The old man is a cynical whore. George W. is not cynical and is doing the best he can as far as I'm concerned (probably realizes he screwed up early in life and want to do his best). I believe he really feels he has a mission in life and I applaud him for it. His father -- no way.
IMO George HW IS more cynical than his son, but nowhere near to the point of being a whore. I'd have to say that Clinton wins that honor.
I agree with your assessment of the current President Bush. I believe in him far more than I was ever able to believe in his father - not that I didn't like the elder President Bush, because I did...just not as much as his son.