WASHINGTON (CNN) - Only one thing breaks the sound of silence at the White House today – the pounding of hammers outside the north fence as workers construct the inaugural parade grandstand.
President Bush, for the fifth day in a row, has no public events on his schedule. Even the daily White House briefing has been cancelled for Tuesday.
Mr. Bush and First Lady Laura cast their ballots for John McCain via absentee ballot on October 24th. In every preceding election, the President voted in person at the polls in Crawford, Texas.
Related: Bush absent from the campaign trail
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino says President Bush plans to stay at the White House tonight and watch election returns come in with family and friends, while celebrating Laura Bush's 62nd birthday.
At the White House briefing Monday, Perino commented not only on the president's absence from the campaign trail – but from the ballot.
"It's the first time in 14 years that President Bush hasn't been on the ballot," said Perino. "And that's a different role for him than in the past."
Regarding President Bush's dropping out of sight this week, Perino explained, "Look, we are realistic about the political environment that we are in. The Republican Party wanted to make this election about John McCain, and that's appropriate."
Perino blamed the President's low 28 percent approval ratings in part on unpopular actions he's taken like proposing the 700 billion dollar financial rescue plan.
"And often when you do big things and you make tough decisions, they're not popular. President Bush understands that," said Perino. "When he goes home to Texas, President Bush will be able to look in the mirror and know that he was true to his values and true to his principles. And that's what keeps him going."
From CNN Politics
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let him rot in hell
May God Bless our world.
Vote Obama.
The bailout is NOT the reason why his approval rating is in the tank. Were they even watching his ratings prior to the bailout? They were crap then. As a president, he's done lots of unpopular things that has gotten us nowhere but recession. I can't wait until he is out!
The Watcher November 4th, 2008 10:59 am ET
He was preparing the way for this "Messiah". Now that he has arrived, Bush's role must decrease while the annointed One increases.
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Don't you mean "That One?"
CNN's doing its best scare-mongering. what a disgrace.
This has been the best 5 days of his presidency...and where the heck is Cheney? Counting his millions I presume and laughing all the way to the bank. Yes, they will have to look at themselves in the mirror...
Trust nothing…no articles…don't get overconfident.
Go out and vote Obama. Bring snack and your patience!!!
Bush is AWOL. Probably hiding in his bunker and left Barack's cousin in charge. Thank God this is over. God Speed, Barack Obama. Let's make the world work now.
In like a lion and now out like a lamb. Tail tucked and everyone is running away. The emperor trulty wore no cloths! 8 years down the .....
CNN should stop posting headlines pretending that there is a horse race going. Stop playing with Mccains and Palins emotions. Mccain may die of a heart attack and Sarah Palin may have a breakdown and go into a shooting spree. It all would be CNN's fault.
Just voted for Obama!
Fired Up! Ready to go!
He's probably wherever Osama Bin Laden is! Anyways let him stay as we usher in CHANGE!!!
If I had ruined my country and my political party I probably would not come out of my house either.
He is a disgrace to his country. PERIOD!
Mc Bush words, I AM NOT GEORGE BUSH, but they Look like TWINS...
Bush is the worst President in our nation's history and his henchman Cheney the most corrupt.
It's in President Bush's best interests to stay out of the limelight. He could only hurt McCain's chances even moreso. Needless to say, I am a registered Democrat and just cast my vote earlier this AM when the polls opened for the BETTER Candidate – BARACK OBAMA – ALL THE WAY IN 2008 !! CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN – YES WE CAN...{:o) And remember one thing folks – For Barack Obama to succeed with all of his important campaign promises and highly critical agenda items – the Future PRESIDENT OBAMA needs a Majority Democratic House and Senate to back him up – VOTE DEMOCRATIC DOWN THE LINE and get these crooked Republicans on the 'unemployment' line !!
President Bush and the First Lady are tidying up the White House for Michelle and Barack Obama of course!
Is George drinking Again?
Bush will present when McCain gets sworn in!!!
George W. who? Obama's my president....VOTE!
I was wondering where the 2 war criminals in the White House were hiding today.
Bush and his cronies should all be charged with crimes against humanity before he leaves office.
No matter, that awful smell from the last 8 years has almost dissipated. I smell an Obama landslide today. Woo Hoo
Obama/Biden TODAY!!!
If GW looks in the mirror it will shatter!!!!
America – our long national nightmare is nearly over. Let us resolve never to repeat the mistakes of the past eight years.
2 more months and we'll never have to see that man again..
except for us here in texas where he is moving back and trust us we don't want 'em either!