(I assume anyone who actually went to the NY Times site was allowing unlimited cookies to be set...I tried to say "no", and gave up after 50-60 clicks...it was an effort to just go 'back' and quit trying)

as to Barbara Bush, I think some people just have a mindset that says "put a positive spin on EVERYTHING and be cheerful & optimistic" She just wanted thinks to be 'ok', so they were.