"That fifth time," said one congressional staffer, on condition of anonymity, "We hadn't even asked him to come. He just showed up and started talking," adding, "I mean, it was a hearing about fish farming. It's like, now that Rove's started testifying in front of people, he can't stop."
Upon leaving the Capital Building that afternoon, Rove walked to a nearby municipal courthouse and wandered in and out of small claims and traffic court proceedings, asking where Judge Judy's courtroom was and occasionally taking the stand and speaking for anywhere from 10 minutes to half an hour.
Rove's peculiar behavior began after he was "reassigned" — essentially demoted — from his chief political advisory position.
Although still employed at the White House, Rove has fewer duties and a lot more free time. Colleagues say Rove spends most mornings watching DVDs of The West Wing. Insiders report that he's up to season five, and that while he enjoys the show's snappy dialogue, deft camera work and the cast's top-notch performances, Rove has expressed frustration over the show's liberal bias and the fact that Josh hasn't figured out that Donna is so totally in love with him.
A rumor that Rove might fly to Chicago for a surprise guest appearance on Oprah has prompted the daytime TV queen's staff to reinstate a special security detail, armed with tranquilizer darts, that had been assembled to ward off any return visit attempts by Tom Cruise. Sources close to Ms. Winfrey quote her as saying, "Oh, no, you don't. I'm not buying another new couch!"