Posted on 01/18/2005 7:14:15 AM PST by governsleastgovernsbest
Jeb!
by Matt Towery
January 18, 2005
In last week's column, it was Newt Gingrich for president in 2008. This week brings us to consideration of another name that deserves serious consideration -- a name that now may be viewed as just as much a long shot as Gingrich, although for different reasons.
That name is Jeb Bush. He says, emphatically, he will not run. But that doesn't mean he shouldn't.
First, a bit of follow-up. I met with Newt Gingrich late last week. He continued to stick to his story that he's really just pushing the fresh policy ideas in his new book. Even so, it was clear that he is preparing to enter the next and most amazing stage of his meteoric public career. Let's put it this way: Don't be shocked to see him vacationing in New Hampshire and signing lots of books in Iowa.
Gingrich is the textbook case of a potential presidential contender whom the politically naive may discount as a candidate because they think he can't restyle his old image. They're wrong. Now let's consider another potential Republican candidate who pundits incorrectly believe could never win because of the simple fact of his family ties. That man is Gov. Bush.
Many so-called political experts are often way off when it comes to deciding this far out who can win the White House. They would have us believe a Jeb Bush candidacy in 2008 would be doomed supposedly because Americans would never elect three presidents from the same family. How interesting. Had the late Robert Kennedy lived and been elected president in 1968, there is little doubt that, in good time, brother Teddy would have seemed the next popular choice for Democrats entranced by the Kennedy mystique.
In the case of Gov. Bush, there is substance behind the notion that he could -- even should -- be elected to succeed George W. Bush. With all deference to Jeb's dad, George H.W. Bush -- whom I passionately supported in '88 and in '92 -- and to his brother, the current president, it's long been my contention that Jeb is the most articulate and the most natural political leader hanging on the family tree.
Moreover, our InsiderAdvantage surveys in Florida have consistently shown Bush to have strong approval ratings. The most recent of these surveys found him well above 60 percent approval. That's no mean feat in this divided and tumultuous political era. Some of his popularity may be attributed to his household last name. But in a state as politically diverse as Florida, there's got to be more to it. Could it be because he's been a great governor? Not just good, or even very good. Great. Here are some reasons why:
Consider that Florida doesn't have the fiscal luxury of a state income tax. Now realize the impact that 9/11 had on the state's No. 1 industry, tourism, and its ability to generate state revenue through sales and other taxes.
Now imagine meeting the diverse needs of a huge state with a large senior population and a multitude of urban areas, which bring with them many of the social and other problems attendant to tough life in the city.
Somehow through all this, Jeb Bush has managed to steer his state through rocky financial times, instilling a confidence that Florida can face up to virtually any challenge.
Bush accomplished this in part by embracing the Reagan economic philosophy. Florida eliminated some $6 billion dollars in taxes on businesses and those who invest in the state's economy. The result is a rebounding jobs market that is back to pre-9/11 levels, and boosted by a continuing expansion in economic sectors like construction and development. In fact, Wall Street has just upgraded Florida's credit rating for the first time in 30 years.
Second, Gov. Bush deep-sixed the good-ole-boy system of state government, a relic of Florida's old days of system-abusing, "hail-fellow-well-met" Democrats. He passed legislation that transformed Florida's civil service system into one that is merit-based, not tenure-controlled. Many positions in state government that were once private political fiefdoms are now accountable to the state's chief executive. That includes Florida's head of public education, once elected, now appointed by the governor. Bush even dispensed with the Board of Regents -- almost universally a private little kingdom with too many kings -- instead of allowing state universities to continue serving as their own governing bodies.
And speaking of education: Bush has spearheaded the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT), which has set real standards for public schools. The governor has held those schools accountable for their test results. It was controversial with the state's teachers union, but it has proven the catalyst for real improvement in public schools.
Now throw this in the mix: While some Republican leaders talk about privatization of government services, Bush has set in motion a whirlwind series of initiatives to privatize everything from prisons to mental health facilities. Jeb Bush is a true conservative with a progressive bent.
All of the above said, it now looks like Bush wants his name taken out of consideration for the presidency in 2008. But just as the concept of Newt making a big comeback isn't so far-fetched, a Jeb Bush run makes equally good sense. In the end, both men must make their own decisions. But it's great to see the GOP with leaders who are bright, widely known and able to turn rhetoric into government policy -- leaders capable of, well, leading.
©2005 Creators Syndicate
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I like the ideas Newt has floated in his new book, but curious why you react negatively to Jeb.
Here , Here
There are other people to run besides those with the name Bush or Clinton. By 2006, I am sure the fiels will have a few qualified people to choose from without those names....or I won't be voting.
While Jeb being elected would make the leftist, socialist, communists of the Democratic party go absolutely ape poop... I don't think Jeb should be the candidate for '08, and if he is, I really doubt he'll win.. unless of course the Dems put up Kerry again.
I'm not going to vote for another Bush. He's not the only qualified person, and IMHO it approaches some type of 'dynasty' appearance that makes me uncomfortable, along with a lot of others. That would be a big negative against him, and would be pushed by the Dems. And it would work.
GHWB...GWB...Jeb Bush...why not have a King?
What about Owens, Tancredo, Sanford, Huckabee, and Allen?
Someone told me Owens has a lot of past baggage, something about a divorce. I was interested in him, but I need to learn more about him.
Personally, baggage doesn't always matter. And to some, it never does (see:Kerry & Communist ties)
Now that I think about it he has a real cozy relationship with one, his wife.
The word "dynasty" comes to mind; that would be a tough sell.
When Jeb ran for governor of Florida and George W. for governor of Texas in '94, the thought was that Jeb was the one the family future was staked in and if George W. won, that was gravy. Except Chiles beat Jeb -- which was an upset, even though Chiles was the incumbent -- and the family mantle went to George W.
When I see Jeb speak on TV, he somehow comes off as too much like a college kid talking politics to me -- he just strikes me as too earnest in a way I find mildly off-putting. The only time he came off really well, to me, was during the string of hurricanes last year.
His big problem would be, as others have said, that it would seem too much like a family dynasty, if he runs in 2008. Yes, Hillary would be the second Clinton President, were she elected, but that's 8 years after Bill, not immediately on his heels.
It would be better for Jeb's prospects, if he waits four years (if a Dem wins in '08) or 8 years (if a Republican wins). That should dilute the sense of dynasty-building well-enough.
My apologies. Having a bad morning and it was wrong of me to take it out on you. Sorry...
I think that Jeb is a good man, and I'll always appreciate his efforts in the Terri Schiavo situation, but I despise political family dynasties. I'm leaning towards Governor Sanford at this point.
I am not convinced that a Bush Dynasty is in the best interest of the US.
I wish I could be as sanguine, but I'm not.
Hillary will get all the voters who punched the chad for that dorky dweeb, Kerry. She would also add huge numbers of women who think a woman would be "wonderful". Then, she has the clinton machine in her pocket and oodles of money. Lastly, the incredibly naive and nearly terminally stupid "independents" would vote for her in droves because it is the thing to do and they know her name.
I think she is very electable, unfortunately.
Thanks for the excellent, informative post. Hope many others here will read and consider.
used to live in FL. Jeb is my #1 pick too. Maybe with Rice as VP.
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