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September 17, 2005

First comedienne

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Laura Bush's unexpected comedy routine at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner last Saturday night was the talk of the. . . well White House correspondents themselves.  

Though not written by Bush, her professional delivery of the material, complete with excellent timing and willingness to poke fun at her husband wowed the crowd. 

But not every correspondent.  Perhaps jealous of her success some commentators——oh, you know who they are:  Agence France—Presse, CNN and one from the Nation——criticized

"Laura Bush cracks risque jokes at the White House Correspondents' dinner," sniffed Agence France—Presse. 

CNN reporter Elaine Quijano, who attended the dinner, also apparently had her sensibilities scarred by some of the first lady's quips. 

"In some respects, I think for some folks it was a little shocking because she kind of crossed the line a little bit in some people's minds," she said. 

"It was very risque," the Nation's David Korn said yesterday on Fox News. "I was wondering what the social conservatives and James Dobson had to say about all these jokes that were laced with sexual innuendo. Not a very family—values—type speech. I'm not sure I want to explain a lot of those jokes to my 4—year—old."

Hey, these protestations are. . . well comedy also.  Imagine——delicate French and CNN reporters thought these mild jokes were shockingly risque!  You've gotta admit——that's funny.  As for a reporter worrying he had to explain these jokes to a 4 year old——hey, do knock—knock skits instead.

Now if Hillary——you know her last name——had zinged these, oh the praise. 

You can't please them all.

Ethel C. Fenig   5 03 05