‘Mr. President’ Didn’t Ring a Bell
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WASHINGTON — Being addressed as “Mr. President” apparently takes some getting used to. Ask George Bush.
He disclosed during remarks at a congressional luncheon that he drew a blank the first time someone aimed the exalted title at him.
He said he and President Reagan were leaving the inaugural platform together after the oath-taking--Bush now in the lead--when a protocol official stepped up to them.
“The sergeant-at-arms of the House said, ‘Mr. President . . .,’ and I’m standing there waiting for President Reagan,” Bush said, as his audience erupted in laughter.
“(Then) I feel something that was between an affectionate hug and a kidney punch--the ‘Silver Fox’ telling me to get going.”
“Silver Fox” is Bush’s affectionate nickname for his white-haired wife, Barbara.
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