Elephants Never Forget, but Some Republicans Do

"It's been a great day for the Biden for President campaign," the e-mail said. "Joe Biden addressed the Democratic National Committee's Winter Meeting this morning and the response has been incredibly positive. We've included the text of the speech below and will let you know once the video of the event is posted on JoeBiden.com."

Just a wonderful, forward-looking speech that began: "So, how was your week?" That got a laugh. Then Biden continued: "I want to say I truly regret that words I spoke offended people I admire."

Ending your first week with an apology. A "great day" indeed.

Plotting His Course?

White House consigliere Karl Rove took a few hours off on Sunday to see the Shakespeare Theatre's performance of "Richard III" with friends, a former Post colleague tells us. It's a bloody rendition of the scheming Richard murdering his way to the throne, dispatching a number of people, including his two young nephews, along the way.

Rove, on leaving the theater, was heard saying: "I've gotta get home. I've got work to do."

Hmm . . .

Medicare Web Site Needs Rx

President Bush and Congress are in general agreement that something has to be done to fix Social Security. A Loop Fan, trying this week to apply for Medicare, has jumped on the bandwagon.

Our source tried to sign up online and received this message: "Social Security Online Message: Temporary Shutdown."

"We're sorry, but the service you requested isn't available right now. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have an urgent need, please call us . . . at 1-800-772-1213." Okay.

He called the number and, after five to 10 minutes of punching various numbers, an actual human came on to say the computers were down and he should try another time. When he called the number for Medicare, he was told to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Wait till the baby boomers start jamming the lines.

Royal Want Ads

White House personnel chief Liza Wright, take note: Here's how Buckingham Palace finds its top officials -- it advertises in the weekly magazine the Economist.

For example, it's looking these days to fill the key job of assistant private secretary (APS) to the queen.

"The Private Secretary's Office acts as the primary source of advice to The Queen on all policy matters," the ad says. The APS is to take care of "planning and organising The Queen's official programme," briefing her on the issues, and "working with Government departments" and handling "management and organisational issues."

"An outstanding candidate is sought from the public or private sector, with excellent judgement, administrative and organisational skills, conceptual thinking and strategic planning ability," and "should be a team player with good interpersonal skills."

Hurry, applications should be received by Monday. "The Royal Household is committed to equality of opportunity."