Bush skips Saddam mention at benefit

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Having declared that Saddam Hussein had been captured, President Bush spent Sunday evening attending a charity benefit and did not return to the topic.

Mr. and Mrs. Bush rode to a slight drizzle to the National Building Museum where they attended the annual "Christmas in Washington" concert to benefit the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, United Press International reported.

Before the show, the Bushes stood in the hall before a large gold-bedecked Christmas tree and shook the hands of the approximately 700 people who attended.

The star-studded show was hosted by Patricia Heaton, the wife in NBC's "Everybody Loves Raymond" and featured pop singers Ashanti and Joss Stone, country singer Kenny Chesney, opera soprano Renee Fleming and rock band Hootie and the Blowfish.

In brief remarks, President Bush made no reference, direct or indirect, to Saddam's capture. He received applause that turned into cheers.