If you thought Pres. George W. Bush was going to remain presidentially above campaigning this year, guess again. Last Friday he did a fundraiser in Houston for Pete Olson (formerly a staffer for both Phil Gramm and Sen. John Cornyn, now running against Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson in the 22nd Texas Congressional District.) After asking for the cameras to be turned off, Dubya launched into one of his famous stand-up routines. Of course, the cameras were on.

But did Bush pull a Phil Gramm (showing a pre-8th grade grasp of economics and a tin ear all in one speech) or a Jesse Jackson (not realizing the mic is never off)?

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This article appears in July 18 • 2008.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.