Posted by Mark Silva at 3 pm CDT
During his reelection campaign, President Bush loved to tell audiences that the prime minister of Japan is an Elvis fan.
Now Bush is taking PM Junichiro Koizumi to Graceland.
The story about Koizumi's affection for Elvis Presley is Bush's way of explaining how close the United States and Japan have grown decades after going to war. And for Bush, whose father fought during World War II, boasting of his friendship with Koizumi is his way of talking about the healing power of democracy.
But this is getting serious: The White House today announced that the president and First Lady Laura Bush will accompany Koizumi to Memphis, Tenn. on June 30, the day after the Japanese prime minister visits the White House. One wonders which house is more appealing to Koizumi.
"The two leaders will visit Graceland Mansion,'' the president's press secretary announced today, with a nod to "the Presley family'' as well as "the beauty and warm hospitality of the people of the Volunteer State.''
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