(SNN Washington) Despite frequent visits from lobbyist and DeLay associate Jack Abramoff to the White House, officials say the president has no idea who Abramoff is.

the president and Abramoff never became friends

It seems that Jackie Abramoff visited the White House almost constantly. But, White House officials say that each time he visited it was merely to attend some sort of function. He attended White House functions on such occasions as Hanukkah, Arbor Day, Boxing Day, birthdays of the president's pets, beer parties thrown by Bush's daughters, and for this other holidays to be named later. Despite this, and the fact that Abramoff raised $100,000 for the president's reelection, the president and Abramoff never became friends.

White House spokesperson Scott McClellan said "The president does not know [Abramoff], nor does the president recall ever meeting him." This is actually not too surprising. The president doesn't remember a lot of things or people or places. In fact, the president often forgets who Scott McClellan is.

The President is known for coming up with descriptive nicknames for people

A White House employee has come forward and said that the President often referred to Abramoff as "that funny lookin guy with the money." For the President, this could actually be considered a term of affection. The President is known for coming up with descriptive nicknames for people who's names he can't remember. For instance, the President often referred to General Tommy Franks as "that funny looking guy with the Army."

The allegiance between DeLay in Bush has always been shaky one. Each man considers himself the most important conservative in government. Each man considers himself the most important Texan in government. Each man considers himself the smartest man in the world.

In addition, DeLay supposedly took offense at Bush's campaign speech in 1999 where Bush said the House should not "balance their budget on the backs of the poor." And, the Bush administration has never been quick to take DeLay out in public and show him off. However, DeLay has proved instrumental in establishing White House backed legislation such as the energy bill, the Medicare prescription drug plan, the Central American Free Trade Agreement and other programs which balance our national budget on the backs of the poor.

posted by NewsBlog 5000  # Monday, January 09, 2006