The president and secretary of humor pose for photographers as onlookers laugh behind their backs.
President Bush took Monday off from official White House business to walk his dog Spot. Bush gave the beloved pet it's clever name, which was taken from the childhood classic See Dick and Jane. It was the first book the president was able to read without help, during his first term as governor of Texas.
Bush and first dog Spot Bush boarded the helicopter Marine One following a bungled White House ceremony in honor of Lincoln's birthday. Secretary of Humor Sock Puppet also accompanied the duo to cheer up the president.
They first flew to Fort Stewart, where they posed for photographs, ate with the troops, marked territory and had plenty of laughs. Bush also took time out to give a speech to the 3rd Infantry Division.
"As your commandant in chief, I salutes all of you," he said to enthusiastic outbursts of "whoo-ah" from the U.S. troops, especially when promising increased pay and better housing. "I feel a special bond with this infantry division. I was once military and also an infant, just as you are now."
The troops enjoyed the visit, although a few complained that the president seemed confused and "smelled like old socks". They also liked Spot, but agreed that the secretary of humor wasn't very funny.
"I know the president is trying to raise our morale," one of them said "but that puppet sucks."
Returning to the White House the president took time for a few quick games of video poker before congratulating NASA officials on their successful day.
"As you well knows, that space thing landed on that big potato up there," he said of the NEAR probe landing upon the asteroid Eros. "It is a first, and firsts are often remembered as number one. This is a proud day, and I would like to thank all the brave men, women and childrens who are aboard that spacecraft. I endorse their exploring of our fourth planet."
Later White House Communications Director Karen Hughes explained Bush's gaffes over the day resulted from a lack of sleep. "When he gets tired he gets cranky and his speech goes all goofy." She further added that the president has only been getting "about ten to eleven hours of sleep since beginning his legacy."
