George Bush learns some traditions of beach volleyball
Before taking in the spectacular and awe-inspiring opening ceremonies at the Bird's Nest, President Bush met with the U.S. men's basketball team, otherwise known as the Redeem Team.
Although it must have been a thrill for Mr. Bush to shake hands with Kobe, Mello, King James and Coach K, it's difficult to imagine that the president's trip to Beijing didn't peak when he received an up-close and personal beach volleyball lesson at Chaoyang Park from defending gold medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh.
As if things weren't hot enough for the president, who had just come off a sweaty mountain bike excursion, the AP reported that May-Treanor bent over to allow him an opportunity to experience a unique element of beach volleyball.
The president needs some work on his passing, mis-hitting a pair off his knuckles. When May-Treanor passed the ball back to him, he acted like he was going to dive after it but decided to stay on his feet.
Then May-Treanor turned her back to the president, offering her bikinied rear for one of the traditional slaps that volleyball players frequently give each other.
"Mr. President, want to?" she asked, repeating an offer she made when Bush gave a pep talk to the U.S. athletes before Friday's opening ceremonies.
Bush smilingly gave a flick with the back of his hand to the small of her back instead.
According to the Countdown to Crawford blog, the trip to the park was "a break in a trip through Asia marked by public criticism of China's human rights policies, private huddles with advisors about the crisis in the former Soviet republic of Georgia over the breakaway South Ossetia region and a meeting Sunday with President Hu Jintao of China."
-- Tony Pierce
Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press
George Bush getting instructions from the women's beach volleyball team? Who says he isn't a happenin' dude?
Posted by: J D Mayfield | August 09, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Say what you want about are current president, but being president has its privileges.
Posted by: The Holywriter | August 09, 2008 at 07:46 PM
thanxx
Posted by: celebrity gossip | August 09, 2008 at 11:09 PM
"it's difficult to imagine that the president's trip to Beijing didn't peak when he received an up-close and personal beach volleyball lesson"
Oh - it is VERY difficult to imagine! On the scale of importance - this was a VERY low rating. In case folks don't realize it, there are some fairly critical world events taking place besides sports!!!
Besides - who would believe this was Bush's first experience with bikini clad volleyball players? Get a GRIP!!!!!
Posted by: Jan in TX | August 10, 2008 at 07:48 AM
It's good to be the king!
Posted by: Smitty Werbenmanjensen | August 11, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Trashy....all around.
Posted by: Stephanie | August 11, 2008 at 03:57 PM
I think it was cute and good pr. Misty is a sweet girl and her dad is a coach for the team. She lost her mom and volleyball means a lot of her and President Bush was quite a gentleman. More presidents need to be that personable.
Posted by: Mary | August 11, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Sweet ....
Why didnt he slap it ? lol
Posted by: Slade | August 12, 2008 at 03:19 AM
If I'd been him I would have given her a good spanking!
Posted by: Douglas Lee | August 12, 2008 at 05:41 AM
It never fails that someone is going to take a lighthearted moment and turn it into a negative. Everyone knows (including the president of the United States) that there are critical world events. There always are and always have been. This doesn't mean we need to always be serious and on high alert. Life is short and we need to enjoy it and laugh alot.
Posted by: jjsmi | August 12, 2008 at 05:48 AM
Hey Jan from Texas! Lighten up!
Posted by: Matt | August 14, 2008 at 01:32 PM
And to think...everyone was upset when that girl wore flip flops to meet the President...
Posted by: Stephanie | August 15, 2008 at 03:24 PM