A Russian Daily reported that Hastert got caught trying to throw his weight around on his visit to Russia. His assignment from George W. was to thank Mr. Putin for his hard line with Iran. However once he delivered his message he got himself into a bit of a tight spot. . .
What a sight it must have been to see this scene the newspaper describes.
"Mr. Gryzlov and Mr. Putin then turned over the floor to the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Dennis Hastert, whose remarks focused mainly on the situation with Iran. Mr. Hastert called Iran an exporter of terrorism whose influence, especially in terms of financial support, is obvious in the workings of Hezbollah and Hamas. He also conveyed greetings to Mr. Putin from US President George Bush.
"The President of the United States asked me to thank you for your cooperation in the question of Iran," he said, framing his remark in a way that managed to make it sound as though President Putin were a mere collaborator of Bush's. "All that is necessary now is to make sure that our patience is not misinterpreted as weakness. I am glad that together we are trying to put this problem to rest."
The meeting ended on a lighter note as the delegates broke for lunch. Speaker Hastert, who is not a small man, got stuck in the door of a minibus and had to be pushed the rest of the way in by Mr. Putin. An unparliamentary method, to be sure, but a successful one."
What a sight Mr. Putin push'n Denny into the van from behind. Trying to cram his bulky frame into the minivan. It didn't say if there was any room left over for Mr. Putin or if he had to take a different van. I guess that's the danger of having all the pork you want.