Bush Is Looking to Score Some Tickets

After meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao at the G8 conference in Tokyo, President Bush said that he and the Chinese leader had discussed several critical world issues including trade, Taiwan and Sudan. But what Bush really wanted to talk about was getting tickets to the U.S.-China Olympic basketball game.

“I told the president I was looking forward to coming to the Olympics. I reminded him that not only am I coming, but my wife, my mother and dad will be there, and we’re looking forward to your hospitality,” Bush said a press conference with the Chinese President.

“I’m looking forward to your hospitality, and I’m really looking forward to watching the American Olympic team compete, particularly with the mighty Chinese team. And I’m hoping to get tickets for the U.S.-Chinese basketball game. If you could help me get a ticket, I’d appreciate it.”

The room laughed at Bush’s line, but Jintao didn’t appear to be in on the joke. Rather than promise tickets or taunt Bush over recent U.S. Olympic men’s basketball failures, Jintao launched into his prepared remarks. Jintao did thank Bush for his “opposition to politicizing the Olympic Games.”