Insider Book on W: Hail to the Cheez Doodles here are a few excerpts: "The United States is being led by a lowbrow from the upper-crust ghetto, largely unaware of culture — high, pop and maybe even yogurt — a forthcoming biography of President Bush says." "New York Times reporter Frank Bruni, who was assigned to cover Bush during the 2000 presidential campaign and the first eight months of Bush's presidency, describes the 43rd President of the United States as affable and good-natured, but shallow and largely clueless about many aspects of the culture of the nation he heads. " "Bush viewed the musical "Cats" as modern theater at its finest, Bruni writes, and openly admitted that martial artist Chuck Norris was his favorite film actor." "The candidate had never heard of actor Leonardo DiCaprio or television newscaster Stone Phillips — despite the enormous nationwide exposure of both, Bruni writes. Asked about HBO's smash hit "Sex and the City," Bush thought it was "an inquiry into his erotic and geographic whereabouts," Bruni writes." "Bush, who gets generally positive treatment from Bruni in the book, nonetheless comes off in parts as a stranger to America outside his own upper-class WASP background. When reporters on the campaign trail used words like "vegan" or "yenta," Bush had no idea what they were talking about, Bruni writes." "Bush bragged to sushi-eating reporters about how good his peanut butter sandwiches were. His snacks of choice on the campaign trail were Fritos and Cheez Doodles. Though he wasn't familiar with DiCaprio's role in "Titanic," the highest-grossing film ever, Bush knew the "Austin Powers" movies inside out. Bruni writes that Bush often lifted his pinkie to the corner of his mouth to mimic the Dr. Evil character in the Powers flicks." -- too funny... rH
I think most people had already figured this out already about G.W. And although I am a loyal reader of the NY Times, this is exactly the kind of stuff that gets them blasted as a "liberal elitist" publication. I'm not a fan of Bush, but that's because of his policies. I could really care less he knows DiCaprio was the star of "Titanic." Hell, I never even saw the movie. I think Bush is an accurate reflection of the his core group of voters -- middle America. He is mainly a representation of suburban and rural life, while the democrats (ie.."liberal elite") still represent many urban areas. And there does seem to be a fairly strong clash of cultures going on between the two sides. Now if we could just learn him about "vegans"...
excellent post, Mr. J.B.!! if this is the best liberals have on this guy, I can guarantee 8 years!!! if this is not the most ridiculous article you've ever read...who the hell cares??? what in the world is this even about??
"There's no way George Bush will not serve another term." -MadMax, March 1991 FYI, I agree with Mrs. JB's sentiments.
Who cares what he likes to watch and listen to? Why does that make him a better or worse leader? I often wonder about all the art films, albums, etc., that are supposed to be "cultured", and all the critics give them rave reviews at the same time. I think people are just following the herd to try to look highbrow. I'm glad our President has his own idea of what he likes, and isn't afraid to share his tastes with the common people.
you could not be more wrong, Katy boy!! I wrote my high school government paper on why Bill Clinton should be our president...I voted for Bill Clinton in 1992. Sad, but true!!!
I don't think the point of the story was what he likes and doesn't like ... just that there's a ton of "everyday stuff" that he has no clue about. It's not really in the specifics, but that there's huge gap between his America and everyday America. It's harder for someone to do the "I know your pain" stuff when they appear so disconnected with everyday life.
Following are Bruni's little tests. Are you as lowbrow and 'upper-crust ghetto' as your president. Be honest as you give yourself this little test. Questions: 1) Cats is modern theatre at its finest 2) Chuck Norris is favorite actor 3) Unfamiliar with Leonardo DiCaprio 4) Unfamiliar with Stone Phillips 5) Unfamiliar with Sex and the City 6) Unfamiliar with vegans 7) Unfamiliar with yenta 8) Likes peanut butter sandwiches, fritos, and cheez doodles 9) Unfamiliar with Titanic 10) Enjoyed and very familiar with Austin Powers Extra-Credit: -1 point if you know what a nubian is. My Results: 1) Never seen it, and I doubt it's good theatre 2) I hate Chuck Norris 3) If only I could be so lucky as to have never heard of him 4) Again, if I could be so lucky. He's a gigolo; I'm sure Bush only concerns himself with real journalists, but I digress... 5) Familiar with it, but never seen it. I get half a point. 6) I do know what a vegan is. 7) Yenta? I get a point. 8) Don't like peanut butter, fritos or cheez doodles. 9) Familiar but never seen it. Half a point. 10) Never seen Austin Powers. Have been annoyed by clips of it and people quoting it. EC) Of or relating to Nubia, a region in northeast Africa. Conclusion: I receive 2 points out of a possible 10, -1 for the extra credit. That puts me in the lowest tier of low-brow, 'upper crust ghetto.' Perhaps I'm a liberal elitist.
A person from Nubia. Ok, ok... I better edit this before the "ummm... where's Nubia?" response comes up. Eastern Africa (I believe). A lot of African Americans refer to themselves as Nubians. Ever heard of the musical group "Brand Nubian"?
For me, the fact that he knows Austin Powers inside and out makes up for any lack of "culture" he has. He's obviously got a childish sense of humor, and I think it's refreshing to see that in a president.
Did the Chasing Amy quote fly right over your head, DoD? Or did you get it, but want to show how smart you were anyway?
Actually, I don't mind it either, but, truth of the matter is that Clinton was basically the same way when it came to his humor and relative hickishness. However, that didn't stop a few people I know (not here) from saying, "Finally, the adults are back in charge." when Bush won.
WOW . . . . . . . . . . . . I always made fun of W's lack of brain power, but it was all in good fun. I really did not want it to be true. the guy is leading our country. Oh wait he likes Austin Powers! that makes him alright by me
Ancient African civilisation rivaling the mighty egyptians however, for some reason never received quite as much publicity. Some of there monuments are very similar to pyramids. Anyway here is the website if you are interested http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/9435/nubold.html
I can't believe anyone would care about such things. This person has the audacity to talk about GW being lowbrow? I don't care what I thought about GW's policies, if I was this person's editor I would send them back to the drawing board...um...er...word processor. That was absolutely meaningless. Do people really get paid to research and write such stuff?
