8:52 AM PT -- President George W. Bush is weighing into the controversy over his mingling with Ellen at the game, and it sounds like he appreciates her standing up for their friendship.
A rep for Dubya tells TMZ ... the Prez wasn't even aware people were pissed until he saw Ellen address it on her show, but now that he's up to speed on the outrage ... we're told he fully supports what she had to say about it, especially on being kind to folks with views that are different than your own.
There's also this .