look, seriously.

Q All right, I’ll keep it, then.

THE PRESIDENT: For the viewers, there’s no sun. (Laughter.)

Q I guess it depends on your perspective. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Touche. (Laughter.)

Q Following up on the other Peter’s question about Karl Rove…

President Bush To Legally Blind Reporter: ‘Are You Going to Ask That Question with Shades On?’ [Think Progress]

Update: Here is a video clip of the exchange.

Earlier: President Bush’s “Oh, **** ” Moment of the Day
Presidents Get Jet Lag Too

Earlier today, we described an exchange at this morning’s press conference between President Bush and Peter Wallsten of the Los Angeles Times. President Bush joked about Wallsten’s wearing sunglasses while asking his question.

We called it the best exchange of the conference; but it was even better than we thought. A tipster points out:

For what it matters, during the Bush Rose Garden presser this a.m., Wallsten was wearing shades because he is legally blind — a fact that Bush apparently didn’t know, or forgot, about one of the reporters covering him for one of America’s major newspapers.

Way to go, Mr. President.

Latest update: President Bush has apologized to Wallsten.

Update: An excerpt from the transcript, with the exact exchange, is available here. A video clip of the incident is accessible here.

Earlier: Presidents Get Jet Lag Too

A visibly tired President Bush, back from his surprise visit to Iraq, just concluded an hour-long press conference. It took place in the Rose Garden, and most of the questions focused on Iraq.

It had a relaxed feel. Bush engaged in joking banter about jet lag with Jake Tapper, whom he complimented on his question. The president also praised David Gregory’s stylish neckwear.

The best exchange of the morning took place between Bush and Peter Wallsten. Wallsten approached the microphone wearing sunglasses. An exchange along these lines ensued:

Bush: You gonna ask your question with shades on? Wallsten: Yes…
Bush: But there’s no sun out here.
Wallsten: It depends on your perspective.
Bush: Touché.

(Eh, you had to be there. If we get a video clip, we’ll post it.)

Update: Oh **** . Turns out Wallsten is legally blind. Blame it on your jet lag, Mr. President!

Further Update: Our recollection was not exact; an excerpt from the official transcript appears here. You can check out the video clip here.

Latest update: President Bush has apologized to Wallsten.

Bush Says Iraq Trip Inspiring [CNN]

• Bush holds press conference to acknowledge “uncertainty in the country” over the situation in Iraq: “I understand people being disheartened when they turn on their TV screen… I believe we’re going to succeed.” [WP, NYT, W$J, USAT]
• $157m in federal funds have been directed to groups aligned with the administration’s social agenda and run by “political and ideological allies.” [WP]
• Bush “may be a lame duck, but he seems to be enjoying his swim,” writes Dana Milbank. [WP]
• Administration considers imposing fuel standards on vans and SUVs for the first time. [W$J]
• In shift, administration will ban the use of statements acquired through torture at Gitmo. [W$J]
• Six senators visiting Iraq urge “political compromises” for the sake of “national unity.” [WP, USAT]
• Senate will soon take up legislation on immigration restrictions. [WP]
• Lawmakers look to revise rules on material witnesses. [NYT]