 This episode is a culmination of the war of words between the  _"Simpsons, The" (1989)_ (qv) and former First Couple  George Bush (qv) and Barbara Bush (I) (qv). Barbara Bush  referred to the show as "the dumbest thing Ive ever seen" in a 1990  interview with People magazine, and George stated when appearing  before the National Religious Broadcasters that "We need a nation  closer to the Waltons than the Simpsons." The writers of The  Simpsons responded in an episode aired a few days later when Bart  claimed "Were just like the Waltons. Were praying for an end to  the depression too", and in the episode  _"Simpsons, The" (1989) {Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington (#3.2)}_ (qv),  which showed Barbara Bush in the White House bathtub.