Striding Out

The President met with our staunch ally, the Australian PM John Howard. I have long thought that Australia most appreciates the American pioneer spirit, and Americans most appreciate Australia's can do attitude and gutsy independence.

I wish we weren't at such a distance, I've never been, but I intend to go one day, since, as the president quipped, Forbes:

In toasting Australia's prime minister at a White House dinner Tuesday night, President Bush quoted former President Reagan, who used to say it was "morning in America."

"That's still true for our country," Bush said, cheerfully. "We're really an optimistic people, and we firmly believe the best days are ahead for our country."

Then, Bush joked: "It's also comforting to know that on the other side of the world, it's already morning in Australia."

And talked about a place close to his heart. Washington Post:

"I always reminded my friends who talked to me about countries around the world, I said, I can't think of a country, a place, more like Texas than Australia. And," he added to make it clear, "that's a compliment."

Maybe it's something to do with wearing wide-brimmed hats to stride out in all weathers.

UPDATE: PM Howard will be in Chicago today at the Merc this afternoon and at a Council on Foreign Relations dinner this evening. Lynn Sweet blog.