First, a disclaimer. This interview is a work of fiction.
I happened to meet a US senator in India who invited me for a drink and dinner at a hotel where he was put up. The purpose of the meeting obviously was a public relation exercise on his part to remove what he felt was a “ distorted picture of” the Bush administration which was emerging in world newspapers.
But unfortunately after a few pegs, the senator got high and revealed some interesting information which perhaps he might not have if he were in the sober frame of mind.
After finishing the fifth drink, the senator said “ the president is very upset over the whole shoe throwing incident”. Agreeing with the senator I told him it was understandable. After all he was the president of world’s most powerful country.
Shaking the whiskey in the glass, the senator said “ this was a supreme insult. The media should also have observed some restraint. The manner in which the television channels were repeatedly showing it was certainly in bad taste” he said.
I said “ I understand the feelings of the president. He must have been disturbed because of the world opinion against him”
Putting a cube of ice in his glass , he said “ public opinion? My foot. Which American President has ever bothered about it? “ he asked. Before I could ask any further question he said “ Look one president ordered bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in which thousands were killed. Did he bother about the public opinion? Then another president forced the country to go to war with Vietnam . Do you think he had any regard for public opinion?” . Then one president had a torrid affair with White House intern and did things with her which could make Vatsayan of Kamasutra blush . Did he bother about public opinion?” the senator asked.
I asked him “ then why do you think he is so upset? “ . Pouring sixth round of drink for himself, the senator said “ that’s becauseof his grandson.”. I said “ his real grandson?” The senator said “well it is his relatives little son whom he really adores as his grandson.”
With concern I asked him “well what happened to him”?.
The senator took a sip from his drink and said “ he won the first prize in a unique competition scoring 98 marks out of 100”.
Puzzled I said “ But that’s a reason for him to be proud of. Why should he be depressed?”
The senator gulped the whole glass and said “ it was an animation contest, where you have to throw shoes at you know whom”.
