Prescott remark played down by U.S.

LONDON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The White House has shrugged off a report that Deputy British Prime Minister John Prescott bad-mouthed the Bush Mideast peace plan.

Prescott reportedly labeled efforts by President Bush on the Israel-Palestinian peace process as "crap."

"This is an inaccurate report of a private conversation and it is not my view," Prescott said.

Bush's press Secretary, Tony Snow, seeking to play down the issue, told reporters Bush had been called "a lot worse," the Times of London said.

There will be names hurled his way from time to time, Snow said. "But, you know, that's part of the burden of leadership."