First of all, childless cat ladies are often childless for reasons other than they’re bearers of fruitless wombs. Secondly, Dubya was brilliant at folksy rube-play because he was authentic. As part time Texan, ranch & oil man, part-time Maine country clubber, Yale-educated, son of a battle-axe (and I was very fond of his mother, Barbara Bush), he could navigate a tux or a tractor. Supported by his secret weapon, Democrat-reared, well-grounded, self-effacing and practical Laura, he couldn’t lose.