In a rousing display of fraternity and patriotism, President George W. Bush made a valiant gesture to the American people and an Iraq War veteran. He appeared with a prerecorded message on “Deal or No Deal,” much to the delight of host Howie Mandel.

Yes, it’s true. Bush isn’t important or busy enough running the free world to take some time out for the little things in life. Not much gives the country a hardy punch in the arm like your commander-in-chief telling contestant Capt. Joseph Kobes, “I am thrilled to be on ‘Deal or No Deal’ with you tonight. Come to think of it, I’m thrilled to be anywhere with high ratings these days.”

Ah-Ha! I’m sure all of those pretty girls who hold those suitcases had to restrain themselves from falling over with laughter. Of course, the producers of “Deal” probably didn’t laugh when they saw the president’s episode had a 19 percent dip in ratings.

There seems to be no limit to the possibilities of television these days. It can give us the evening news, show footage from spaceships, interview people from the suburbs and lost islands, and it all usually wraps up in an hour. The mechanical box has now captivated the president to the point where a face-to-face encounter with a war veteran would’ve just seemed disrespectful. Is it better to appear 20 feet tall on a giant stage monitor circa “1984?” Even the president deserves his 15 minutes of fame.

I suppose it may have all just been a nice gesture. Nothing was wrong with it at all – except for presidential precedence. Before, when a candidate wanted to gain political esteem, they were restricted to the late-night talk shows or even – gasp – televised debates!

On those programs, candidates at least had to answer questions. Now, we have dipped to the latest low. We don’t need an interview of any kind, just feature a prerecorded President doling out Bob Hope-esque one-liners. I don’t even think Karl Rove has a sense of humor. How can this possibly work? Why don’t we just get the boys at LucasArts to make a digital president? If you get a few voice actors in on the deal, American’s won’t ever need to see the real president.

To the president and reality television watchers I say: Good grief!