George W. Bush's twins, Jenna and Barbara, wrote an open letter in the Wall Street Journal to new first daughters Sasha and Malia Obama about what the girls can expect while growing up in the White House.
While it was a generous gesture, the twins are certainly their father's daughters. What I'm saying is, if you want a letter to be noticed by a 10-year-old and a 7-year-old, there must be a better location than the opinion page of the Wall Street Journal. Sorry, Jonas Brothers. Move over, Miley Cyrus. The Bush twins know who pre-teens are really into these days, and thy
name is Peggy Noonan.
The note was a window into what it was like living in the most famous mansion in America and included recommendations like:
–Surround yourself with loyal friends.
–If you ever need a hug, go find (White House Usher) Ramsey.
–When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.
–Remember who your dad really is.
The letter reportedly went through many drafts. We are proud to present a section of the first draft of the note, in the form of a transcript of an audio tape the Bush girls made in order to shape their initial thoughts. While it doesn't bear much resemblance to the final letter, it provides an interesting look into the creative process of these mature and selfless young women.
THE BUSH TWINS: "DEAR SASHA AND MALIA:" TAPE ONE
Jenna: OK- Shut up, we're taping.
Barbara: We're taping? For what?
Jenna: For Sasha and Malia Obama. You know, the letter?
Barbara: The letter?
Jenna: You remember, for the next first kids? Chelsea Clinton sent us one in 2000.
Barbara: The one that totally told us how to get weed delivered to the White House?
Jenna: Bingo. We should totally do that for Sasha and Malia.
Barbara: But they're like only 11-years-old. Anyway, do you have a pen and paper?
Jenna: I told you, we're taping it. How do you think I wrote that children's book? Tape now, transcribe later. You start.
Barbara: No, you. (laughter)
Jenna: OK, here goes: (clears throat) "Dear S&M," (laughter)
Barbara: Omi-gwad! S&M! Get it?! (Laughter)
Jenna: Shut up, Barbara! They're like little kids. They don't know what S&M even is!
(laughter- inaudible)
Barbara: OKOKOK! Seriously. No laughing now. No laughing.
Jenna: OK. "Dear Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our father moved into the White House."
Barbara: No we weren't.
Jenna: Yes we were.
Barbara: We were seven when Grandpa moved into the White House.
Jenna: How old were we when Daddy won?
Barbara: Eighteen.
Jenna: Oh, that's right! We could finally drink legally.
Barbara: No, that was the second time he won.
Jenna: Daddy won twice?
Barbara: Yes.
Jenna: Wow. Wasn't he like, awful at his job?
Barbara: Kinda. But you're getting off track. Do you remember how you felt at his inauguration?
Jenna: I was on stage, it was outside and it was cold. I'm not sure if that was Daddy's or Grandpa's though. Which one was in January?
Barbara: It always happens outside in January, so all of them.
Jenna: Well I don't remember then. It was stupid. Say we were cold.
Barbara: Maybe we could say "being seven, we didn't quite understand the gravity of the position that he was entering."
Jenna: OK. Oh, and make sure to say that Ramsey can get you the best buds.
Barbara: How about we just say "hugs?"
Jenna: Whatever. I'm bored.
END OF FIRST TAPE
