Bush Has Left the Building...

and is headed for a pilgrimage to Elvis Pressley's old home, Graceland, which he will tour with a Japanese Elvis fan:

It’ll be a presidential first on Friday when President Bush accompanies Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on a pilgrimage to Graceland, the estate in Memphis that was home to rock ’n’ roll legend Elvis Presley.

Koizumi is an unabashed Elvis fan. He shares a Jan. 8th birthday with the late singer and once put out a charity record album titled: “Junichiro Koizumi Presents My Favorite Elvis Songs.” No kidding!

Pres. Bush, who calls Koizumi “one of my best buddies in international politics” is so tickled by Koizumi’s affection for Elvis and his music that he mentioned it more than 20 times during the ’04 re-election.

“Laura and I are very fond of him,” said Mr. Bush at a campaign event in Paradise Valley, Arizona. “He's an interesting, interesting man. His favorite singer is Elvis ... pretty unusual.”

Koizumi ended the press conference at the White House yesterday by saying in English "Love Me Tender". I'd say he has it bad.

UPDATE: Here's the story on the visit. Koizumi made a statement to the press that his dreams had been fulfilled with his visit to Graceland. Very nice.