The President's foes once raised a hue and cry about the fact that Bush spent a month at his ranch before September 11.

They insist he should have stayed at the White House and monitored warning signs of the attack.

Not surprisingly, Bush disagrees. His advisers maintain that time away from Washington increases his efficiency.

They say that critics do not understand how the modern presidency works. They point out that communication systems have developed to such an extent that the Oval Office can be wherever POTUS -- President of the United States as he is called in the White House -- is.

November 14, 2001: George and Laura Bush flank Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila at the Crawford ranch.

Photograph: Luke Frazza/AFP/Getty Images

Also See: Day two at Republican Convention