Daddy cool, Bush twins croon online

More than 2,600 questions were submitted and 3,700 people waited online as the women spent an hour sending out replies to 14 questions from the Bush campaign headquarters in Arlington, according to Susan Whitson, a spokeswoman for the twins. Asked if White House living stifles a young person, they said they were very amused by Chasing Liberty, a film about a President’s daughter who has trouble dating due to secret service agents. ‘‘We have led normal lives without constant supervision by chaperones and Secret Service although they do follow us,’’ they wrote.

He may be leader of the US, but Bush still has time for fun and jokes. ‘‘He is a busy man, but he still finds time for us,’’ they wrote, describing their birthday bash at Camp David two months after the 9/11 terror attacks. ‘‘Although our Dad had a lot going, he still spent time with us.’’

Asked by Edith Fuog of Miami to describe their father in one sentence, the twins offered a paragraph that concluded by emphasising the president’s humorous side: ‘‘He always keeps us and our Mom laughing.’’ References to life at home with the President were weaved throughout the chat, often stretching to echo campaign slogans. Bush has always followed through on promises, they wrote.

‘‘If Dad said he was going to come to one of our soccer games, he would be there,’’ they wrote. ‘‘Even his critics can’t argue that he is a steadfast leader who means what he says and acts with resolve.’’

The twins said their mother has heavily influenced their musical taste, which includes artists whose careers began decades before they were born. Artists they cited as their favorites include reggae stars Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley as well as classic rock stars Paul Simon and Van Morrison. Disagreements with dad are inevitable, even if he is President, the daughters said in reference to a question about whether they support their father’s pro death penalty stance. ‘‘Like most kids, we do not agree with our parents on every issue. Our parents raised us to think for ourselves.’’ — (NYT)