Why in the world was Tim Hasselbeck at a White House white-tie state dinner Monday night, rubbing elbows with President Bush, Vice President Cheney and Queen Elizabeth II?
“I’m pretty sure that they’re not big fans of backup quarterbacks for the Giants,” Hasselbeck deadpanned.
The affable Giants quarterback was there because his famous wife, Elisabeth, is not only a co-host on “The View” but a political conservative who spoke at the 2004 Republican National Convention. The Hasselbecks were part of a 130-person guest list that included Colts QB Peyton Manning.
As per custom, couples dined at separate tables. Tim’s table included White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, mother of the President Barbara Bush, and Kentucky Derby winning jockey Calvin Borel. Elisabeth sat at a power table that included Prince Philip, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, first lady Laura Bush, and former Florida governor Jeb Bush, the President’s brother.
A highlight of the evening for the Hasselbecks was posing for pictures with the President and Mrs. Bush, and Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
“It is an adrenaline rush when you meet the president, you meet the first lady, you meet the queen, and you meet the prince,” Tim Hasselbeck said. “Your heart was pounding. The closest I’ve felt in terms of my heart pumping or something like that is running out onto the field in a game.”