At the White House for the Award, and Role, of a Lifetime

Did you notice that Cuba Gooding Jr. was at the White House yesterday? He was studying world-renowned doctor Ben Carson, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor.

The Oscar-winning actor ("Jerry Maguire," "Men of Honor") has signed to play the 56-year-old Carson in an upcoming biopic, and the two men met for the first time Wednesday at the home of commentator Armstrong Williams-- and immediately clicked. "I can tell I like this guy," Carson said. "He's got a spirit. I've met a lot of people from Hollywood, but there are not a lot I like."

As director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, the Baltimore physician is best known for separating conjoined twins. He's received hundreds of awards and honors, and has been the subject of several books and a play. The movie project, based on Carson's autobiography "Gifted Hands," has been in the works for a decade but never got off the ground until Gooding signed on. (Even now, the shooting schedule is up in the air due to a possible actors' strike; the film, directed by Thomas Carter, is slated to air on TNT.)

The 40-year-old star told us he was attracted to the part because he wants children -- especially African American children -- to be inspired not only by rappers and sports stars but professionals such as Carson. "You get a role like this, and you know it's an important opportunity," he said.

Does Carson have any acting tips for his new buddy? The doctor smiled, then said, "I'm relatively soft-spoken and quiet. Still intense. I do a lot of observing, analyzing, but not a lot of commentary. In Washington, everyone likes to talk, and no one likes to listen."

Obama Is in the Driver's Seat at Kennedy Family Fundraiser

A chance to mingle with Barack Obama at the Kennedy family homestead: $28,500.

A chance to drive Ethel Kennedy's golf cart: priceless.

So it went at Wednesday's fundraiser for the Democratic candidate at Hickory Hill in McLean, which RFK's son Max Kennedy told guests would generate "more money ever raised for any candidate in the history of this household." Roughly 200 folks dropping nearly 30 large apiece -- you do the math. (Answer: an estimated $5.7 million.) Kennedy also cheered the first election in decades that doesn't feature a Bush or Clinton on the ballot: "There is nothing that ticks me off more in politics than someone trying to get by on the basis of their family name."

Our colleague Anne Kornblut reports the candidate gushed about being in the historic home, "to be able to draw inspiration not from a distance but up close, to be able to hold Ethel Kennedy's hand." Also: "She let me drive the golf cart" from the main house to the event, Obama said. "I don't get to drive much these days."

Hey, Isn't That . . . ?

· A passel of Redskins -- Chris Cooley, Randy Thomas, Rock Cartwright, Reed Doughty-- at the Rayburn House Office Building, all wearing uniform jerseys over suit pants and collared shirts. (Hey, makes it easier to recognize them!) The foursome were on the Hill advocating for programs to treat and prevent kidney disease. Thomas told a poignant story about going to dialysis with his grandmother; Doughty talked about his son's kidney transplant.

· Michael Keaton dining with fellow actor, the ever-rugged Tom Skerritt, and about eight others at Charlie Palmer Steak on Capitol Hill on Wednesday after cocktails at the bar. The former "Batman" star (camel jacket, black-frame glasses) told a fan they were here to lobby for environmental issues.

Love, Etc.

· Born: A baby girl to teen starlet Jamie Lynn Spears, 17, and her pipe-fitter boyfriend from back home, Casey Aldridge, 19, ending the most closely watched underage celebrity pregnancy since . . . well, ever. The child (named Maddie Briann, according to People and OK!) was born early yesterday in a south Mississippi hospital; weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces (according to Us and OK!). Britney's younger sister, who starred on Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101," and Aldridge are reportedly engaged.