Does this photo send a message?

[shockingelk]

This photo accompanies a news story about Rice's testimony, set to begin in a few hours. The photo of Rice and Bush was taken December 17, 2000, shortly before Bush became President over three years ago.

Can you describe the expressions on each of their faces in the photo? Does the picture tell a story? What emotions does it seem like they're having in the photo? May someone have chosen to use this photo to communicate anything - overtly or by stealth?

Here is the article about Rice's testimony: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040408/D81QAMB00.html

Here is a larger version of the inset photo with the date the photo was taken http://tinyurl.com/34hpw

[No Mandate Here.]

1. They both look a LOT younger

[Lexingtonian]

2. yep

I'd guess that the message is "I sharpened my teeth with a whetstone for the Committee Chairman".

BTW, is that a Vulcan behind her, fighting his way through a failed Mindmeld? He's only missing the rubber ear tips and a bit of jaundice to do a passable Leonard Nimoy.