Karen H., San Diego, California: "The only people who showed a lack of class are the reporters from the leftist press. Good God, people, get a grip. At least in the Bush White House the rugs aren't stained with presidential semen and he doesn't put cigars in the private parts of White House interns."

No, the Bush white house is stained with the blood of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians to say nothing of a national debt that your grandchildren will still be paying off. The shreds of US credibility don't begin to cover that. I suggest you run back to Redstate.org if you really believe that the Times is leftist. This international joke of a president you are still defending has managed to go way beyond Clinton and actually screw two entire countries. How his Saudi paymasters must be laughing....

Dan, Hampton, UK

I, like so many of you, am embarrassed . . . . but for several entirely different reasons:

I'm embarrassed for all the English speakers here who never mastered 5th grade spelling. I'm embarrassed for the Aussies and Brits who think that all Americans are Homer Simpson and that the rest of the industrialized world is erudite and sophisticated (Having travelled internationally all my life, I know far better.). I'm embarrassed for Americans who adopt a nauseating faux-English manner when talking around Brits (Just speak normally, we already know you're a vacuum cleaner salesman from Iowa, and that's perfectly ok.). I'm embarrassed for anyone who actually thinks our President is a Texan (He invented that persona after losing a 1978 TX congressional election as an east-coast fortunate son with no real connection to west Texas.). FInally, I'm embarrassed for the shrill people who think Bush is evil (Like Jimmy Carter, he's really a pretty cool guy, just not a very good president.).

James Davis, San Antonio , TX USA

you would have to listen to the majority of the people.listen to their opinion about americans. your president has given the americans the image , and people and myself are amazed at the fact that how on earth did this imbecile manage to become the president of a great nation and not just one term but a second term ?
how could you not see where he was going?
this man is only a puppet of the oil cartel and nothing else.do you americans really and honestly think you and the world is better off with bush's presidency?are we really safer from the terrorists?was this all to stop terrorism?no of course not.this was all about oil.
i think in yeras to come we will witness osama bin laden the terrorist going to usa hugging the president and maybe he'll even get a noble peace prize.
yes my friend this is all a game to politicians.the only thing is that when they lose in the game we the people pay heavily with our blood of sons and daughters and when they win they take it all.
this is a game

ebbi, london,

Yep, we here in the U.S. are just country bumkins. We can't spell, use correct diction, and yes, on occasions, we incorrectly misspeak. It seems the only things we can do is create the largest and most powerful economy in the world, send men to the moon, led the world in medical and technological advances, invent the internet and provide more economic support to the rest of the world than any other country. UK and Europe, get over yourselves. We don't bow to royalty and we don't live under your rule. That issue was decided in 1776. I am not embarressed for my country. I am enbarrassed that a newspaper feels this matter is newsworthy and misstates facts in the body of the article whcih constitute this alleged gaff.

American Thinker, Los Angeles, CA

Bush has given us plenty of more serious reasons to be embarrassed since he took office. This isn't news.

What I find baffling is America's strange obsession with the British monarchy. This archaic figurehead spends a few days on our shores and we fawn over her like we were still her subjects. This is not to bash Britain for having its traditions, it's just that we abandoned those traditions more than 230 years ago.

E Johnson, Kutztown, PA, US

The Queen timed her visit in order to attend the Kentucky Derby & visit her horses in that same state. Everything else was time filler. If you will notice, she flew into Lexington & stayed at Lanes End Farm & only the morning of the race did she travel to Louisville arriving a couple races before the derby. She has made four private visits to that same area (Woodford County, Ky) in previous years to visit her horses between 1983 & 1991 (according to the Lexington, Ky newspaper).

Jo, Spokane, WA

Oh my goodness!! The President WINKED at the Queen!! How absolutely horrifying, how lower class, how tawdry!! For goodness sake people, she probably enjoyed it along with his other jokes. Did it ever occur to you that she might get sick and tired of everyone pandering to her and kissing her backside? As far as you other US posters saying you are embarrassed for your country, well all I can say is it doesn't take much. I hope all of you were equally embarrassed by Clinton's behavior in the White House but of course he gets a pass on everything.

And no, even though she may be a queen and a very nice person she is not queen of the US and none of us here should be curtseying to her. You people need to get out more. She isn't God!

Deborah, Sault Ste MaArie , MI, USA

I am embarrassed only for the people of America who seem to think that they should be embarrassed by our President! Shame on them. He and his wife represent the real Americans who are proud of them and know them to be very genuine. He joked with the Queen of England and I'm sure she understands a joke and a wink to be something that is done purely in fun. Probably a nice contrast to all the "pomp and circumstance" that surrounds her everyday. To the rest of you who find it fashionable to apologize for our President and his wife, I feel sorry for you, but please don't include me as sharing your opinions. I am proud to be American, proud to have voted twice for President Bush, and proud to have the Queen of England visit our country. God bless us all!

