‘Poodle’ Blair stars in Barney Cam

Tony Blair has risked reviving the old mantra that he was "the President's poodle" by agreeing to join George Bush and his best friend, Barney, a Scottish terrier, in their annual Christmas video. The former PM makes a cameo appearance in Barney Cam, now an annual White House event. In this year's offering, Barney and fellow terrier Miss Beazley aspire to become junior park rangers and scamper around the Bushes' residence as it is decorated for the Christmas holidays.

Blair appears in the dogs' dreams, congratulating them on their new role. "Well done," grins Blair. "As someone born in Edinburgh, Scotland, it's always good to see the Scots doing well." Blair's acting abilities arguably outshine Bush's stilted performance. "Hey Barney, I love the outdoors and there is nothing greater than our national parks," an awkward President Bush declares in an early scene.
 
As for the Bushes' Christmas card this year, TV veteran Barbara Walters yesterday displayed her card from the White House on ABC's The View. She said it was the most religious White House Christmas card in her memory. The super-Christian card features a verse from the Old Testament Book of Nehemiah:
 
You alone are the LORD.
You made the heavens, even the highest heavens,
and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it,
the seas and all that is in them.
You give life to everything,
and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Whereas in previous years the President and the First Lady opted for messages of happiness, goodwill, and peace, this year's card, signed by George and Laura Bush, concludes with the message:
 
May the joy of all creation fill your heart this blessed season 2007. ·