Embattled President George W. Bush says he now values John Howard's friendship more than ever. "After all these years, John and I find ourselves in a similar situation," he said during a joint press conference at APEC. "I'm prevented from being re-elected by the US Constitution, and he's prevented by public opinion."

"We were together on Iraq, we were together on global warming," he said. "And now we're together under the massive backlash from those policies. It was a bonding experience."
 
"Besides, I think anyone would appreciate John's friendship if the only other person who hadn't abandoned them was Dick Cheney."

John Howard said he was glad to be hosting his good friend again. "It's great to have him here, even if he had to decline my invitation to stay at Kirribilli House, citing ‘security concerns'. I guess I was thinking that since Laura isn't here, perhaps we could hang out, watch a few videos and maybe sink a few cold ones. But of course I understand he's a very busy man. Free worlds don't lead themselves."

The Prime Minister dismissed the idea that his closeness to the President may be hurting him politically. "I'm sticking by George Bush because he's a mate. And when someone's your mate, that's for life," he said. "And I hope the President remembers that when I lose the election."

Despite his enormous admiration for Bush, the Prime Minister drew the line at accepting the President's offer of last-minute campaign help from another of his close friends, Karl Rove.

Although it seems the two will never be close friends, President Bush is nevertheless planning to strike up a cordial relationship with Kevin Rudd when they meet at APEC. He is particularly eager to obtain tips from the Opposition Leader on how he can perform so well in the polls despite holding almost identical positions to Howard.


 

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