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

[Wolvie2008]

I've had what seems like countless arguments about how much was his fault, how he was duped by his own cabinet, and how unintelligent he is. President Obama may or may not be the "Savior of All that is" (because we really don't know that yet, do we?), but Bush was so over the top these last 8 years that America needed him gone before he took us down a path that we would NEVER recover from (hopefully that hasn't occurred)! Seeing Bush yesterday though didn't bring out the hate; I'm just glad he is gone and as far as blame is concered? Well like it or not, you can't blame Bush for the results of his presidency without blaming Congress AND the American people who voted for him TWICE! Those factors have to be considered because both Congress and the American people are part of this democratic system and the system broke down because Congress gave into pressure to let him have his war (so they "revoted") and the American people allowed him 4 more years because they let him and Rove tell them everything they wanted to hear regarding gay rights, and fears about international terrorists wiping us off the face if the planet. So in the end perhaps we should just let him go, do a gut check for ourselves, get behind the new administration, and do our respective parts to turn things around. They should have made him walk back to Crawford, Texas though (smile).

[greatblue]

Not to pick, but the American people voted for Bush ONCE, in 2004. In 2000, Gore won the popular vote by a substantial margin. Given what we already knew, though, the 2004 vote is inexplicable.

[sradag]

2004. Voter fraud. Ohio.

[sher68]

Cheney in a wheelchair: did I ever wonder about that! I'm thinking, "is he going to pull something, does he have an arsenal in there? If he can't walk, folks, get a couple of those huge Secret Service dudes to carry him around, but don't put him in a stealth machine!" It wasn't until Obama was called "Mr. President" for the first time that I realized I'd been holding my breath in case something happened to him. And so goes the Bush Legacy as played out in American minds.
In reality, we all know that this transition of power happens every 4-8 years, and peaceably. Now it's one group's turn, now the other bunch takes it. As long as that continues, we probably won't go get stuck in some extreme and not come back out. It keeps us sane, smart, and on our toes.

[KataVideo]

"So, basically, everyone was rubbing against each other for warmth and totally unemployed­."

sounds like boat-people

[DC]

Glen Echo Park: I remember riding the baby roller coaster there.

[Vitesselt]

Na na, na na na na, hay hay hay, goo-ood bye.

[kcusffuh]

Don't quote me but didn't Obama say something about letting go of the childish things and move on? When will you Bush haters grow up? It's like you're out for revenge.

[JamieJay]

I totally agree with you. Our family voted for and fully supports Obama. We are sure that some of his policies will offend us, and some will make us happy. What we didn't like, during the inaguration, was when the crowd errupted into the classless "hey hey hey goodbye" rant to President Bush. It was VERY CHILDISH!

[spbm]

just justice. people are suckers for things coming out in the wash.

[hasselblad]

Have you mentioned this to Cornyn? And Lympballs?

[Wolvie2008]

Yeah, there is a bit of immaturity being displayed, but lets be honest: Putting up with some Bush chiding is the least his supporters can tolerate! I even cut the man a break by hilighting the fact that though he was the HMFIC, the outcome wasn't all his fault. That being said there are a multitude of things that he could have prevented or at least took action to change and he dropped the ball big time leading us to where we are today. So give us our moment to send him off with the wimper he deserves. I promise we'll let it go....tomo­rrow.

[FrTown]

What happened to that lady who worked as a recruiter for the Justice Dept. and who asked her interviewee what do they admire most about 8ush?
Anybody knows?

[bar2200]

No big surprise, as the administration seemed to always be poorly managed. For 8 years, the atmosphere, I sensed, was quite heavy and dark. "Depressing" appears to be part of their personas - not to mention "suppressed" - which was greatly projected - as the former administration certainly stifled so many Americans, and attempted to destroy the very fabric of America, and other parts of the world. In contrast, I am in awe of President Barack Obama, as he was a true gentleman in his handling of the transition, and finally saying "farewell" to the Bushes.

[Trilby]

Don't let the door hit you in your behind, Dubya!

[damnadamson]

Ha Ha ... very well written comedy piece ... so now they're gone ... finally it's time to move on and leave Bush and Company to the history books.

[Sinclair]

Matched only by the mindless and irrational feel-good party held by Obama and the Dems which has to be at least as depressing as Bush's farewell.

[THORGODOFTHUNDER]

A sore loser?

[Mike169]

Republican whiner.

[Mike169]

On the contrary. It was not irrational except to the losing Republicans who give dissarray a bad name.

[biglover]

Wow, you are a sore loser. Get over it or you're going to be miserable for the next 8 years and we know how you feel - only you came out on the high end but you just don't know it yet - and maybe you never will.

[digdeeper]

Shut the door on your way out

[BrnPhil]

talk about KARMA... Cheney in a wheel chair.

[nomorebombs]

next a rope..

[bibimimi]

sounds like a keg party in yer dad's garage...

[bethea3]

On election night, McCain had some small ballroom in AZ. BHO had a park. McCain had a few supporters. BHO had half a city. Bush get a ill-heated Glen Echo with depressed staffers. BHO get the (I don't know what they call it) the Washington Memorial Mall with about two million. I think I see a pattern developing.

[AFPISCES]

Can you say KARMA.....­.