Presidential Crib Notes

[MTI]

Phonetic Guide for Bush's UN Speech Leaked

The phonetic guide used by US President George W. Bush in his speech to the United Nations on Tuesday was posted on the UN Web sited, leaving the White House red-faced and scrambling to explain. The guide was for the names of countries and leaders.

The phonetic guide includes the names of French President Nicolas Sarkozy (sar-KO-zee), Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe (moo-GAH-bee). The capital of Zimbabwe, Harare (hah-RAR-ray) was also included.

The copy of the speech that appeared online was also filled with typos and cell phone numbers. Dana Perino, the White House spokesperson, said that it had been given to the UN in advance and it was unclear why it was posted on the Internet.

Hooked on Phonics