Sometimes the best thing to do is be quiet and let your enemies make fools of themselves.
Big ditto!
Yes, it was Wellesley, and they didn't want Barbara Bush to speak, because all she ever did was stay home, be a good wife, and raise a family..........how disgraceful! LOL! All she did was raise a President and Governor, and a family filled with love and respect for each other, and for other people!
Incidentally, she did win their hearts over with the wit and charm that you refer to, and Laura will do the same (if she decides to go)!