WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush ripped into "Hollywood values" on Monday, in a surprise attack at the entertainment industry that overwhelmingly backs his Democratic foes.
Bush's rhetorical broadside came as he paid tribute to the new chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, noting that his parents were well regarded behind-the-scenes players in the US movie industry.
"Many people are surprised when told about the admiral's show business roots. After all, he is humble, well-grounded and filled with common sense. Not exactly what one thinks about when they think of Hollywood values," said Bush.
Attacking Hollywood is an election-year staple for the president's Republicans, many of whom are bitter about losing control of Congress in November 2006 and fear losing the White House in November 2008 elections.
Asked whether this was a veiled snub aimed at Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson, a former senator with a long career as an actor, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino incredulously replied: "No."
"I don't know how you're drawing that connection," she said.
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