Cheryl, Meridian, Idaho

I found it truly pathetic that a simple and perfectly understandable slip of the tongue (not even a mistake, just a switching of digits) makes the headline and focus of the article in pretty much every newspaper around the world. With added derogatory comments about how much of an idiot the American president is.
I'm not saying he's brilliant or anything, but by Jove the putrid schoolboy hate the radicalised left-orientated media has for Bush is apalling. Get a grip.

Adam Prentis, Kladno, Czech Republic

DFCoates shows an unfortunate, and common, arrogance amongst the English (and NYTimes) that claims that any American who voted for Bush is stupid (as are the Military in Iraq). As one such voter, English by birth, I ejoyed W's gaffe with the Queen, and admired his sense of spontaneous comic timing - he is better when unscripted and himself.

I was educated in the UK, so what I have learned about Lincoln comes mainly from US TV - again, extraodinary arrogance and ignorance from DFCoates to assume that Americans are uneducated in their own history.

David Williamson, Tucson, The land of stupidity

Bush's slip of the dates was a nothing more than a bit of a laugh - but didn't I see him sit down to dinner before the Queen!
I wouldn't dream of doing that with my wife let alone the Queen!
This is the height of bad manners-but then the Americans always look after themselves first whatever the circumstances.

Stephen, Nairobi, Kenya

Stephen, Nairobi, Kenya

Look he made a gaff, it was funny, he does mangle his language, it was a high-profile event (knowing the British press) they had to laugh at him. What I find really funny are the hurt and angry resonses, if anything the Times is a prety moderate conservative newspaper which is why I read it. Also amusing are the 'were American and proud of it' type comments and the leave poor Bush alone comments. I think they can handle themselves and theyr politicians, theryr are by definition (almost always) not 'nice' people. In my opinion Laura Bush should clearly have curtsied as a sign of repsect and not because she's her ruler and I think the majority of the world would agree that it was inapropriate for Bush to wink at the Queen. I would however agree that this is a frivolous story and we should be reading about their speeches in full but the thats sadly the way of the world these days.

Jim, london, UK

The only people who showed a lack of class are the reporters from the leftist press. Good God, people, get a grip. At least in the Bush White House the rugs aren't stained with presidential semen and he doesn't put cigars in the private parts of White House interns. You Clinnochio lovers can't say that. And Christine from Dublin, since you're such a perfect perfect person who never makes a slip of the tongue or an error, I'm sure you'll be glad to apologize for your "gaffe" and "blunder" in saying the election was in 2001. It was in November of 2000. And Bush WAS elected, by ALL counts. I know it's fashionable amongst the left to pretend otherwise, but you merely demonstrate "Bush derangement syndrome." Wipe the foam from around your mouth, I don't know what they do with rabid dogs in Ireland, and the UK but I can imagine.

Karen H., San Diego, California

After you have read the Biography of Abraham Lincoln you will just know that George Bush does not deserve to be in the White House. How any American can have voted for him twice never mind the first time is a mystery to me.
Then again how many Americans know who Lincoln was?

DFCoates, Brighton, Sussex UK

Edward Trevor, a hanging? Did you realise that US is an independent and sovereign nation and Her Majesty was not in Her Kingdom and domaines nor Americans are her "subjects"?! Or do you think that the entire world is Commonwealth´s territory?

So, try to think a bit before writing. That will, for sure, avoid that kind of "neocolonial british statements".

Adérito Almeida, Coimbra,

Please excuse us our president, his wife and cabinet. Remember that he was not voted in to office. It's like having Dan Quayle all over again! He'll be out in two years; for this moment we wait...
Also, please be aware that most of the Americans hate the Iraq war.
On the other hand, we Yanks love your Queen!
Finally, please don't let Prince Harry go to Iraq! He's the "spare", and a fine lad at that.

carolyn , Middlebury, Vermont

Mr. Bush but had a little problem with the dates? Amazed I am sir.
Mr. Bush remembers the 9/11 every second that we are fed up and the Queen may not mention this British are fed up and YO Blaire is totally out of the office because of the date 9/11 and 7/7.
Mr. Bush forgets the dates. The Katrina victims still not settled. The Tsunami UN farce and the Libby Scooter take off. The contacts offered to Dick Cheney for the rebuilding the infrastructures in Iraq. He forgets the green dress the RP, Madam wore in Syria and he was annoyed. He fidgets with many things. 400 year of wiped out Indians remembers, he forgets. Oh, give me break.

Firozali A.Mulla MBA PhD, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania

First of all to Buster of Nottingham. You hit it on the head Buster...we do have blind confidence,and thats what makes this the best country on earth! Hey the Queen looked great! Her royal bearing is impeccable, and thats what we all want, and love to see over here. You Brits should be very proud of her! All of you may think we don't have respect for much, but I'm here to tell you. We have one hell of a lot of respect for that woman! As for George. Everyones got an opinion, but theres one thing you have to admit. The guy is genuine! And perhaps one reason many don't like him is he makes the same mistakes and faux pas that all of us do daily.
I hope she comes again soon. Shes a real class act!

