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The Tony and George Show

By Ken Herman | Friday, May 26, 2006, 07:30 AM

Scenes from an East Room news conference:

President Bush and visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair made opening statements then took five questions from the White House press corps and five from the visiting Brits during the Thursday evening press conference.

Blair, with a friendly smile, said at one point he was not impressed with the Brits’ queries.

One of the visiting journalists asked whether Blair’s recent critique of the United Nation’s was intended as a “job application” from a prime minister who is headed out of office. He denied interest in the post.

Another Brit noted to Blair that “this is possibly your last official visit to Washington as prime minister.”

“Wait a minute,” said Bush, recalling the U.N. question and scoring them as “back-to-back disses” of his British friend.

Bush praised Blair as “a man of resolve and vision and courage.” Blair went with the “Well, what more can I say” response and then offered this side note to the British press corps.

“You guys, come on, … you’re the British delegation, ask a few serious questions.”

Blair also got in one jab at Bush, combined with a poke at himself, when he noted the high turnout at the recent Iraqi elections.

“These people have gone out and voted — a higher turnout, I have to say, I’m afraid to say, than either your election or mine,” said Blair.

“Depends on which one, 2000 or 2004,” said Bush.

“I think both of them,” said Blair.

Later, Bush brought the 10-question news conference to something of an abrupt halt by turning to Blair and saying, “Mr. Prime Minister, can I buy you dinner?”

“Certainly,” said Blair.

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