New In Brief - Thursday 29 September 2005

New White House Riff As First Lady Forced To Visit Hurricane Zone

Staff Complains To Card, Rove; First Lady Upset With New Relief Role

More trouble for the White House is surfacing as staff members for the First Lady have complained to Chief of Staff Andy Card that Special Advisor Karl Rove is "forcing" Laura Bush to visit the hurricane-stricken Gulf Region.

Earlier this week, the First Lady was flown to Biloxi, Mississippi, to make a cameo appearance on the blockbuster ABC reality show 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'. The program with the First Lady is schedule to be broadcast in November.

With a camera crew following her, the First Lady met with hurricane victims and listened to their stories, as well as taking part in passing out clothing, food and supplies.

The First Lady is no stranger to television, having previously made appearances on "Oprah", "Dr. Phil" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno".

According to staff members, the First Lady "doesn't embrace her husbands excitement" with visiting the areas hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. And they are upset that Rove is forcing this on Mrs. Bush.

"She's not running for office and she doesn't have a policy agenda," said one staff member.

Reportedly, the First Lady is "taking good notes" for next years' White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Last year, Mrs. Bush drew widespread attention with a racy monologue, comparing herself to "Desperate Housewife" a for the early bedtime of the President.

"We've told Card, and Rove," said the staffer, "that she's made her appearance, did her job and that she's not going back down there again.