Using the key words “Bush” and “Olympics” to search within the website of China’s state media Xinhua returned well over 100 items from August 8-12. Bush, representing the important figures of Western “guests,” has been used as a symbol to boost the “grandiosity” of the Beijing Olympics. In Xinhua’s report on the opening ceremony, Bush’s picture entering the stadium with Hu Jintao was shown in the prime position. Below are a few samples of such report:
Bush Watches Olympics: “Very Exciting, Better than Expected” http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2008-08/12/content_9196336.htm
Bush Praises Olympics Surpassing Expectation: “Feel Really Great” http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-08/12/content_9196247.htm
Bush Is Absorbed in Watching Olympic Games; Wife Says Opening Ceremony “Wonderful’ http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2008-08/11/content_9157537.htm
Bush: Passionate Cheerleader
http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2008-08/12/content_9196601.htm
Narrating to His Wife in Advance, Bush Overjoyed by China-U.S. Men’s Basketball Game http://news.xinhuanet.com/olympics/2008-08/11/content_9181725.htm