Murph, Madisonville , KY/USA

George Bush's "slip of the tingue" was not silly - it was a good joke, and I think the Queen took it the right way - I very much doubt she was offended. Give the guy a break! It seems to me this was a very successful state visit. And, also, there is no need for Mrs Bush to curtsey to the Queen - she is not one of her "subjects".

Martin Evans, Newmarket, Suffolk

A total disgrace that the wife of the US President did not curtsey to Her Majesty. In days gone by that could have meant a hanging. Perhaps Mrs Bush should now be sent to an English school to learn to be polite.

Edward Trevor, MBE, St Helier, Jersey

I do believe Kathleen from Liverpool hit the nail on the proverbial head.

Katie, Colorado, U.S.

In Texas, we do not say "Yo". That greeting is normally associated with people in the Northeast United States like in Philadelphia or New York. Texans would begin the greeting in a more Southern manner, perhaps by starting out with "Hey".

Michael Campbell, Dallas, USA/Texas

Good God I just saw the clip, it look like Queen was having just as much fun with it as Pres. Bush. Bush did not say 1796, he was about to say 1776 and he stopped himself and joked with the Queen. I thought it was all harmless and made the Queen smile. Should have made us all smile!

Jay , Chicago, IL

Wow, what earth shattering news...
I saw the report on the news yesterday evening and thought it was quite funny. The Queen certainly seemed amused! I did not expect it to be the most commented on story on here. To the Americans who think it necessary to be embarrassed, assure us or apologise about this... seriously, get a life.

How can a friendly wink ever be mortifying? Honest to goodness, stop the world I want to get off!

And who the heck ever refers to our Queen as "Queen of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"?? Not I or anyone I know! Are we to always call Bush "President of the United States of America"? Life's too short for being so pedantic.

Kathleen Cobhain, Liverpool, UK

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen in Right of Canada continues to inspire dignity and decorum in a world of idiocy and ignominy. Would that we could see the same from our prime ministers and presidents!

D L Hunt, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I think the dinner went very well..Her Majesty looked beautiful, and Mrs.Bush did a good job in the arranging of it all.I think Her Majesty was pleased, and we all make mistakes..I dont think she , or any of the world can be so upset..Mr.Bush means well. poor dear.....worst behavior of the night..Mickey Rooney kissing Her M/ajesty's hand..he should have known better! And she got to meet the prize jockey of the Kentucky Derby!!!

susan mills, st.pete beach, usa/florida

Has it escaped everyone's notice that this was an intentional joke on his part? He was poking fun at her age (and length on the throne) by first joking she was with us in 1776, and then say she gave him a look a mother gives her son. Bush may be inarticulate and something of a country bumpkin, but he does have a sense of humor.

jh, California,

Good Lord, Bush saying 1796 by accident is considered newsworthy enough for an article? 1) He's George W. Bush...we have calanders of "bush-isms" so this is hardly new, 2) Presidents have clearly done more embarrasing things in front of foreign heads of state (his father had a few), and 3) It was a slip of the tongue. It isn't as if he really thought it was 1796. The queen did not appear offended and since most Britains (or Americans for that matter) don't know the date of American independence anyhow, it really doesn't much matter.

Bottom line, there has to be something more important to write on than this.

Kacia, Columbus, United States/Ohio

Its so typically George W. The man's not the sharpest knife in the drawer - a lot of us were just waiting for him to put his foot in it - and we weren't disappointed.

I would love to know what HRM was thinking when she gave Dubya that look - good on her - it was a perfect response!

Hawk, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

She didn't curstsy to the HM the Queen? Believe it or not, I'm embarrassed to be American.

This inconclusively proves that we are fast becoming a nation of classless, clueless chavs, who don't even have the basic common sense to walk through a car park safely or how to properly answer a telephone. To put it bluntly, many Americans simply lack the simple courage required to show respect for others, and the ambition to think independently.

I'm an American many generations over--for over three hundred years there's been a member of my family tree on American soil--and On behalf those of us Americans who still highly value courtsey and respect, I apologize to the British people.

Nancy, Glens Falls, USA NY

I wasn't particularly embarrassed by the President's slip of the tongue. At least he knew who the guest was and what country she came from.

Geoff, New York, USA

Only against Bush is a slip of the tongue a "black eye" or "rewriting history" or a "disgrace". Are there any Englishmen left who value freedom and have the will to fight for it, rather than spend all their time snarking at Bush?

sean , houston,

"I am so embarrassed for my country..."
How do you feel about your state?
Do you think the rest of us aren't just a wee bit ashamed of Nancy and Harry?

Ro-micro, Chilton, Tx

I am sure that President Bush cares little about the (by now) boring but predictable attacks upon his character. I hope that he laughs at his detractors, because he won election twice, he will remain the most powerful man in the world for another year and a half, and they can do absolutely nothing at all about it except whinge pathetically. He won, they lost. Move on, accept it, and get a life.

Robert , Brussels, Belgium

Did you know that they are 13th cousins Bush & HRH Queen Elizabeth?
Most of America's presidents have been directly related to the Queen.

