From Tennessean political writer Bonna M. de la Cruz:

Newlyweds Amy Grant and Vince Gill sat in on George W. Bush's campaign stop at Vandyland soda shop on Thursday (pictured at left).

"We're just here as friends," Grant said when asked if they would campaign for Bush.

Gill said he's played golf with Bush several times, including at the Golf Club of Tennessee.

Before getting into his stump speech about energy, Social Security and health-care policy, Bush told supporters that the last time he was in Nashville he hit a round with Gill.

"If the president was elected by how long he hit a golf ball, Vince Gill would be president," Bush said.

"I didn't say straight. I said long," he added, getting laughs.

Another friend, contemporary Christian singer Michael W. Smith, showed up at the airport to greet Bush.

Gov. Don Sundquist and other dignitaries were there, but Smith was the only one to get a bearhug from Bush.

During their conversation, the presidential candidate rubbed the side of Smith's cheek.

"I think he was saying he liked the goatee," Smith said later.