Bush's New Best Friend: Merkel Losing, Sarkozy Gaining?

"It was very spontaneous," said Raddatz. "He was very relaxed and candid."

Of course, she isn't providing any specifics on what they talked about.

The episode brought to mind a curious encounter recounted by columnist Robert Novak in his memoirs, published last year. In March 1981, he and his late partner, Rowland Evans, asked for an interview with President Ronald Reagan for a book they were planning to write about the Reagan Revolution. When they arrived at the Oval Office, they were surprised because press secretary Jim Brady was the only aide present and there was none of the White House recording equipment used for presidential interviews.

"Stranger still," Novak writes, "after about five minutes, Brady glanced at his watch and left the room. We were alone with the president."

In all, Evans and Novak spent about 35 minutes alone with Reagan, discussing the people and ideas that shaped his thinking about economic and foreign policy.

Your columnist had assumed they don't do things like that any more at the White House. Evidently, we may be wrong.

George Bush, the Catholic?

With his warm words of welcome for Pope Benedict XVI, dinner Wednesday for Catholic leaders and an appearance Friday at the National Catholic prayer breakfast, President Bush may be raising a question: Will he follow brother Jeb and close friend Blair and convert to Catholicism?

There's no evidence that conversion is in the offing for the Methodist from Texas -- former associates doubt it would happen -- but there's also no question that in words and deeds Bush has evinced a sympathy and respect for the Catholic Church.

"He is a man of faith who speaks our language," said Austin Ruse, president of the Culture of Life Foundation, in introducing Bush at the prayer breakfast Friday.

Greg Tobin, a Benedict biographer, said that he has discussed recently with colleagues and friends in his parish whether the president might convert.

"Some American Catholics are beginning to wonder whether President Bush might be headed into that direction after his term of office expires," said Tobin, a senior adviser for communications at Seton Hall University. Given the president's language and signals of affection and respect, he said, "I would not be surprised."

The Katrina Watch

President Bush has selected a retired general in the Marine Corps Reserves to take over responsibility for Gulf Coast reconstruction for the duration of his term: Maj. Gen. Douglas V. O'Dell Jr. will be taking over the sensitive post from Donald E. Powell . Among other things, O'Dell commanded a Marine division that helped rescue and evacuate civilians during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

The Bush Book Tour

Before she gets married next month, Jenna Bush is going to be busy: This week, she and first lady Laura Bush are kicking off a tour to promote their new children's book, "Read All About It." They will be giving interviews in New York, including on the "Today" show, before heading for bookstores and schools in New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Texas, the District, Virginia and California. Proceeds are going to fund teacher projects, Laura Bush said in a web interview about the book.

Quote of the Week

"Thank you, Your Holiness. Awesome speech."

-- President Bush, at the White House arrival ceremony for Pope Benedict XVI on April 16