This totally disgusts me. How Bush and members of congress can party on the White House lawn, Big Easy style, when our Gulf Coast still sits in shambles is reprehensible. These people have no shame.

CBS/AP) President Bush and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi were arm in arm, posing for the cameras. Chief White House political adviser Karl Rove worked the crowd. White House Press Secretary Tony Snow played the flute, and strains of a New Orleans jazz band filled the air, as Mr. Bush hosted the annual Congressional picnic - on the White House lawn.

“You all enjoy yourself,” said President Bush, who ambled out on the lawn with first lady Laura Bush to greet his guests, including many of his longtime political adversaries.

“Make sure you pick up all the trash after it’s over,” he joked just before Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers struck up a rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching in.”

Further evoking New Orleans, Mardi Gras beads were on hand and drivers in top hats ferried some of the estimated 1,500 guests around the White House driveway in horse-drawn carriages.

The food was also Big Easy style.

“I want to thank our chef, Paul Prudhomme - one of the great chefs in America. Thanks for coming, Paul,” said President Bush, praising one of New Orleans’ best known kitchen maestros.

The lawn was dotted with picnic tables topped in yellow and white checked tablecloths.

The picnic at the GOP-controlled White House comes at a time that Democrats control Congress. Republicans were still in charge at the time of last year’s picnic.

Mr. Bush thanked leaders of both chambers for attending, and pointed out that Pelosi was in the crowd. “It means a lot that you’ve come,” said the president, greeting the California Democrat who has been a powerful critic of his administration.

More at CBSNews