Life Across The Pond

Jesus = Santa??

I've recently been turned on to reading the daily White House Press Briefings by another friend via his blog. And, nearly without fail, there is something in there worth laughing about every day. Today, stuck in-between actual questions and "answers" about topics ranging from oil revenues in Iraq to Katrina relief and response investigations, the Press Secretary took a few minutes to clarify that, indeed, the President does not believe that Jesus and Santa are one and the same:

Q Scott, just one question today. At yesterday's briefing, the transcript records my quoting the President in his saying, "Each year we gather here to celebrate the season of hope and joy and to remember the story of one humble life that lifted the sights of humanity. Santa, thanks for coming." When I asked you WorldNet Daily's question, will the President apologize to Christians offended by his referring to Jesus as Santa, you responded, "The President meant exactly what he said, Les." But last night, I received an email which had your name on it, which said there were two separate -- (laughter.)

MR. McCLELLAN: Keep working on my emails, sending you things.

Q There were two separate thoughts --

MR. McCLELLAN: Must have been a little -- must have been a little elf. (Laughter.)

Q Well, wait a minute, let me just tell you what was on the email --

MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead. I want to give you the stage.

Q -- which it said, there were --

MR. McCLELLAN: I think I know where you're going with this.

Q -- two separate thoughts -- after he spoke about the meaning of Christmas, he then recognized Santa. And first of all, I want to ask, was that your email? And was it your final and conclusive answer rather than, the President meant --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, it was my email. He wasn't, as you phrased it yesterday, comparing the two. Santa was at the event for the children that were there, and I don't think you want to take Santa away from all those children.

Q Oh, no, no, I just want to clarify that the President did not mean exactly what he said, and your good correction.

MR. McCLELLAN: No, the President -- that's what the President was saying in his remarks. He was changing topics in his remarks. He stated the meaning of Christmas --

Q But you didn't say he was changing topics in his remarks, yesterday, did you?

MR. McCLELLAN: Les, I actually did not attend the event. I looked back at the remarks after the briefing to see exactly what it was --

Q But it's all clarified now.

MR. McCLELLAN: -- but what the President said stands.

Q Can I ask a related question? (Laughter.)

MR. McCLELLAN: No, no. (Laughter.)

posted by Peter @ 2:54 PM