President Bush appearing on NBC's "Deal"

By James Hibberd

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - President Bush ... open your case. The commander-in-chief will make a guest appearance on Monday's episode of the NBC game show "Deal or No Deal."

Bush taped a video message for "Deal" contestant Capt. Joseph Kobes, a U.S. Army transportation officer who served three tours of duty in Iraq. Kobes won a Purple Heart and Bronze Star and volunteered for his second and third deployments.

"The show's producers contacted the White House after learning from Capt. Kobes that the president is one of his heroes," White House spokesman Tony Fratto said. "And it really is, actually, an emotional moment for Capt. Kobes and the family. And so we look forward to that, and we all wish him luck as well."

"Deal" frequently surprises contestants with supportive visits by their heroes, but the president is the highest-profile person to appear on the show. Bush shot the message at the White House for an episode that taped in March.

In the message, Bush thanks Kobes for his service and wishes him good luck in trying to win the show's $1 million prize. Referencing the difficulty of balancing the budget as president, Bush also jokingly asks "Deal" host Howie Mandel how he would feel hosting a $3 trillion dollar reality show.

No word, however, whether the president's message proved lucky for the contestant.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter