Bush 44? [Jeb Bush for President]

Opinion Journal ^ | Aug 9, 2005 | BRENDAN MINITER

[The Raven]

He denies he's even interested, and a long list of political analysts have already written him off with the belief that the appearance of political nepotism would be too unseemly for voters to put the brother of the current president in the Oval Office. But in politics timing is everything, and as the clock advances towards 2008, things are starting to fall into place to give Jeb Bush the momentum he needs to win the White House. And this isn't contingent on Hillary Clinton emerging as the Democrats' nominee--though if she does, the path will be all the smoother for another Bush.

Let's first dispense with the idea that Jeb's biggest liability would be his last name. Since when does name recognition hurt in politics? It's true that many of this brother's political adversaries would simply cross out "George" in their campaign literature and ink in "Jeb" above it. MoveOn.org and other Democratic interest groups would find plenty of willing donors. George Soros would likely make another multimillion-dollar pledge to drive the Bushes from Washington. But then again, they did all that last time, and we aren't discussing who will challenge President Kerry.

[Sentis]

I don't care what his image is, I don't like political dynasties be they Bush, Kennedy, or Clinton. I think it smacks of monarchy and it's a bad idea to let the reigns of power rest with such a small group for so long. It gives them ideas and even the most honest man can be curropted by those ideas. Let the Bush dynasty die with GW.

[summer]

but there are limits I suppose to what a politician can do

There are also limits as to what can be done when the legal guardian as recognized repeatedly by the courts is the woman's husband. I suggested that a new law should allow parents of a severely dxisabled person to file for divorce in cerftain situations, but as many FR posters reminded me, the marriage contract is sacred. Not even Gov Bush can cancel it.

[summer]

VERY interesting! (re 1964)

[Sentis]

If another Bush runs I will have to find another candidate to support even with the spector of Shillary held over my head. I won't vote for either of them.

[Pippin]

But don't you think it's a bit unfair to Jeb or any other member of any political family.

I mean in this country every citizen has the right to run for any office even if there are other members in his famly ciurrently holding office or have done so in the past.

[summer]

re your post #104 - That's OK. If he ever runs for president, he will surely win FL - and, 10% of the electoral votes from our one state here. I personally don't think your one vote would be missed in this case, no offense to you.

[summer]

I meant: disabled person to file for divorce in certain situations

[summer]

re your post #104 - And, that is your right! There is always some independent candidate running for prez. :)

[Sentis]

It won't be my one vote and I don't live in Fl. There will be thousands of Republicans that are shy about a political dynasty. Look at how people here already feel about it. I'm sorry but running a Bush will make Hillary the next president and I'm sorry your vote for a Bush won't sdtop that. In fact Hillary will probably win the election no matter what we do and we as Republicans are vastly underestimating her and her ability to win the next election. Lest we keep forgetting GW barely won the election this time.

[summer]

I have to politely disaagree with you. Jeb Bush is very well liked for his own political leadership. Some people can separate two brothers. Have you ever talked to a mom of two sons? She will be the first to tell you how different her two sons are. I don't know if Gov Bush will run in 2008, but I sincerely hope he decides to run for president at some point. It would be a great era for our country when he wins.

[Churchillspirit]

I think Jeb's wife is very much against him running. Apparently she is very shy and would not welcome the limelight of being First Lady.

Of course neither did Laura, but in Jeb's wife's case there is a language issue.

[ZULU]

I hope we don't have to vote for another Bush again - ever!

Both Bushes gave me a nervous stomach with their lack of eloquence and nail-biting finishes.

Finally, I don't like Dynasties. Is THIS the ONLY family in AMerican which can produce Presidential candidates??
Are the Bushes the Republican counterpart of the Kennedys???

Please - NO MORE BUSHES!!!!

[summer]

LOL...the ones on this forum "against" Gov Jeb Bush are always the ones who DON't live in FL - and DON"t really know much about him.

[Sentis]

good era or not I don't want to see any more Bush presidents, sorry.

[summer]

Although, I have also seen a lot of support for Gov Bush from OTHER states' posters. Get over the "dynasty" label - it's eventually going lead you into the ditch with some nowhere candidate.

[summer]

See my post #108 to you.

[Feiny]

How about no more Bush's .... this is the US not friggin dynasty.

[JohnnyZ]

JohnnyZ: Accident of birth is no reason to vote for or against someone.

Sentis: Accident of Birth is absolutley no reason to vote for them either.

Dude, please, reading is a great life skill.

[summer]

Dude, please, reading is a great life skill.

Yes, and one that Gov Jeb Bush always promotes. :)

[absolootezer0]

if you're pushing an actor.. why not gary senise?