Posted on 03/31/2005 3:22:27 PM PST by SmithL
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - It seemed like Jeb Bush was in a no-win situation by taking up the cause of trying to keep Terri Schiavo alive.
He was going against polls that showed two out of three people thought government shouldn't get involved. Then when courts stopped him from stepping in, some of his conservative Christian base criticized him for not doing more.
But many people agree the Schiavo case was not a political issue for Bush and that the governor will not be hurt by it - especially since he doesn't have plans to run for office again any time soon.
"I can't see it having any impact on Jeb Bush and his political future," said Darryl Paulson, a University of South Florida political science professor. "He's not going to be running again in '06 and he says he's not running for the presidency and every one of his advisers is taking him at his word."
Florida limits governors to two terms and Bush's ends in January 2007. Even if Bush eventually decides to run for president, those close to him firmly say it will not be three years from now when his brother leaves office. By the time 2012 or 2016 roll around, the Schiavo case will be a distant memory.
"That's light years in political time," Paulson said. "This issue certainly would be laid to rest if he decides to run."
Those who opposed Bush's intervention may have had longer memories on the issue had he actually stopped the death through his lawsuits, or if he appeased the Christian right and defied a court order and taken custody of Schiavo.
Those on the Christian right may remember he was relentless - within the law - in pursuing a way to keep Schiavo alive. They are also likely to consider his overall record on issues they support and realize he is shared their views.
"He can get credit for trying, but not get blamed for going against her wishes if indeed that's what her wishes were," said Aubrey Jewett, a University of Central Florida political science professor.
Either way, Bush is adamant that his motivation was not political.
"This is not a political issue. This goes way beyond politics. I don't know if anybody wins politically having to participate in something like this, to be honest with you," Bush said.
Anyone who has paid attention to Bush's six years in office shouldn't be surprised by his efforts to keep Schiavo alive.
When Bush ran for re-election in 2002, he had already backed laws to restrict abortion, pushed through a voucher bill that allows some children to go to private religious schools at taxpayer expense and openly expressed his support for a state law that prevents gays from adopting children. He was re-elected with 56 percent of the vote.
"His involvement in the Schiavo case is not something out of the ordinary. He's put together a conservative social agenda from the beginning of his being governor," said Matthew Corrigan, a University of North Florida political science professor. "He's made a clear connection between his conservative religious values and his public policy."
I'm really worried about eating our own on this. It's totally uncalled for. Hopefully in a month this whole sad episode will be forgotten.
Every single person posting on this thread should be 100X as mad, as pissed, as angry, at all those who either directly had a hand in this heinous act of murder, or were the the willing accomplices, or cheerleadering section (w.p.f.)
Redirect, channel, focus your passion, your anger towards the reals enemies. JEB BUSH IS NOT ONE OF THEM!
Jeb Bush is finished politically.
He failed the crucial test of his political life, and millions of people will never forgive him for it.
Of course, he's a multimillionaire so his retirement to private life is not going to hurt a bit. Not like, say, dying of thirst or anything like that.
"I'm really worried about eating our own on this."
Agreed.
End the reign of terror
I agree with you.
Spoken like a true Common Man....
Did you learn how to post at the Moveon seminar ?
Perhaps those that hate Jeb for not being Christ should consider listening to Mark's show. He rightly blasted you for making Jeb and any of the Republicans scapegoats for this evil and put it where it belongs. On the Judiciary.
I thank JEB BUSH. I thank the President. I thank Frist, Santorum and Delay. I thank the rest of the Republicans for standing firm in the face of ignorance and Death cultists on one side, and ingratitude and lack of understanding of the Constitution on the other.
You smell something?
LIKE THE ELIAN GONZALEZ CASE; THE TERRI SHIAVO CASE REQUIRED "SOLOMONIC" WISDOM. THE RESULTS: ELIAN WENT TO HIS NATURAL/BIOLOGICAL PARENT(S). MS. SHIAVO WENT TO HER HUSBAND'S WISHES [THE TWO BEING ONE FLESH] TILL DEATH THEY DID PART.
We'll see . . . won't we?
Any person has weaknesses. Jeb's has been exposed. It is folly to elect as President a man with such an exposed weakness, for enemies of the U.S. would almost certainly be able to capitalize upon it.
Jeb's failure here does not necessarily make him a bad person, but it does suggest quite strongly that he is no longer suitable for serious consideration as a candidate to the office of President of the United States.
Do you suppose Solomon would have taken into consideration the dreams of Elian's mother to escape Communism?
And what would he think of your goofy comment of "one flesh" since Michael Schiavo has another woman and has fathered two children by her?
Lastly, what would Solomon say of people who use all caps?
Good God man are you confused! It takes all of one brain cell functioning in even the most limited capacity to decide this case, not Solomon!
MS. SHIAVO WENT TO HER HUSBAND'S WISHES [THE TWO BEING ONE FLESH] TILL DEATH THEY DID PART.
WRONG! They become separate flesh when the husband became 'one flesh' with another woman!
Well, you can ditch Jeb or you can ditch a couple million votes.
You can afford the first, not the second.
It would be wise of you to visit this thread.
uhhhhhhh ........he broke his " ONE FLESH" years ago sweetie!!!!
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