Democrats. Democrats. Democrats. Where's the ball game?

If you were President Bush, would you watch the Democratic National Convention?

It doesn't appear that he was terribly anxious to do so.

The president is spending an end-of-summer (and end-of-term) holiday at his home in Crawford, Texas. Deputy White House Press Secretary Tony Fratto was asked whether Bush would be spending much time in front of the tube tonight watching the Democrats in Denver.

Fratto's response:

"I didn't ask him whether he'll be watching. I can check and see whether he plans to or not. I'm sure there's also a baseball game on tonight, too."

Yes, the president does go to the occasional ballgame--and not just to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. And yes, he was a part owner of the Texas Rangers.

But tonight, he may have some motivation other than just being a fan of the game.

It needn't be said that he might find the ballgame--any game--more entertaining than flipping channels, from Democrats to Democrats to Democrats.

-- James Gerstenzang

Photo: Evan Vucci / Associated Press

Tee-ball on the South Lawn...a lasting Bush tradition?

It's the feel-good event of the Independence Day week — kids ages 4 to 7 playing tee-ball on the White House lawn.

This afternoon's game — the launch of the eighth season — honors Latino contributions to baseball, featuring the Little League Angels from Manatí, Puerto Rico, facing off against the Little League Red Sox from Camden, N.J.

Oh sure, the White House puts a wonky rationale on the occasion — saying that President Bush launched Tee-ball on the South Lawn in 2001 to "encourage fitness among America's youth and promote our national pastime to people of all ages." But the gig is mostly a fun departure for parents, staff and the infamous Washington observers. Yes, they really do exist, and the White House puts up bleachers for them.

Bush asked the players before they started to join him in the Little League Pledge: "I trust in God.  I love my country and will respect its laws.  I will play fair and strive to win.  But win or lose, I will always do my best. Play ball!"

Bush is a baseball guy -- former part owner of the Texas Rangers — so the question is: Will Barack Obama or John McCain bring in a new tot sport or keep this one?

— Johanna Neuman

Photo: Eric Draper / White House

Bush looks forward to 'mandatory retirement'

l 

Bidding farewell to his fellow Republicans, President Bush said at a GOP fund-raiser last night that he was already thinking about his next steps.

In remarks at the President's Dinner, an annual Republican gala, Bush said, "This is my last President's Dinner -- also known as my last dinner before mandatory retirement."

Bush quipped: "I can't say for sure what I'm going to be doing at this time next year -- I suspect I'll be in Crawford, watching the Rangers on TV. But I know what you'll be doing -- you'll be holding this dinner in honor of a new guest: President John McCain."

Bush beat McCain during the 2000 primaries, despite the Arizona Republican's reputation as a seasoned veteran of both war and politics, two areas where the Texas governor boasted less experience. But now Bush is promoting McCain because "America needs a president who has the experience and judgment to do what is right."

"I know the pressures of the Oval Office -- the daily intelligence briefings, the unexpected challenges, and the tough decisions that can only be made at the president's desk," Bush said. "In trying times, America needs a president who has been tested and will not flinch."

-- Johanna Neuman

Photo credit: Paul Morse/White House