Josie, London, Uk

This discussion is silly. He had a slip of the tongue and corrected himself. She (or the Brits) are taking it too seriously. Hopefully he will soon be gone...and I am sure Her Royal Highness will not send Merlin after him. If she can't overlook such stupidity, and her royal subjects are really insulted...you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Reza Santorini, chicago, Il USA

The Americans don't get embarrassed about anything because they have such blind confidence in themselves.


The rest of the world just feels embarrassed for them instead.

Buster, Nottingham, England UK

George & Laura Bush are class-acts. They make me proud to be American, even though Bush is too "polite" (i.e. wimpy) to defend himself against the rogue press.

Maria, Columbia, USA/SC

Speaking as an American ...

First, those who have noted that Pres. Bush didn't actually utter a full date when he started to say "17 ..." are right. His slip of the tongue is a bit embarrassing, but mostly because it's so typical of him. Can't the man complete a sentence properly? (Last week he was quoted as referring to himself as the "commander guy.")

Far worse is what he did next: Gave the Queen a big, fat wink. His swaggering, frat-boy manner is both tiresome and mortifying.

I do want to assure British readers that a fair number of us Yanks do know that Elizabeth II actually is Queen of the United Kingdom.

Priscilla, Chicago, IL, USA

Wow, this is what news has come to, a slip of the tongue. Last i heard there was suffering and poverty to sort out, but whatever lets have a good laugh at the rich man who can't talk correctly.

Sorry I know i sound like an old woman, but it needed to be said

Hannah, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Wow. Isn't there anything going on across the pond that might be more important to report on? I know he isn't the most polished person in the world, but cut the guy a little slack. Melangell, I'm so embarrassed of you.

Andrew, Carlyle, IL, USA

The fact that the illustrious Times would actualy "Recommend" this article is indicative of a steep departure from the fine journalism i have come to associate The Times with. Mr. Editor, havent you any better pieces to recommend save one that ridicules a, understandably so, poor leader, while attempting to glorify Her Majesty? I forgot, HRM worked so terribly hard for her position and status in life. Perhaps Mr. Hamilton should inquire with The Guardian for a new post.

J. Holden Gibbons, Shaker Heights, Ohio

Common courtesy demands that any 'speaker' gets facts such as dates right when addressing any audience. Can a man who makes such ill prepared speeches really be trusted with heading up the most powerful country in the world? If he can't get it right for a social occasion it's no wonder he constantly puts his foot in it when it comes to diplomacy.

Caroline Swift, Rochester, U K

Is no-one allowed to make the slightest mistake nowadays without it being described as a "gaffe" ?
For goodness sake, all he did was to say 1796 for a brief second before instantly correcting himself. Why is that an "unfortunate" slip of the tongue and not just an "insignificant" slip of the tongue?
I wonder how many times our eloquent and articulate television journalists have to make their reports to camera before they get them word perfect.

steve, England,

I would love to know what Her Majesty really thinks of our Mr. Bush? He has given our country a black eye for all the world to see.

I for one can't wait for the day when I see on the news him leaving the White House for the last time.

Stephen Brown, Brookville, New York

When did a English monarch last stand alongside a U.S President?. Was it during WW2?. Whenever it happened, one presumes it was a coded way of announcing forthcoming cataclysmic events in world history. Is something grave and serious brewing?

Piggy Kruger, Bridgwater, UK

I do wish you would have quoted the earlier portion of the Queen's toast which I heard myself on C-Span II. You do a disservice to the Queen's perspective and the WWII generation by focusing on current, or inconsequential issues only (like the President mistating a date).

Your writer excluded the Queen's toast comments on the broad sweep of her 60-year reign and her thanks to the US for its dependable friendship in defending Europe and making freedom there possible. Sadly your writer's jaded views of the world demeaned the Queen and the importance of her country's constancy at our side in the process. Our UK compadres are valiant and deserve greater respect..

Thank you for the ease of sharing this comment.

Jay Loretta Masterson, Aransas Pass, TX , USA/Texas

As an American, I agree with Chantel. When I travel in Europe I find Europeans to be very friendly and helpful. I have had the misfortune of traveling with "difficult" Americans who think of Europe as a sort of Disney Land. I did not blame them for being rude to them!

That said, the piece does exaggerate. If you want the TV coverage, he barely uttered "19" before correcting himself. We all make slip-ups.

Although the monarchy is a tad anachronistic, I think it they are well worth the small price the UK pays to maintain them. This is a good example. It's always nice to see Blair come visit and all, but when the Queen visits it is a national ordeal for us. Everyone is commenting now how much we love the UK in light of her visit. The Queen is such an excellent diplomat, that I think the monarchy still serves the UK very well in that capacity. PM's and ambassadors come and go and can seem disingenuine, but the monarch is constant and a link to history.

Ryan B, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Sorry to be a bother, love, but this article contains a factual error. The president only said, "17.." before correcting himself. The clip was shown on T.V. here.

