Bush Parties With the Press

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

Another year and another gracious invitation from the White House to attend the Bush press party, and here are the pictures to prove it. The parties work this way: After the security check, we get time to have a picture taken with the president. In the meantime, it's eat, drink, and be merry. Of note this year: a little cookie made in the shape of the first cat, Kitty, debuted, but the Barney cookie was still most in demand. Bottles of Maker's Mark were popular in red, white, and blue wax.

Chief of staff Josh Bolten made the rounds, as did some other officials, while most reporters stopped at the food bar where the shrimp was king. As for our picture taking session, Bush was in fine spirits, talking about how much he and Laura were looking forward to the family's last Christmas at Camp David. And Laura revealed that she had just met with the team designing the president's library and museum in Dallas.