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The New York Times today has a lead story on Jeb Bush — a report that smooths out Bush’s wrinkles, finds him an outfit that shields us from viewing his many defects (see the role he played in the 2000 election), and leans on the philosophy of current school history text books: make sure the kiddies don’t learn anything too negative about America.

The best part of today’s Times is the response that article is getting from commenters.

Elsewhere, the kiddies clearly have found the truth.

Reactions to Bush were viscerally negative. When the participants were asked for short impressions of him, the responses included the following: “Joke.” “No, thank you.” “Clown.” “Don’t need him.” “Greedy.” “Again?” One said, “intriguing” and another said, “interesting.” That’s as close as anyone came to outright enthusiasm for Bush. …WaPo

The Washington Post has a much more interesting and encouraging report on a meeting in Denver in which “a dozen Denver-area residents spent two hours dissecting the state of the country and its politics.” The group sent a “signal of distaste for political dynasties.”

The 12 participants — Democrats, Republicans and independents — are weary of political dynasties. They were dismissive, sometimes harshly, in their assessments of Bush, the former Florida governor. They were also chilly toward former secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton. …WaPo

Good! Me, too! No, I don’t like Hillary Clinton either.

When the name of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) was introduced into the conversation, however, many of those around the table, regardless of party affiliation, responded positively. To this group, who spoke in stark terms throughout the evening about the economic challenges of working Americans, Warren has struck a chord. …WaPo

And Clinton?

Instant impressions included the following: “Don’t like.” “Strong.” “Spitfire.” “Untrustworthy.” “More of the same.” “Politician, but gets things done.” The reactions echoed what has been found in polls and in other focus groups, which is that Clinton has stature but remains a polarizing figure. ..WaPo

Exactly!

Rand Paul got some attention — kind of positive but not enthusiastic. The enthusiasm was at its peak for Warren. She was perceived as a friend, a neighbor.

Quick impressions voiced about her were highly positive: “Passionate.” “Smart.” “Sincere.” “Knowledgeable.” “Intelligent.” “Capable.” One person said, “questionable.” That was as close to a negative reaction as she got in that round. …WaPo

It’s a huge relief to know that there are at least 12 Americans who have thrown both Bush and Clinton in the dumpster.

Warren? Even Romney-supporting “independents” like Elizabeth Warren. Clinton and Bush are seen as living in a different world from the rest of us — as, indeed, they are. And if Warren is elected, she’ll necessarily be sucked into that world as well.

Warren’s tough, but not tough enough to remain steady when up against the power and money currently invested in our leadership.

Cross posted from Prairie Weather

graphic via shutterstock.com