My eyebrows raised, too, when I saw Mrs. Bush yesterday, but I’m not sure it was a sign we’re doomed (there are plenty of other much more worrisome signs afoot!). As for why she may have been tapped as spokesFirst Lady on the issue:
Laura Bush told reporters that her deep interest in Burma was sparked by reading the works of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest and has spent 12 of the past 18 years in some form of confinement. She said the president will sign legislation today awarding Suu Kyi the Congressional Gold Medal, a move that could further stoke tensions between the two countries.
Bush said awarding Suu Kyi the gold medal will “let the people of Burma know that the United States is standing with them.”