Andy, Washington, DC, US

Sorry to inform the English public, but El Presidente Bush is not a Texan. He is of East Coast,Blue Blood lineage(those who look upon themselves as American royalty.).His accent and manorisms are all an act(just as are those of the queen.).In addition to these commonalities, they also share the fact that bolth of their familes are extremely inbred(as evidenced from their atributes,bolth phisical and intellectaul.lol.). It appears that we are now all surfs and subjects of the new,absolute rulers of the world. All Hail the new global elite!

David, San Diego, Occupied CA,USA

How wonderful that you take another oppurtunity to make fun of President Bush; however, I am amazed at the liberties that you take with the truth in order to lampoon the President.
How audacious of we Americans to pretend to properly make use of English grammatical rules but, here in America, it is customary to use quotation marks to contain exactly that which was spoken.
In your zeal to make fun of President Bush you inaccurately seek to convey that Mr. Bush said "1796" when, in fact, he merely said "17" catching his own error before saying "96".
I appreciate and honor you head of state and could rightly think that you might do the same for our head of state.
I often, but not always, find that it is the mark of a failed and bankrupt individual who is left with reveling in the errors of others. Cheers from America.

Bradley E. Huff, Springfield, Illinois

The Queen is majestic and we fortunate to have had the opportunity to be awestruck by her personification of Britannia. I do think the President missed the opportunity to note addtional bond between us which a photo of he in a Stetson and she in any of her hats would have gloriously demonstrated.

Brien OToole, Delmar, USA, NY

As an American Brit, I can say having lived here for many years, that Americans may be "big kids" but they have the largest and warmest hearts in the world. Elizabeth is seasoned enough to understand that goodness does not always come coated with etiquette, but at the end of the day it is heart and intentions that matter.

evie, Charlotte, USA

I'm lovin' it.

badankan, Malmö, Sweden

American's shouldn't try to be British

J, Manchester, UK

Say what you want about our president, he is a kind person with a sincere heart, as evidenced in his speeches and ability to aknowledge his slips of tongue, and to even make fun of them himself. I would have loved to meet the queen and attend the dinner!

Tim from Brighton England: Elected dictator? You must have eaten lead paint as a child...

Ted, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Regarding the comment about the correct spelling of Las Vegas, why do Americans always refer to it as Los Vegas ?. Very few say it properly. It must be one of those O and E problems such as we have in Britain when people say onvelope instead on envelope.

Phil de Buquet, Newport, England

It is unfortunate but true, that a people get the government they deserve. Bush is an embarrassment to all Americans, but the bigger embarrassment is the fact that he was elected -- twice!

Charles Justice, Easley, SC

It was a joke folks...well delivered too. So much for your college education.

Gil Hamilton, Charlotte, NC

Ah, yes...the blundering Americans. To paraphrase the line from the movie "Casablanca..."..."I wouldn't underestimate the Americans. I was with them when they blundered into Berlin in 1918."

Perhaps, we could zero-in on Camilla Parker Bowles and her magic knickers rather than the faux-pas of using the wrong fork

Michael, Los Angeles, California USA

When will the Americans ever get her title right? Queen Elizabeth II is not the "Queen of England". Queen Elizabeth I was the last ever monarch of England. Her proper title is the Queen of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - although she is in fact she is Queen of 16 countries!

Guy, Brighton,

Roger Mansell, Palo Alto, USA/CA: "The only cause for embarrassment is the adolescent meanness of his detractors."

As opposed to the reasoned musings of bush supporters, eh Roger?

Dan, Hampton, UK

"Pomp & circumstance" of Europeans, eh Mary? Have you met a "real" European? I wish you could have met some of the "real" Europeans who live on the estate behind my road over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They kept up most of the neighbourhood Saturday night with their assorted pomp and collective circumstance. I wish they could have met you too, come to think of it. It says much of a country's leader that he can out-halfwit Prince Philip. As an aside, however, can anyone tell me why Queen Elizabeth is wasting her time visiting America?

Ian Ascough, London, England

I'm not the biggest fan of Mr Bush, nor do I think he is the sharpest tool in the shed, but this is a mere slip of the tongue blown out of proportion and as an Aussie I can see it for what it is, just a bit of comedy. He is surely not nearly the twit Dan Quayle was. For a truly parodic rewriting of American history though, see Homer Simpson's comment in the episode where the family visited the UK and Homer says to a Brit, "We saved your *ss in Vietnam!"

renton, London,

Embarrassing for all concerned!

tim,, brighton, uk

I recall Nancy Reagan saying (although why the spouse of an elected dictator should be given media time always escapes me) in 1977 when she and Ronald Reagan came for Her Majesty's Silver Jubilee celebratons that she 'was delighted to meet the King and Queen' - a delightful combination of faux pas, ignorance, insult and an insight into said spouse. There again, if one gives credence to a 'first lady' then one can understand her wishing to raise a consort's status!

Drew, London, GB

I can only imagine the crying if all of these Bush "haters" had to actually run the world themselves. History will judge the President favorably, and Liberals poorly.

