Holy smokes! Former President George W. Bush took a big shot at Sarah Palin, ridiculing her ability handle the nation's No. 2 job and dismissing her as a lightweight Governor from Guam, according to a report in GQ by former Bush speechwriter Matt Latimere. [This blogger believes Bush knew then and knows now that Palin governed Alaska for a spell.]

The hope is that Bush's verbal jab doesn't hurt bidding for the fabulous "Dinner for Five With Sarah Palin" prize that is being offered on eBay. Bidding opened Sept. 8 at a cool $25K minimum. Twenty-three Palin fans have jacked up that price to $39,702.

The winner of a sit-down with one of Barbara Walters' "Top 10 Most Fascinating People" of 2008 is in for something of a crap shoot. The "dinner experience" will take place at a mutually agreed time and spot (Alaska's governor's mansion is now out of the picture). The lucky duck who wins the chow-down may take pictures of his/her idol and carry in one item for Palin's John Hancock. It's up to Palin to decide whether to autograph the item "that must be of reasonable size" and "carried in by hand.

Respect for Palin and her entourage (e.g., she can bring three guests in an apparent effort to keep the dinner talk flowing) is paramount. "Inappropriate behavior will result in the conclusion of the experience with no refund," warns the eBay notice.

Palin retains the right to nix the dinner guest if he/she doesn't meet her standards of "suitability, professionalism, background and other factors." Betcha Dubya is on Sarah's blacklist. The dinner is to last for no more than four hours, but Sarah reserves the right to split at any time.

Bragging rights are limited. The top bidder is banned from advertising or promoting his/her catch. And forget about talking to the media: "In order to make the experience more enjoyable and interesting, the dinner will be 'off the record' and the winning bidder and his/her guests agree not to record the conversation, take notes or quote Sarah Palin in any manner in any media including blogs, or other online communications." Wasn't Palin a big magazine and newspaper fan?

The dinner with Palin is for a good cause. Proceeds will go to the "Ride 2 Recovery" cycling program for wounded or amputated veterans. There is still time to get into the action. You have two days and a few hours, as of this writing.

If the Palin ticket is a tad pricey, other options exist. How about lunch with Karl Rove at Bobby Van's Steakhouse in D.C.? That bid is now $11,800, up from the $7,500 opening. Still too much? Does a "meet and greet"with Fox's Sean Hannity and Republican pollster Frank Luntz quicken the pulse? It’s a downright steal at $2,873, up from the $1,000 opener.

Good luck to all.