High-octane pomp in store for Chinese president

[January 19, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The tone for the Chinese president's visit to Washington shifts from intimate to grandiose as the Obama White House honors Hu Jintao (hoo jihn-tow) with the high-octane pomp of a state dinner.

Details like the menu, the guest list and the first lady's gown are closely guarded, but it's safe to say that the Obama social team is going all-out.

Already, the names of some guests for Wednesday evening's affair are trickling out, and actor Jackie Chan is among them, assuring the party will have a celebrity quotient.

One name that's not on the list: House Speaker John Boehner (BAY-nur). He declined an invitation, as did Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic leader Harry Reid.

President Barack Obama warmed things up Tuesday with a private dinner for Hu.

[Associated Press]

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