The Germans want to call Bush stupid because they have a profound respect for those who give the appearance of being educated, regardless of whether that person can pour sand out of a boot with the instructions the heel
... Bush is a grad of two Ivy League schools and a jet fighter pilot, but being an American, and especially a Texan and Republican Politician, he does not try to come across as an egg head. The Germans cannot fathom a politician may be educated and intelligent and not rub that fact into everyone's face, so they assume Bush is neither.
Back in the 1980's I saw sample ballots from a (West) German election. "Herr Doktor Professor" or some other title preceded numerous candidate's names. Phil Gramm had just won a Texas Senate seat, but in (relatively) egalitarian Texas, he sure did not run as "Professor Gramm, Ph.D."
Germans absolutely loved the American Cowboy image. Last time I visited Germany, I stocked up with everything I could find from Texas (to include Lone Star Beer) and made a fortune selling the items to the Germans.
So, why is calling President Bush a Cowboy considered bad now days?
The American Cowboy image is something to be respected.
Standing up for what is right. Defending people who are being oppressed. Knowing that a person's word is worth gold, and when you say something, people can always rely upon you. Hard work, self reliance, and knowing that only you can protect the people you love. John Wayne!
Are these the virtues of the American Cowboy that has Europe so worried?