Streisand, Freeman, others receive honors

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barbra Streisand visited the White House but said beforehand that she’d play nice.

Streisand, a vocal critic of President George W. Bush’s, was a guest Sunday at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue during one of Washington’s few A-list events.

“Art,” she said, “transcends politics this weekend.”

The singer and actress this year was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, along with Morgan Freeman, country singer George Jones, dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp and musicians Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who.

The honors recognize individuals who have had an impact on American culture through the performing arts, part of the living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

Jones said there were no strained moments between Streisand and Bush during the reception.

After the reception, the group traveled with the president and first lady Laura Bush to the performing arts center for a gala in their honor.

The awards were presented Saturday night at a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. She addressed each honoree, beginning with Freeman.