First Lady Shows Comic Side

WASHINGTON – Laura Leno Bush?

That's the new nickname President Bush has given the first lady, whose comedy routine at a weekend dinner was still the talk in Washington on Monday.

In the Rose Garden to help present awards for preservation projects across the nation, Mrs. Bush noted that May -- National Preservation Month (search) -- is a great month for Americans to visit the nation's top historical and cultural sites.

"They're wonderful destinations for school field trips, for family adventures -- or even for a romantic getaway," Mrs. Bush said, prompting laughter and applause.

"A couple of funny lines one evening and she gets carried away," Bush shot back. "Laura Leno Bush!' he exclaimed, likening her to late-night comedian Jay Leno of the "Tonight" show.

It was clear the first couple was milking the popularity of Mrs. Bush's speech Saturday night at the White House Correspondents' Association (search) dinner, where she upstaged him with an unexpected, yet scripted, roast. In her remarks, she portrayed herself as a desperate housewife who sneaks out to Chippendales male dancing club while her husband -- "Mr. Excitement" -- goes to bed by 9 o'clock.

Mrs. Bush took another jab at the president as he announced a preservation award being given to Bolduc Historic Properties (search), which maintains three houses in a French Colonial settlement in St. Genevieve, Mo., along the Mississippi River.

"The restoration of the 18th Bolduc House has attracted visitors from around the country ..." Bush said.

"Eighteenth century," Mrs. Bush said, correcting the president.

"You've become a comedian and an editor," Bush deadpanned.