Bob Geldof, the Irish rock star and social activist who was the driving force behind the Live Aid concert in 1985, which raised money for debt relief for poor African countries, has (unlike so many celebrities who are content with the occasional photo op) continued his involvement in Africa's plight. A couple of days ago he was in Rwanda to travel with President Bush on Air Force One to the next scheduled stop (Ghana) in the President's trip.And what he had to say about the President, you probably aren't going to hear.
Unless, that is, you check out Jon Ward, White House correspondent for the Washington Times:
...Mr. Geldof praised Mr. Bush for his work in delivering billions to fight disease and poverty in Africa, and blasted the U.S. press for ignoring the achievement.
Mr. Bush, said Mr. Geldof, "has done more than any other president so far."
"This is the triumph of American policy really," he said. "It was probably unexpected of the man. It was expected of the nation, but not of the man, but both rose to the occasion."
"What's in it for [Mr. Bush]? Absolutely nothing," Mr. Geldof said.
Mr. Geldof said that the president has failed "to articulate this to Americans" but said he is also "pissed off" at the press for their failure to report on this good news story.
"You guys didn't pay attention," Geldof said to a group of reporters from all the major newspapers...
