Putin 1, Bush 0

It was interesting to see news of Putin and Bush meeting at the G8 summit in St Petersburg. Mr Putin introduced Mr Bush to his very first car - what looked like a 1972 Trabant or similar. The Russian leader was able to field and answer questions in English at their joint appearance before the assembled press. He was also able to share Bush's mild joke about the fact that the car was older than the person who asked the question.
I just wonder what would happen if the summit had taken place in the US? Would they conduct the press conference in Russian? Would Bush be able to understand and answer questions in that language and join in the banter? I suspect the answers to those questions would be a resounding NO.
Insular - almost parochial - America will soldier on in the way that the old British Empire did. "If the natives don't understand you then repeat your question/command/request/order in English VERY LOUDLY until they do understand."
Mr Putin has once again got the edge on Bumbling Bush. His lack of intellect is all to obvious. But then, that sums up the whole American political system. Make sure you have the people with the brains behind you once you have won office by wheeling, dealing and publicity stunts. Only the rich can win office in America. It takes a lot of money to buy people's minds. . .