ABC News political analyst Matthew Dowd filed this insight in his weekly contribution to the conventional wisdom beat:
After watching Fight Night in Vegas, or this week’s Republican debate, which heated up considerably, I was struck again by a truth in politics that is often missed in the coverage: Presidential campaigns are fundamentally not about issues; they are about gut values and impressions voters have of the man or woman running for the highest office.
Really – often missed?
Like no one has ever evaluated the Shotgun Index, as in which presidential candidate would you rather drive cross country with? Or who would you rather have a beer with?
Three words, Matthew:
George W. Bush.
Campaign Outsider 
What would you say to a cross-country trip with the shotgun in a pet carrier lashed to the top of the car protected by a hand-crafted wind screen?
A beer with GHWB and Barbara would be an acceptable alternative.
Could I drive cross-country with you instead, Mudge?
I still haven’t figured out why anyone would want to have a beer with a teetotaler.
It’s like having a cigarette with an emphysemic guy breathing oxygen through a nasal tube who spasms every time you exhale smoke.