Bush just wants ta have fun?

As described in this report in yesterday's New York Times, President Bush has embarked upon a charm offensive directed at the White House press corps. Tim Grieve, writing for Salon, has a great piece on it, as does Joe Strupp, in Editor & Publisher.

I'm proud of the New York Times for passing on such a rare opportunity to schmooze with the chief:

Philip Taubman, the Washington bureau chief for The Times, said in a statement last night: "The Times has declined this opportunity after weighing the potential benefits to our readers against the prospect of withholding information from them about the discussion with Mr. Bush. As a matter of policy and practice, we would prefer when possible to conduct on-the-record interviews with public officials."

Reporter-guests are not allowed to describe their visit to the residence to the rest of us, so be sure to wear your sunglasses and turn up the spin detector when you take in the news now.