RESTORING DIGNITY:

Bush brings Gridiron's levity back to reality (CONNIE CASS, March 9, 2003, Chicago Sun-Times)

Wrapping up a Saturday night of laughs on a somber note, President Bush toasted American armed forces surrounding Iraq and declared them ready for war if needed.

''Because they serve, our freedom will be secure and our peace will be safe,'' he told the annual Gridiron Club dinner of journalists and their high-powered guests.

With 250,000 troops poised to disarm Saddam Hussein if ordered to action, Bush said, ''They are prepared if necessary to remove a gathering danger.''

His remarks were a contrast to an evening of songs and satirical skits by journalists who lampooned Republicans and Democrats alike.

Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.), a wealthy trial lawyer who hopes to oust Bush from the White House in next year's election, poked fun at his own background in giving the Democratic ''response.''

''President Bush says frivolous lawsuits have never helped anyone,'' he said. ''Yeah, tell that to my new house in Georgetown.''

Bush's closing remarks underscored a feeling among Gridiron members that current topics do not easily lend themselves to levity.

The vaporous Mr. Edwards was simply outclassed. Posted by Orrin Judd at March 9, 2003 8:06 AM