Bush will now be a shoo-in for 2005.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Meanwhile, back in the Oval Office...
"Yes, sir, Mr. President. Only a moron could blow it now. He can start his campaigning -- I would have to say around February/March 2004, to really drive the tough issues to the American public."

"That's good, Fletcher. Damn good."

"China has been keeping an eye on us, this year in particular."

"Oh?"

"Well, I won't say Hu's been shaking in his boots, but..."

"Now, Fletcher... I explained all that."

"Sir?"

"It had been a long time since I had seen the Gill-Man series back to back like that. The Creature Walks Among Us was -- well -- startling, that's all."

"Um, yes, sir."

"Now, what's about China?"

"Well, sir, Hu seemed a little -- I don't want to say scared -- nervous, perhaps, at the last press conference..."

"And I told you about that as well. Why do you keep digging all this up? It was not my fault. The doors were inaccurately marked, that's all, and when you've gotta take a crap, you don't generally look for urinals."

"I was referring to China, sir."

"What?"

"China, and Hu."

"Well, I don't know, do I?"

"Sir...?"

"You know, Fletcher, you're about this far from getting canned."

"Sir, I-I don't know what you mean. I just mentioned China. I thought you might need some cheering up is all."

"Cheering up? How does this cheer me up?"

"Well, I thought if I mentioned Hu's embarrassment..."

"Mine, alright?! It was mine!"

"Um..."

"Get out of here! Go on, git! I might not replace you! MIGHT NOT! Jeez, I'm surrounded by morons!"

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Campaigning in 2004? Remind me to tell the president to have Fletcher replaced -- soon.

Dan (recalls Hu's on first...)