With a wave, a wink and a bow, President Bush became the conductor-in-chief when the US Marine Band struck up at the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner over the weekend.

Noting the absence of the presidential rivals hoping to succeed him, Mr Bush said: “Hillary Clinton couldn't get in because of sniper fire and Senator Obama's at church.”

The former First Lady falsely claimed to have landed in Bosnia under fire. Mr Obama has been embarrassed by the incendiary sermons of his former pastor.

Of the Republican John McCain, Mr Bush said: “He probably wanted to distance himself from me a little bit. You know, he’s not alone. Jenna’s moving out too.” Mr Bush’s daughter is about to get married.