Have you ever been to a party when you hoped a certain kid wouldn't show up? He or she is annoying, rowdy and, even though no one likes them, you still have to act civil. The doorbell rang in Beijing last week and in walked George W. Bush.
As President Bush looked into his binoculars at the Olympic opening ceremonies, one can only imagine what he was looking for. Perhaps he searched for a souvenir stand to get Dick Cheney a Chinese lantern, or maybe the women's beach volleyball team.
While China celebrated that Bush would not boycott the games, his rightfully rowdy behavior caused almost as much of a headache for the Chinese as if he'd stayed home. Via Air Force One, the cowboy galloped into China, talking smack on the Chinese government. He told reporters that "trusting their people with greater freedom is necessary for China to reach its full potential," a clear nudge for China to embrace democratic ideas.
Trained by U.S. Special Forces, Georgia has provided more troops in Iraq than any other nation besides Britain and America, according to NBC News. In an interview with NBC News, Bush labeled Russia's response to the escalating conflict as "disproportionate and dangerous." Putin fired back: "It's a pity that some of our partners instead of helping are in fact trying to get in the way." After awkwardly brushing elbows in Beijing, it seems these two party crashers will steer clear of each other.
Regardless of what he was looking at through his binoculars, the lonesome cowboy won't be looking out for America much longer. It's exciting to think about who will be looking out for America next time. And even more, what the world will think when they stare back.