And then it hit us: We were raised studying their foibles, learning life lessons from their behavior. Except at the time, Bush and Gore were named "Goofus and Gallant."

That's right, from Highlights Magazine for children. Since the late 1940s, readers have been treated to the lessons of the Highlights twins: Bad boy Goofus, inevitably doing the wrong thing, though unquestionably more fun than that goody-goody Gallant. (And ask yourself: Is it just a coincidence that Highlights was launched in 1946, the year Bush was born, and "Goofus and Gallant" became part of the magazine in 1948, the year Gore was born?)

Here, in a special series, is a look at Gov. Goofus and Vice President Gallant. All quotes are bona fide:

The Story so far

Chapter 3: Vice President Gallant likes numbers. Lots of numbers.

Chapter 2: Gov. Goofus seems to like killing people

Chapter 1: Vice President Gallant lies