Bush's Depressing Goodbye Party: One Staffer Gets Job At Abercrombie

Washington DC's social scene is in full swing this weekend, with events and galas and fetes and soirees and makeout sessions between Christopher Hitchens and Andrew Sullivan. It's a level of excitement that Washington only occasionally sees. But it's not just the inauguration of Barack Obama that people are celebrating -- it's also the end of the Bush administration, and Sunday night, President Bush and his friends celebrated the end of his term with a party of their own at Glen Echo Park. Slate went, for some reason, and their account makes the whole thing sound like the most depressing event in the world.

The party, dubbed "Crossing the Finish Line" and held in the park's giant Spanish Ballroom, was organized by outgoing White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and his predecessor, Andy Card.

The venue had been somewhat controversial, according to attendees. There was no heating, so a lot of bodies were needed. "Due to the historic nature of the venue, there are limitations on what can be done in terms of climate control," the hosts warned in an e-mail. "DO: Wear layers and coats. DON'T: Dress like you're going to Gold Cup or Smith Point."

Apparently some of the more climate-controlled venues had been taken. "There weren't a lot [of places] available," said Card. "There weren't a lot of bands available, either."

So, basically, everyone was rubbing against each other for warmth and totally unemployed. Just contemplate the multitudes that are contained in this single depressing sentence: "One outgoing Treasury employee had already landed a job as a manager at Abercrombie & Fitch." The Great Gatsby could have ended with that line.

Anyway, there they all mingled, freezing their asses off, as Karl Rove talked about Twitter, Alberto Gonzalez walked around with a bloodshot eye, and the president mangled some more grammar.

Look, people, if you are out the next two days, and you see these mopes walking all despondent down the street, for God's sake, take them out a plate of canapes or something and call it national service. Then wish them luck at their new jobs, folding on, sweaters against the sale rack, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

Comments

[MyNameIsJames]

A fitting end to a national NIGHTMARE!

[madmen]

Does thst mean the Bush twins get a discount..­.LOL!!!

[writergal319]

At least they had somewhat of an exit strategy, unlike other things...p­oorly planned as it may seem.

[Cinderalka]

While it is a pleasure to live in a post-Bush Washington, DC, I think this country is suffering from a collective case of PTSD. I shudder to think what they will do once they regroup.

www.alkakothari.com

[rhubardpi]

Bush who.......­.....?

[whereismyhandout]

Thank you libs for such great entertainment, this administration is already proving to be very beneficial to the advanced development of my abs. It has been a while since I laughed this hard and laughed so often. However, just to let everybody know - "I don't have anything against highly skilled white construction workers." lol lol lol

[JLRoberson]

(Laughing so hard head explodes)

[JonGee]

Well, for those who already pine for talk of Republicans, politics and elections.­.. get out your crystal ball and predict the Republican Party nominee in 2012

http://www.awardsandhonors.com/polls.html?poll=37

[deeppeace]

Ruined a perfectly good amusement park. I spent my childhood summers there.

[2wit]

In light of our current economic woes, loss of civil rights, and death toll in the quagmire of 2 wars it appears to many that the past administration served it’s own ideals more that the ones set forth by the Constitution of America. It often felt more often that decisions were made in self interest (or that of a select few) rather than national interest..

To boo is not politically correct nor is tyranny correct politically. The jeers were more a message and warning to any future administration that would put their own interest above the good of the nation.

Now those who wish to move on are correct - shoes have been thrown epithets have been slung - it is time to move on and not earn any recrimination to the Obama’s term of office. History will record the deeds and failures of all

[RODERICK098]

Ah how many of those attending will soon be in jail I wonder?

[Counterglow]

Not nearly enough of them.

[Pettit]

It's interesting to hear people demand respect for Bush.
Respect is something you earn.

Bush manage to RUIN this country in every way, shape or form.
Now we Americans have and will continue to pay for his mistakes, inaptitude, and stupidity. Not to mention all the people that died in Irak and Afghanistan.

Under his watch we saw: the Constitution being ignored, Irakis died by the 100 thousands, Americans died by the thousands, corruption at every level, spinning of facts, and what it pains me the most he divided the country to get elected.

Now conservatives talk about being "fiscally sound" and "demand respect". Where the hell where you for the past 8 years? Why did you vote this clown the second time? Fairness would be for all those people to pay double the taxes to cover for the stupid mistake they made voting Bush for a second term.

If you don't like Bush being disrespect­ed...GET OVER IT. That was the advice I was given when Bush stole the presidency the first time around. Take some of your own medicine.

[mags1]

I find it unfortunate in a nation so desperate for change that individuals and organizations resort to the same cynicism, sarcasm and contempt that has been a part of the U.S. for too long. This fact has marred the U.S. government for years so that partisanship and disfunctionality rule. This article and many of the comments posted illustrate this point as well. In fact so does this entire website. If one wants change, then one must be part of the change that is to be brought about. Change does not happen in a vacuum. It is regrettable that George Bush who has had to make difficult decisions with information that most of us are unaware of is treated with such contempt. Whether you like the man or hate him, no one should be ridiculed as has been done, especially one who held the position that he held. I hope that when President Obama' term is over and he has had to make difficult and unpopular decisions, that he will not be ridiculed or mocked, but that he is thanked for his service.

[Jennifer Protzman]

I find it hard not to be cynical of a person that refused to at least give a facade of rspect. I could not watch his speeches because invariably he would slouch at the podium. He was supposed to represent all of us and I never felt that he could have ever related to me respectfully and I was raised as an uptight conservative. Number one rule is don't slouch...i­t's disrespectful!
Obama will not be ridiculed or mocked in future generations or even immediately because he knows that respect is what drives success.

[dawlishgal]

Where were you when the Bush administration and their flacks were accusing anybody who was skeptical that Iraq had WMDs of being anti-American, and saying that they wore "tin-foil" hats and stuff like that? In this past campaign, your candidates accused Obama of being a socialist who pals around with terrorists (and some of your dumber and more gullible voters believed it). . Now, all of a sudden, you want civility. Where, pray tell, has "civility" been for the past 9 years....y­our guys even lied about the parentage of an adopted childr in order to court the votes of racists, and they spit on the honorable combat careers of men who actually served, just so their guy would look like less of a coward for ditching his military obligations.

[SmootyBooty]

W couldn't stand up straight, or chew his food with his mouth closed. The man spit on the WH lawn, in front of the entire world. So shut up...

[hmldjr]

If you wanted to see depressing you should have been at the DNC party here in Corpus Christi. The Clintonistas are still mourning that she lost. The only democrats down here that were celebrating were the moveon.org members at there own party.

[Gainsbourg69]

Since this story has a celebratory tone to it, I thought it prudent to mention that, despite the two million plus people who attended the inauguration, there were zero arrests. See what happens when opression is absent. I've never been prouder to be an American.