A Really Merry Time

(Eric Draper, The White House)

Senate Democrats didn't spew venom and President Bush didn't respond with insults when they met Monday night for the black-tie Christmas Congressional Ball at the White House. In fact, we hear that the GOP and Democrats boogied together to a Motown band.

"There were a lot of Democratic leaders and members, with their spouses, dancing and generally having a good time," said one attendee. "And they all waited in line to have their picture taken with the president and Laura Bush."

There had been some concern that many Democrats would stay away, but "nothing could be further from the truth," said an administration official. "It was a great representation of the Hill," added another congressional official, who said that about half of Congress attended the affair, which is among the most anticipated D.C. social events of the year, especially by spouses. The party featured the traditional Christmas crab cakes and chicken fingers that the Bushes introduced to the annual holiday parties. One source added that the eggnog was "a hit and was very well spiked."

Other Washington notables were also there, including members of the U.S. Supreme Court, like Antonin Scalia, who regaled some partygoers with stories of his hunting exploits.