Do you think that George W's ratings in the opinion polls are higher amongst the 45+ group?

Yes, but not including me! The intellectuals of our country did not vote for him as shown in the blue states vs. red states. The blue states (Democrat) are industrial, highly populated cities. And, a few Midwest states are blue, and both coasts are blue with most of the top tier colleges and highest educated people. Red states (Republican) are rural or lightly populated, comparatively. Many retired people move to the south, so your theory is correct, but I would add about twenty years to make it 65!