Bush Holds Birthday Dinner for First Lady

As the Republican Party grappled with devastating losses across the country, President Bush spent Election Day eating coconut cake at the White House in honor of his wife's 62nd birthday.

Bush, who has avoided public appearances over the past four days, had an "enjoyable dinner" with several friends and senior aides in the Old Family Dining Room, according to White House press secretary Dana Perino.

"In celebration of Mrs. Bush's birthday, they shared a meal of some of her favorite dishes and a coconut birthday cake," Perino said in a statement, adding that Bush gave the first lady "a pair of beautiful earrings" as a gift.

The dinner menu was not disclosed, but it included several of Laura Bush's favorite dishes, Perino said. The gathering began with a toast by the president, who ended by saying: "And may God bless whoever wins tonight."

Perino said the Bushes and senior aides planned to monitor election results last night.

President Bush -- who has remained unpopular with a majority of Americans for most of his second term -- has laid low during the presidential race out of deference to GOP nominee John McCain and other Republican candidates, who have sought to distance themselves from the administration.

Rather than voting at the firehouse in Crawford, Tex., as he has for the past three elections, Bush this year sent in a mail-in ballot for McCain. He has avoided making detailed comments regarding the campaign, and aides say he has remained focused on the economic crisis and other issues while candidates of both parties attacked his presidency.

"The president believes tonight is a night to appreciate the strength of our country and our democracy, as citizens from all over the country exercised their right to vote today, after a historic campaign," Perino said. She added that Bush would ensure that the transition to a new president "is as smooth as possible."