Bush VS. Brush

LONG AGO, a wise woman suggested to me that instead of asking a person what he does—the standard opening line in Washington—one could gain deeper insight into character and temperament by asking, “What do you like to do?” That sounded like a good idea, and let it be noted that, when I tried it, the question elicited some odd looks and heel-turning, as if some type of classified information were being sought. All of which suggests my adviser was on to something.

With this in mind, we turn our attention to the president, whose favorite leisure activity seems to be clearing brush at his Crawford, Texas, ranch. What does this tell us about the man once derided as “Shrub” by the Texas left-wing wiseacre Molly Ivins? A great deal, perhaps.

DS

About the Author

Dave Shiflett

Featured Tags

LONG AGO, a wise woman suggested to me that instead of asking a person what he does—the standard opening line in Washington—one could gain deeper insight into character and temperament by asking, “What do you like to do?” That sounded like a good idea, and let it be noted that, when I tried it, the question elicited some odd looks and heel-turning, as if some type of classified information were being sought. All of which suggests my adviser was on to something.

With this in mind, we turn our attention to the president, whose favorite leisure activity seems to be clearing brush at his Crawford, Texas, ranch. What does this tell us about the man once derided as “Shrub” by the Texas left-wing wiseacre Molly Ivins? A great deal, perhaps.