Kudos to France for waking up in their past election.

Good for nothing hippies the world over must be worried.

Brad WIlson, North Carolina, U.S. of A.

Bush is not from Texas. He served as governor of Texas, but he is from Connecticut. He was educated at Harvard and Yale and travelled the world as the son of the head of the CIA. His business deals and political career well lubricated by his father's connections. A state dinner is nothing new to this man of privilege. He has attended state dinners as President of course, but also as the son of a former President and Vice President. His accent and demeanor are an affectation.

Fletcher, Seattle, Washington

I'm avidly anti-Bush, but surely we're all grown up enough to overlook a slip of the tongue?

After all, despite all the evidence to the contrary, Mr. Bush must have some shred of intelligence to have been able to become president of the most powerful country in the world!

Joe Pearson, York, UK

I agree with your respondent from Colorado, The Times writeup is petty. I'm sure Her Majesty will have encountered many more "slips" from her visits around Africa and would not bat an eye at the odd human slip.

Ron Clarke, Northampton, Northants

What rubes! What hicks! One would have thought that the elder Bush (despite having vomited on the the Japanese Prime Minister) would have raised a child with a modicum of sophistication. It's unsurpsing that the President and his associates have to go rent white ties. White ties are worn at diplomatic functions, and diplomacy is something to which this administration has quite an aversion. On behalf of the civilized people of the United States, may I offer my profund apologies to Her Majesty and the Prince Consort, and to the people of G.reat Britain

Christian Raz, Honolulu, HI, USA

Well, at least in the comments above, "Melangell" spelled Las Vegas correctly...unlike "bob graham."

Doug, Milton, USA/Massachusetts

You could at least get the quote right at the beginning of the article. He never fully said 1796 - he said 17 - stopped himself, and then said 1976. Interesting twist on the reporting - biased much?

Scott, Swansea, IL

If I say something snotty about President Bush, will you print it?

Rhonda Barrett, Jacksonville, USA/ FL

"Queen of England"??

The United Kingdom hasn't broken up just yet. Surely a radio interviewer and the First Lady should be a little more aware of just who is coming to dinner.

Becky, Winchester, UK

America can count itself lucky for not having elected Bush president in 2001 - shame only that he took office anyway.

Christine, Dublin, Ireland

"The Queen, smiling broadly, gave him a knowing sideways glance." -- Yet, the Times shows a photo of a scowling Queen Elizabeth. You can't find a photographer to catch that royal smile or a photo editor who can select a flattering picture of OUR two heads of state? But then again, the piece is written in a very snarky, hateful style intended to denigrate the President of the United States because he's not a Leftist, and the socialists at the Times, just like those at the BBC, can't hide for one moment their anti-U.S., anti-Republican, anti-Bush political bias. I'm sure nobody at the Times has ever transposed a number and quickly corrected himself. That is SO funny! Who needs "fair and balanced" when the world has the Times, the BBC and Pravda!

George Stevens, Graford, Texas,

Laura Bush puts most of the present crop of loud women to shame!
Let's hope the French election is a portender of the future for the US.

Ted Gallo, westminster , ca

1776 was a joke man how you libs think wow

john, chicago, il

Actually I preferred the previous administration. One day though we'll have a President that everyone can like!

P.S. Just kidding.

Eliot Jones, Rockville, MD

Did the Queen leave a heavy tip?

Walter E. Wallis, Palo Alto, Ca

chantel: spot on!!

dbpcnostalgic, Ascot, UK

All this idiotic, dated behavior with an old crone from Britain and a President that is deaf to the world is irrelevant in relation to the corpse of one more dead American soldier. Mr. Bush must be impeached.

Bob Hanks, Redondo Beach, USA

"President and Mrs. Bush are two of the kindess persons in the world "

Words fail me.

starling, Lancaster,

I'm a Brit and pround of my country and have served as an officer with distinction in the armed forces - but I am not proud recently. The Queen is an anachronsim and an irrelevance. Bush is a dictator and along with Blair a disgrace to their respective countries. The whole thing is a farce but I'm sure the party was fun for all of them. The sooner our two countries move on to legitimate leaders the better.

john, Hong Kong, China

To Mary Midani: I travel extensively in Europe and find the Europeans to be polite and friendly. Perhaps if you were less loud and brash you might be able to appreciate the nuances and subtle pleasures of Europe?

Chantel, UK,

Look at the TV broadcast, - Bush didn't actually say 1796, - he said 17 and stopped., then said 1976. Remember 1776 is a very important date to an American that readily comes to mind...

M Wood, castle cary,

Please forgive President Bush's unfitness for high office. Only his swift impeachment would bring proper resolution to a most unfortunate period in our history.

I am proud to be an American, but embarrassed for my country's poor choice in leadership.

Coleman Griffen, Washington, DC

Coleman Griffen, Washington, DC, USA

In reference to Dostoyevsky: somewhere in Texas a village is missing its idiot. You can take the boy out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the boy. What an embarrassment, but then he always is, except a dangerous one..

