Bushes Lead the Charge at Maryland Mall

Doing their bit for the nation’s struggling retailers, George and Barbara Bush shopped at a local mall Friday, buying toys, a compact disc and some sporting goods.

“It’s easier to shop out in the country for us than it is downtown,” President Bush said before making a quick blitz through JC Penney at the Frederick Towne Mall, about 20 minutes from Camp David, the presidential retreat where the Bushes are spending the holiday weekend.

Faced with mounting evidence that the economic slump has paralyzed U.S. consumers, the Bushes picked one of the busiest shopping days of the year to hit the mall.

“We’ve got a little toy department to look at to get some stuff for the grandchildren,” Bush said. “Slime is the name of it, I believe.”

Then the President wound his way through racks of sweat shirts and jogging shoes. “You’re putting pressure on me,” Bush complained good-naturedly to a reporter following him.

Bush picked out four pairs of athletic socks, paying $15, then headed to the second floor to look through the children’s department, paying cash for a $13 toddler’s sweat suit decorated with a Houston Oilers design.

“We’ve got a guy that’s that age,” Bush told the salesman before adding that he needed to cut his shopping trip short because of the mob scene that erupted. Shoppers squealed, clapped and scrambled to get close enough to ask for his autograph.

“We’ll probably push on,” he said. “I have a feeling we’re holding up your operation.”

Bush then made his way to the main mall to find his wife.

“Barbara, did you get your stuff? Did you get your Slime?” the President called to her before heading back to his motorcade.