In today’s Reliable Source, Richard Leiby reports that comedian Chevy Chase unleashed a “potty-mouthed … rant against President Bush” at liberal advocacy organization People For the American Way’s annual “Spirit of Liberty” awards at the Kennedy Center Tuesday. (Disclaimer: this DCist works for PFAW) Thus far conservative news outlets Newsmax and online gossip Matt Drudge have picked up the story, although both rely on the Post’s coverage. He is seen here before the show in this Reuters photo. Leiby reports:

Chase called the prez a “dumb [expletive].” He also used it as an adjective, assuring the audience, “I’m no [expletive] clown either. . . . This guy started a jihad.”

Chase also said: “This guy in office is an uneducated, real lying schmuck … and we still couldn’t beat him with a bore like Kerry.”

The Post reports that the group’s president Ralph Neas quickly distanced his organization from the comments, calling them “inappropriate and offensive.” At the awards show the audience reacted with nervous laughter when Chase began his tirade, saying he felt like he was “reading 30-year-old material off of a teleprompter,” saying later “I’m a smart guy too. I started Saturday Night Live, I didn’t just host it.” He later referenced Susan Sarandon, who had read a poem during her speech, saying that although Bush won, “all we have is words.” Earlier in the evening Chase had appeared relaxed and in good spirits.