The recent attention to Bush's knowledge gaps may end up being mere blips on the radar screen of his campaign, given his popularity level and fundraising skills. But if Bush, or any other candidate, can't prepare himself well enough to be effective in a public forum about today's most salient issues, it's hard to believe he could be effective as a president. The presence or absence of smarts may not be seen as important, but the ability to communicate knowledgeably and on a well-informed basis is absolutely essential.