In a parallel universe, this likeably unlikely combo is the top-rated reality TV show:

Although [the Dalai Lama] appeared not to approve of the war in Iraq, he was admiring of [President George W.] Bush.

“He is very straightforward,” said the monk.

“On our first visit, I was faced with a large plate of biscuits. President Bush immediately offered me his favourites, and after that, we got on fine. On my next visit, he didn’t mind when I was blunt about the war.

“By my third visit, I was ushering him into the Oval Office. I was astonished by his grasp of Buddhism.”