Attendees at Thursday night's 25th anniversary celebration for The Washington Times comprised a virtual who's who of conservative and religious leaders from across the country and beyond -- including former President Bush, who seemed in particularly good spirits.

He chided Maryland voters for failing last fall to elect former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (the gala's emcee) and ribbed Wes Pruden, the Times' editor-in-chief, for once referring to the former president as the "commodore of the Kennebunkport Yacht Club."

But another VIP almost stole the evening without even being in the room.

Margaret Thatcher's videotaped birthday greetings were as warmly received as any, with a crowd of more than 2,000 celebrants sitting attentively as the former prime minister, from the giant screens high on the National Building Museum walls, congratulated The Times and urged conservatives to stay strong.

And, she added, enjoy the party.

-- David Eldridge, managing editor, WashingtonTimes.com