Many famous people showed up at the Water Cube this morning to watch Michael Phelps try to earn his first gold medal of these games.

Bill Gates was probably the richest person in the venue, but President Bush was likely the most famous, even though he had to share the "top politician at the pool" honors with his father, George H.W. Bush, and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Former Seattle Times' sports editor Bob Silver was there as well, since his daughter Emily was part of the medal winning 400-meter freestyle relay team for the United States. I mention Bob because he once awarded me a Snickers bar for a good photo I took way back when (a Snickers bar is as good as a gold, check that, BRONZE, medal for me -- I'd still take a gold but it doesn't have that rich chocolate caramel goodness).

I digress. Can't help it. Haven't had lunch yet and I'm "weighting" for Melanie Roach to compete in the 53kg weightlifting competition.

Back to our President.

After he slipped slightly coming down the stairs (Secret Service guy caught him), he sat down and after a bit someone handed him an American flag.

He studied it for a minute before proudly displaying it for the U.S. fans on the other side of the pool.

The First Lady had to gently remind him that he was holding the flag, well, backwards.

Whoops.

Easy mistake to make.

Mr. President quickly flip-flopped, and all was right for the leader of the free world.