Peter, London,

Don't be embarrassed - just a slip of the tongue. Broke the ice, everyone laughed, the sun shone!

Did the Queen make a winning bet at the Kentucky Derby? That's what I'd like to know.

Rosemary , London, UK

Despite the smarmy innuendos of the NY Times writers, President Bush exhibits his class without having to scream for attention like so many of his detractors.
We are linked to Great Britain through language, culture, values and blood- shared on the battlefields for freedom.
The only cause for embarrassment is the adolescent meanness of his detractors.
Well done Mr. President

Roger Mansell, Palo Alto, USA/CA

"I am so embarrassed for my country..."

And yet you live in Las Vegas? Look, Americans have more respect for the Queen then British people do. Most British people don't respect them any more anyway.

moose, manchester,

Did you mention the time Al Gore said " A tiger can't change his spots"?

Rhonda Barrett, Jacksonville, USA/ FL

I have to say.... I actually wasn't embarrassed. Even with the slip of the tongue.

Joshua, Trenton, Ohio , United States of A...lol

The Times writeup - how petty, how petty.

C.J. Kronauer, Centennial , Colorado

Very nice report and even the words about Bush speaking about the Bi-Centennial was done graciously. He, at least is a real person and it always comes forth. What would he do without his lovely wife Laura Bush? She is a wonderful wife that anyone should be proud of and being the "first lady" suits her. We are real Americans and not with all that "pomp and circumstance" the Europeans have. Proud to be an American!

Mary Midani, Houston, Texas

President and Mrs. Bush are two of the kindess persons in the world and when you compare them to the previous administration, they shine like the stars they are. God bless America and Great Britain.

charles t. sherwin, pittsboro, nc

The honour guard for a visiting head of state is always a company from each branch of the military.

Sam, Kanapaha, FL USA

I am so embarrassed for my country...

Melangell, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Dear Alan: Nice article. In case you didn't receive the update, but the Queen hasn't been the head of state for some time now!

donna davison, Wasdington, DC

I'm proud to be an American.

Joe Greene, Miami, Florida

He didn't say "1796." He 17-sev. He then stopped and corrected himself. Get it right.

MIke, Portsmouth,

It was wonderful to see morality back in the White House. I was proud that the president and his wife could hold their head ups when they received the Queen and Prince Philip.
I'm still wondering why Bill Clinton had so little respect for the White House and the presidency to shame it the way he did.
I would be embarassed if the Clinton's were back and would be ashamed to invite the Queen to dine there.
She would probably refuse.

jun nauton, yorba linda, ca, USA/CA

Yeah, hosting foreign dignitaries for the sake of that whole "international diplomacy" tripe. Waste of tax dollars indeed.

Wayne Henrietta, USA,

At least he didn’t greet her with: “Yo, Majesty, how ya doin’?”

Educated white people in America do not speak this way.

Jeigh Cee, Freeburg, USA, LA

GWB may have ADD. Or he may just be hopelessly stupid. In either case, he certainly demonstrates time and again that the US has produced a "classless" society.

David Brownell, Manchester Centre, Vermont

talk about fiddling while rome burns. a tornado wipes out an entire town and 8 Americans get killed in Iraq, but hey, let's hang out with the queen! who cares about the real problems!

jane, washingtondc, usa

<< “You helped us celebrate our bicentennial in 1796,” he said confidently, and in a split second realised his error. “Er, 1976”, he corrected himself, to a gale of laughter from around the lawn. The Queen, smiling broadly, gave him a knowing sideways glance. >>

And I thought you guys had a sense of humor over there. Apparently not.

Cyrus Bear, Saint Paul, USA/MN

Anne Marie Pipik: George Bush is many things, but elegant is not one of them.

John F, London,

when bill clinton screwed up the media ignored it? i think not. and wouldn't it be nice to have an articulate, cultured and worldly president instead of this texas bubba who can spew nothing but endoctrinated rhetoric in presence of the Queen of England? ... "the surest path to peace"? open your eyes W, you've created the biggest mess since Vietnam.

Jen, Dallas, Texas

That wasn't a gaffe. That was a joke, implying that the Queen is very old...notice in the next phrase he says "you gave me a look only a mother could give a child" again implying Bush who is really old is much much younger than the "old" Queen. It was an intentional "slip" in order to generate humor...how could you not realize that, or at least recognize it as a possibility? i listened to the speech as well...

James, La Mirada, California

why is our head of state wearing one of my grandad's old flower pots on her head when she is meeting the president of the united states?

Stephen Jones, Changde City, China

tired of news media treating the President as if he is deficient. If someone trailed all the newsmedia persons around,,,,their deficiences would fill volumes of journals... The President is expected to be perfect,,,,yet, no one is....and still silly news media continues to demand it.......what boring morons.

dr brad gillam, nashville, tn

"... but there was no curtsy from the First Lady, only a nod of the head." Was it a curt nod?

