Imgaine a US mayor taking the bus. Imagine a US mayor with a bus to take.

From the inestimable Matthew Parris, a story about politicos who still value literacy:

Boris befuddled

This, too, reaches me: the true story of a man on the top deck of a No 277 London bus from Canary Wharf to Islington. Boris Johnson, who doesn't know my informant, is on an adjacent seat. It is early evening. Something has occurred to the previously placid Boris, who all at once becomes agitated. Begins fumbling wildly in his briefcase, going through all his pockets. Can't find what he urgently needs - his mobile phone. Asks to borrow my informant's, but he doesn't have one. More rummaging. Finally finds his own. Furiously stabs in desired number...

“Hello? Subs [newspaper sub-editors]? Am I too late? There's a mistake in my copy. Can I make a change? Still time? Oh, thank God! About half way down; near the top; the word 'encomium'. Found it? Yes? Delete it. Insert 'valedictory'. Phew. Thanks. Bye.”