America's
first family has its share of parenting headaches with George
Bush's twin daughters acting out their resentment at his chosen
career with underage drinking binges and other escapades.
Mr Bush's twins, Jenna and Barbara, now 22 and in their final
year of college, are described as over-indulged with no interest
in the presidency in The Perfect Wife: The Life and Choices of
Laura Bush by Ann Gerhart, a Washington Post journalist.
"They are girls born rich, blessed with intelligence, good
looks, trust funds, loving parents, boundless opportunities, freedom
from many of life's daily vexing challenges," the book says.
"Yet they persist in seeing themselves as victims of daddy's
job."
The book says both Bushes fell into the trap of spoiling their
children because Mrs Bush nearly lost them late in her pregnancy.
It suggests that Mr Bush seemed less indulgent than their mother.
Unlike Ms Clinton, who the book notes her time in the White House
to learn about world politics, the Bush daughters are portrayed
as having few interests beyond drinking, parties and designer
clothing.
They also mistreated their bodyguards. Within a month of Mr Bush's
inauguration in January 2001, Jenna Bush tried to use her Secret
Service guard to free a male friend jailed for public drunkenness.
Later that year she was prosecuted twice for underage drinking,
fined and ordered to perform community service.
Even the mood of gravity that descended on America after September
11 did not affect the twins. The book says Jenna could not be
located for hours after the attacks because she had given her
agent the slip.
It was unclear what the White House makes of their behaviour.
The book says it has been reluctant to comment on their scrapes
but Mr Bush has expressed some impatience. Mrs Bush has been unfailingly
supportive of her daughters.
"I think like every parent if your children are happy then
parents are happy. And if they're unhappy, then there is nothing
more difficult for parents," she said.
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-01-12 01:00