Hu's On First

Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the White House today. The following conversation was overheard in the Oval Office this morning:

Aide: President Hu is here to see you, sir.

Bush: Who?

Aide: President Hu, the President of China

Bush: Who's the President of China?

Aide: Right. President Hu...

Bush: President Who?

Aide: Yes, that's who we're talking about.

Bush: Who are we talking about??

Aide: Correct. Now, as I was saying, President Hu...

Bush: Who's the President of What?

Aide: Hu's the President of China.

Bush: That's what I'm asking you!

Aide: Hu.

Bush: What?

Aide: No, Waat is the Ambassador from Egypt.

Bush: Who's from Egypt?

Aide: No, Hu's from China. Waat's from Egypt.

Bush: Where?

Aide: Wehr's from Germany.

Bush: Where's Germany?

Aide: Yes, Vice Chancellor Wehr is from Germany. Wehr is Germany.

Bush: That's what I was asking you.

Aide: Listen, it's simple. Hu is China, Waat is Egypt and Wehr is Germany.

Bush: I don't know...

Aide: Oh, Mr. Idanoe...he's your new press secretary!

Bush: Who's my new Press Secretary?

Aide: No, Hu's the President of China.

Bush: What? I told you I don't know!

Aide: Oh, you know Watt. He's from Egypt. He'll be here next week. He's coming with Secretary Wenn.

Bush: Who?

Aide: Not Hu, Watt. Watt and Wenn.

Bush: When?

Aide: Right, Watt is with Wenn.

Bush: What? When? How?

Aide: Oh, Admiral Howe -- He's next Thursday.

Bush: Where?

Aide: Yes, from Germany.

Bush: Let's start from the beginning: Who, what, when, where and how?

Aide: Exactly.

Bush: I'm confused.