Mr. Bush shot back. I can name the general. He later questioned the reporter's ability to do his job if he couldn't name the foreign minister of Mexico. What I see is this lack of gravitas. It is flippant.
Voters are less likely to forgive a smartass than someone who has a learning curve.
He lights up the room. He also has been known to use his quick wit to extricate his foot from his mouth with a voter. At a New Hampshire diner this week, he asked a young woman what grade she was in. Mr. Bush slapped her on the back and said that someday she would appreciate a question like that. He also uses humor or quick retorts when he is annoyed, and sometimes his exchanges with voters have an edge.