Jeb! (Why Jeb Bush Would Make an Excellent Presidential Candidate in 2008)

Townhall.com ^ | Matt Towery

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I like the ideas Newt has floated in his new book, but curious why you react negatively to Jeb.

[Feiny]

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.

[Ticonderoga34]

With the exception of Goldwater, the Senators on this list were bad candidates (although I voted for and liked Dole). Goldwater's problem was that he had to run after the JFK assassination and that LBJ had the morals of a snake in his pursuit of power.

The problem with recruiting a candidate for President is that his/her heart may not be in the race. A candidate for President has to have a fire in his belly to run for President because the process is such a long ordeal. A recruited candidate may not the level of motivation to run a successful campaign.

So far there hasn't been a conservative candidate mention as a possible candidate in 2008 but that may be because the lame stream media is making up the list of possible candidates. I would imagine our "friends" in the LSM would like for no real conservative to run in 2008. I would also imagine that a real conservative candidate will run in 2008.

[Tigerjam]

I don't think that the South would go for Frist because of
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/809651/posts
Also, Rudy has personal baggage that would make him easier to lose to a competent Democratic candidate. Also, I think he is pro-choice.

[HamiltonJay]

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.

[eyespysomething]

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.

[leadpencil1]

GHWB...GWB...Jeb Bush...why not have a King?

[1LongTimeLurker]

So far there hasn't been a conservative candidate mention as a possible candidate in 2008

What about Owens, Tancredo, Sanford, Huckabee, and Allen?

[Fritzy]

For over 20 years I have watched Jeb.. in MIami and in Tallahassee.. He is an excellent administrator and an incredible visionary... he has the capacity to stay focused while bringing everyone along with him.. In Miami I worked on a committee with Jeb and Janet Reno... how is that for a pair? They both worked together with Jeb taking the lead in most instances bringing Janet along with the greatest of care and concern. Nothing but focus and inclusion.. he would make a productive president.. but I am not sure the American people are wise enough to see that... he would have been president if he had won the Governors position on his first run... I would give up my job and work like a crazy woman if he does decide to run.. While I have supported both Bushies.. my head and heart dictates the real leader ... Jeb!

[eyespysomething]

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)

[Shanda]

Jeb seems to be a little bit more conservative than his brother although he shares his too cozy relationship with illegal aliens and hispanics in general.

Now that I think about it he has a real cozy relationship with one, his wife.

[JimRed]

The word "dynasty" comes to mind; that would be a tough sell.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

FWIW, I heartily agree with the author's view that "Jeb is the most articulate and the most natural political leader hanging on the family tree."

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.

[Prime Choice]

My apologies. Having a bad morning and it was wrong of me to take it out on you. Sorry...

[jmc813]

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.

[Souled_Out]

"curious why you react negatively to Jeb"

I am not convinced that a Bush Dynasty is in the best interest of the US.

[Gritty]

If it comes down to anyone against Hillary, I think anyone would win.

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.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Thanks for the excellent, informative post. Hope many others here will read and consider.

[votelife]

used to live in FL. Jeb is my #1 pick too. Maybe with Rice as VP.