[I’ve had politics on the brain for quite some time now. In the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, I’ve been bombarded with news and this has helped to set it off. My trouble is that when I think too much, I don’t get enough sleep.

Unsurprisingly, politics permeates almost everything nowadays. George Bush has given a number of statements regarding the tragedy and after listening to them; I realize how similar much of what he says is. I found myself wishing that instead of occasional press conferences that are like watching little league softball matches, that he would agree to a hard-hitting in-depth interview and answer some of the questions that the mainstream media has put on a lower priority.

A few nights ago I went to sleep and dreamt that it came true. I was a talk-show host and had secured an agreement with our Resident-in-Chief to an extensive interview with no rules or regulations attached to it. It was going to be a one-on-one discussion with the Main Man in Charge about everything and anything. No agenda was outlined for me; I was free to ask what I pleased.

In my dream, I was set up and the cameras were ready to roll. George Bush emerged from the dressing room dressed informally in jeans and a striped button down shirt. His sleeves were rolled up halfway on his arms. He walked with a purposeful stride and a slightly bemused look on his face. We shook hands firmly, and I could swear I saw a slight twinkle in his eye. Secret Service men were lined up around the perimeter, but they were unobtrusive.

He sat down then in an old chair that I conjured from my childhood that was a favorite of mine. It was a tattered old thing, but I always found it comfortable once you found the sweet spot to sit in. Mr. Bush was unable to quite find the sweet spot and he shifted a couple of times uncomfortably until he settled into a workable posture. “I see you brought out the nice furniture for me” he joked good naturedly, and I laughed along with him, beginning to like this man.

I smiled and reminded him that tonight was going to be an informal discussion about all of his policies. I warned him that some of the questions might be very pointed, direct and unflattering. I cautioned him that, as in a debate, I was free to rebut any of his statements or ask for further elaboration, but that unlike a formalized debate that there would be no rules or timers. Each speaker would be given an opportunity to say their piece.

“Bring it on,” he laughed, and I smiled. Yes, I definitely beginning to like this guy.

At that point, we were told that cameras would be rolling in 5….4….3….2….

…And now we move to the transcript of my dream interview]

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