This can't be true, right?

According to an item published on the Financial Times's website, this happened when a group of British dignitaries visited George W. Bush in the White House in the middle of the 2008 presidential election:

Trying to be even-handed and polite, the Brits said something diplomatic about McCainâs campaign, expecting Bush to express some warm words of support for the Republican candidate. Not a chance. âI probably wonât even vote for the guy,â Bush told the group, according to two people present. âI had to endorse him. But Iâd have endorsed Obama if theyâd asked me.â Endorse Obama? Cue dumbfounded look from British officials, followed by some awkward remarks about the Washington weather. Even Gordon Brownâs poker face gave way to a flash of astonishment.

Over at AOL News, David Knowles suggests that there may be evidence in Bush's new book that the then-president favored Obama over McCain. "In 'Decision Points,' Bush's newly released memoir, the former president makes no bones about the fact that of the two candidates, he much preferred the way Obama handled the news of the financial sector meltdown."

Of course, if the report is true, it's worth pointing out that even if Bush would have wanted to endorse Obama, it's doubtful that Obama would have even wanted it. There's a reason he didn't ask.