Of course there was no curtsy. Americans put an end to that sort of thing with a bloody war more than 200 years ago -- just a few years before 1796, wasn't it?

Vincent Brewster, Hillsdale, Kansas/USA

I just love it when the mainstream drive-by mediots are surprised, shocked and claim it's "unexpected" when the President shows his wit and sense of humor. Outside of State of the Union addresses and stoic addresses to the nation this President is charming, humorous and quick-witted. I wish he'd be more ad-libbed for his major speeches as well. He's a great speaker when he's not reading from a script.

Evil Conservative, Cordova, TN/USA

He could NOT have pulled it off, at all, had it not been for his wife.

No fan of Bush to begin with, it's really a shame that he thinks that his so-called "Texan" style is suitable for high society.

Robert Meek, Loris, USA/SC

He didn't say "1796!" He was about to say "1776" when he stopped himself mid-way and then correctly said, "1976". It was worse when Bill Clinton made a joke about drunk Irishmen when he gave a speech in Belfast.

Thomas Galvin, New York, N.Y.

With degrees from both Harvard and Yale, President Bush is certainly not the "idiot" the media tries to make him out to be by pointing out each and every verbal slippage he may have. GWB is certainly not the "Great Communicator" like Reagan was and will never be confused with an eloquent speaker, but the man is more educated than 99% of the people that like to take shots at him. It's laughable.

Chad M., Fairhope, AL, USA

Laura Bush is a quality person. I like the human aspect of this whole story. As for President Bush transposing the numbers on the dates -- I am sure NO one else in the world has ever done this.

Daryl, Uzhgorod, Ukraine

Please believe me when I tell you that most Americans are embarressed by President Bush! And we still love the British....

Shawn, Andover, MA

Hyperbole aside, is there anyone who has undermined the Magna Carta civil liberties more than the Commander Guy and his croneys? Military tribunals, torture, unjust war, unlimited detention without trial, secret arrests, using public office for partisan propaganda, starting a Christian jihad against Muslims, rewriting history - that's our boy!

Tom Stoppard, Palo Alto, USA

@ Ronald Emmis (and other people who think the same way):

The likes of Bush are *supposed* to be of a high level of intelligence in order to run a country. Being "human like the rest of us" is not a good excuse for his continued display of lack of education and, dare I say it, intelligence. The media has pointed out his errors because he makes a lot of them, and most of them are more than a bit embarassing for a leader of a country as powerful as the United States. The leader of a country should be well educated, should be very intelligent, and should have a balanced view of the world. Its a shame the people of the United States didn't realise this before the first election he was involved in, let alone the second.

I. Prince, Hull, UK

Oops Mr. Hamilton! The president did not actually said
1796, He said "You helped us celebrate our bicentennial
in 17- (pause) 1976. I know this because I actually saw
the video on CNN. Funny story though!

Frank Muniz, Dallas, Texas, USA

If GW has a saving grace, it's his sense of humour in overcoming his boops. But then, he's had a lot of practice!

Len Harrison, Wynnum, Queensland

I'm glad they got to have this, let their hair down, and have a nice state dinner. I think all of them could use it and they are human beings. Definitely something neither will ever forget. The Cowboy putting on the white tie (with some prodding from the Mrs. and his friends) and dining with the Queen of England. Classic.

David Powell, Ocean City, NJ

I do love the Bush-lovers on the Times website who simply cannot take a joke... the reference to his error is hardly a criticism... chill out, ok? Not everyone is a dirty rotten liberal out to send the world into some communist-hell-spiral.

Anyway, one thing I noted from this article... once again I am impressed by Laura Bush's sense of humour and eloquence... perhaps a senatorial bid in 2008, followed by a presidential one in 2016?

Abioye A Oyetunji, London, UK

no curtsy...why don't you Brits just get over yourselves.

Michael, Los Angeles, CA

He didn't say, "Er, 1976". He said, "17....1976".

Marilyn, Brunswick, USA

This event was good for the entire world

r james, Magnolia, Ohio

There have been fewer state dinners since GW has been President, even parties, then the Clintons. They took every opportunity to have 300 of their closest friends over. Most inside the beltway decry the lack of social events to feed on our tax dollars. Another reason they want a new Prez!!

Jeane Anne, Cincinnati, OH,

The Bushes deserved to have a nice evening....a little break from the bashing and nastiness they must endure from the American Media and the likes of Nancy Pelosi, who is truly a discrace to the United States.

Its always nice to host the British. Wonderful people and wonderful allie to the States.

Jacob Ryans, Dallas, Texas

So what if Bush made a mistake - it shows he is human like the rest of us.

When Bill Clinton screwed up, the media ignored it.

Ronald Emmis, Miami, United States/Florida

the queen and bushes are elegant and on the same page.

it is fun to read about them.

anne marie pipik, lake elsinore, cal.

My tax dollars at work.

Henriette Wayne, Daly City, USA

the queen and bushes are elegant and on the same page.

it is fun to read about them.

anne marie pipik, lake elsinore, cal.