‘Bush, Osama will miserably lose polls in Pakistan’
By Masood Haider
NEW YORK, Sept 27: President Pervez Musharraf became the first head of state to appear on the hit American comedy show called the “The Daily Show” on Tuesday to promote his book.
As Gen Musharraf was served tea and Twinkies, the host Jon Stewart known for his caustic sense of humour suddenly asked him “wher’s Osama bin Laden?”
“I don’t know,” replied Gen Musharraf visibly surprised adding “You know where he is? You lead on, we’ll follow you.”
Mr Stewart also jokingly asked the president whether during their White House meeting whether President Bush slept or watched TV.
Gen Musharraf was quick-witted and jovial, while the host Jon Stewart struck a more serious, respectful tone than he normally does with guests.
Mr Stewart closed by putting Gen Musharraf on the “Seat of Heat” — surrounded with flashing lights that mimicked flames — and asking him who would win a popular vote in Pakistan between Bush and Osama bin Laden.
“I think they’ll both lose miserably,” replied Gen Musharraf to loud applause from the studio audience.
Agencies add: Teasing Gen Musharraf over two attempts on his life on the same bridge in Rawalpindi just weeks apart in 2003, Stewart joked: “I’d come up with a new way to go to work.”
President Musharraf earned broad applause for his deadpan response to his host’s observation that he seemed more relaxed about heightened security than the average American.
“Yes I am,” Gen Musharraf said.
Jibes at President Bush were not far behind, with Stewart asking: “In your book... there’s no mention of Iraq. Is that because you felt like it was such a smart move and has gone so well that to mention it would be gloating?”
Gen Musharraf gave a frank answer: “It has led certainly to more extremism and terrorism around the world.”
The unusual marketing ploy by Gen Musharraf to promote In the Line of Fire was the first appearance by a serving head of state on the show.
