An unexpected caller
By Susan Milligan, Globe Staff
WASHINGTON -- It's a time-worn president's trick: walk up to a congressman chatting on the phone and send your regards to the astonished person on the other end of the line, charming the listener with your regular-guy credentials.
That's what President Bush did Monday night at the State of the Union address, when he approached Newton Democrat Barney Frank, who was talking on his cell phone in the House Speaker's lobby before Bush's speech.
What Bush didn't know was that the congressman was talking to his boyfriend.
"Tell him I said, 'Hello,' '' Bush said to Frank, leaning in to pat the congressman's shoulder. As Bush continued into the House chamber, Frank told his skeptical boyfriend that it had been the conservative Republican president sending his good wishes. Frank's boyfriend didn't believe him, so the Massachusetts lawmaker put one of the sergeants-at-arms on the phone to back up his story.
After the speech, Frank said, he felt he had to tell Bush what he had done. After all, the president opposes gay marriage, and gay rights groups do not see the president as an ally.
Frank sought out the president, who put his hand on the back of the congressman's head to hear him more clearly in the noisy, crowded room.
"Mr. President, by the way, the person I was talking to when you said to say hello was my boyfriend,'' Frank said he told the commander-in-chief.
"Well. I hope you said how open-minded I am,'' Frank said the president replied.
"I considered telling [the president] I wouldn't marry him,'' Frank said, "but then I thought, 'Nah.' ''
Nothing funny in this story........Bush is a war criminal.
Only the Boston Globe would assume that President Bush did something groundbreaking by saying "hello" to a man's boyfriend.
Bush's poll ratings are so low, he'll attempt to do anything to be perceived as human. Remember, this is the first primate president.
On this particular event/incident I say WHO GIVES A TOSS! Totally irrelevant to the failures of 7 years of conservative rule.
Say what you want about Bush, the guy has a sense of humor.
No matter what your belief--gay or not--wouldn't it still make sense to send your regards to someone if you are interrupting their phone conversation?
And just because that man on the line is gay, doesn't mean that he can't say hello. i mean, the president DID say hello to Congressman Frank, who is gay, didn't he?
This is quite the irrelevant attempted slam. Shame on you for thinking of this as 'News.'
At least during the State of the Union Bush didn't directly go after the LGBT community. I never thought Bush was totally against us but his people certainly are. Barney Frank should check out our trailer on gay marriage. Produced to educate & defuse the controversy it has a way of opening closed minds like the GOP & provides some sanity on the issue: www.OUTTAKEonline.com
Frank's got a great sense of humor, looks like.
Gotta love Barney Frank!
Funny story! I saw it on TV! :)
Shame on them for thinking it's news???
When a man who has worked hard against my rights and those of Congressman Frank and of every other gay person in America turns around and not only expresses gay acceptance, but brags it up...well, that is news.
So we are left to assume that either:
A. He was not being truthful here
B. He was not being truthful in fighting against equal rights. (I.e., it was just a political stunt.)
C. He's had a major reversal of position.
To "Jeff", comment #3:
Please don't insult the Primate population. We do not enjoy being compared to that creature you homo sapiens have dressed up as your president. Pick on some other group to compare him to--say, "rodents" or something. :-)
Open-mInded -- ?? bigoted! are now synonymous words ? I know his puppet master Cheney told him to say that. -- and just think Romney wants to be president! *sigh* another Cheney Puppet! *sigh*
Open-mInded -- ?? bigoted! are now synonymous words ? I know his puppet master Cheney told him to say that. -- and just think Romney wants to be president! *sigh* another Cheney Puppet! *sigh*
I am sitting reading this story wondering why this was even published.
I saw this bumper sticker again and I think it is so true - will someone please give Bush a blowjob!
Ya know if Bush would have patted Franks butt, now that would have been news!!
This is further evidence that George Bush is not responsible for his own administrations agenda. It is set by Cheney, Pat Robertson, Fred Phelps and other maniacs. 353 Days until he is out of office. I can't wait ! ! !
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