Bush endorsing McCain at the White House

I'm not naive. I know a lot of politicking goes on at the White House. But, to use the White House as a backdrop for a partisan political endorsement seems wrong.

But that's what's happening today according to AP:

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain has an appointment Wednesday with President Bush at the White House for lunch _ and a Bush endorsement.

Once McCain's bitter primary rival himself, the president is rolling out the red carpet. There'll be a formal welcome at the North Portico, followed by lunch in Bush's private dining room and a formal endorsement in the Rose Garden.

I just don't remember such a blatant political campaign event being held there. They're treating McCain like he's a head of state instead of the head of the GOP. It's just one more way for Bush to show his contempt for the White House.

It was the Republicans who made such a big deal during the 90s when the Clintons used the White House for political events. Janet Reno almost had to appoint an independent counsel to shut them up. But, now, under Bush, it's okay.

One thing is clear. With McCain as the nominee, it's business as usual for the GOP. The event is a symbol that a McCain White House would be the same as the Bush White House.