Here’s a clip of President Bush’s video message to Deal or No Deal contestant and war veteran Capt. Joseph Kobes who served three tours of duty in Iraq:

While the Bush appearance was no ratings boon for Deal or No Deal (10m viewers and a 2.7 in the 18-49 demo vs. 9.7m and a 2.8/7 the prior week) but I haven’t seen the half hourly data for the last half hour of the 2 hour airing.  My guess is it was the most-viewed half hour.  

I kind of like the idea Bush proposes for getting a budget through congress. Then again, I’d probably be OK with having the Presidential election decided by an American Idol style competition.