President Bush Wakes Up to Catch Longhorns' Rose Bowl Triumph on TV

Jan. 5, 2005 — -- The notorious early riser is usually in bed by 10 p.m., but President Bush stayed up past his bedtime last night to watch his "mighty Texas Longhorns" beat the University of Southern California, 41-38, in the Rose Bowl.

Well actually, Bush fell asleep at halftime but woke up in time to see the University of Texas come from behind and win in the final seconds, according to his press secretary.

After meeting with former secretaries of state and secretaries of defense at the White House this morning, President Bush turned to reporters and gave the two-finger Texas salute, symbolizing the horns of Longhorn mascot Bevo.

It was the university's first national championship in football since 1969.

"Hook 'em horns," the president said with a grin.

President Bush called Texas coach Mack Brown this morning to congratulate him on the national championship.

"Congratulations on a wonderful moment," the president said, according to White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan. "Tell the team congratulations. We're proud of them."

President Bush told Brown that he wished the team all the best and looked forward to having them at the White House soon.

"You know your life is different when the first call you receive is from President Bush at 6 in the morning, and my wife, Sally, asks me, 'Can you take it?'" Brown said at a news conference in Beverly Hills, Calif.

The president's daughter Jenna is a 2004 Texas graduate, and his wife, Laura, earned a master's degree there in 1973.

Two of his top aides are also Texas alums -- McClellan and Dan Bartlett, counselor to the president.

"What an amazing game. Hook 'em horns," McClellan said today, beaming at the beginning of his daily briefing.