Goose Steps and Hip Wiggles

"Ongoing fights in violent separatist regions, military campaigns against terrorists in the Pankisi Gorge and the recent abductions of foreigners presented security challenges that required Bush to deliver his open-air speech from a podium surrounded by a high wall of a clear bulletproof screen with sharpshooters on rooftops surrounding the square.

"But the safety concerns were outweighed by Bush's desire to lend support to this ex-Soviet satellite and hold it up as a success story in his pursuit of spreading democracy."

Here is the text of his speech: "You are making many important contributions to freedom's cause, but your most important contribution is your example. In recent months, the world has marveled at the hopeful changes taking place from Baghdad to Beirut to Bishkek. But before there was a Purple Revolution in Iraq, or an Orange Revolution in Ukraine, or a Cedar Revolution in Lebanon, there was the Rose Revolution in Georgia. (Applause.) Your courage is inspiring democratic reformers and sending a message that echos across the world: Freedom will be the future of every nation and every people on Earth. (Applause.)"

Dancing Man

Bush arrived in Georgia last night and was clearly in high spirits -- possibly in as high spirits as the press corps has ever seen him.

Peter Baker writes in The Washington Post: "Maybe it was his wife's televised teasing about going to bed so early, but 'Mr. Excitement,' as Laura Bush sarcastically dubbed the president a week ago, seemed eager to live up to the nickname Monday night.

"Landing here for the final stop on a five-day European trip, President Bush found himself overwhelmed by an enthusiastic welcome the likes of which he doesn't get in many countries. Between the fireworks and folk dancing, Bush got so into the spirit that he wound up throwing out his schedule, staying out late and even wiggling his hips in a decidedly un-Bush-like dance move."

Elisabeth Bumiller writes in the New York Times: "After a morning spent watching columns of Russian troops goose-step across Red Square in Moscow, President Bush arrived Monday night in this former Soviet republic, climbed up on a street stage of Georgian dancers, then swiveled his hips in tune to blasting folk music.

"Mr. Bush, whose previous dancing in public has been limited to brief waltzes with his wife, gyrated for only a few moments. But it was long enough to be captured in a scene that was replayed on Georgian television into the night.

"Georgians seemed taken aback but pleased, and gave polite good reviews to Mr. Bush's Elvis-like moves."

Peter Wallsten writes in the Los Angeles Times: "He was roasted just days ago by his own wife as a dullard who goes to bed too early. But upon his arrival in this former Soviet republic Monday night, President Bush was suddenly overcome with the pulsating rhythms of local bands, throwing his hands in the air and gyrating his hips."

Bill Plante of CBS News shows a brief clip of Bush's swiveling at about the 1:40 mark of his report.