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.

[Pippin]

It's a pity Jeb has said "no" to running for president in 2008.

Because out of all the potential Republican candidates, he's the only one in my opinion who's any good.

Well, I might go along with George Allen or Newt Gingrich (If he runs).

Maybe even Condi.

[summer]

He IS good. Who knows what will happen....

[Pippin]

Let's start a "Draft Jeb in '08" campaigne :o)

I would vote for him in a New York minute!

[Pippin]

I see lots of folks posting here have a problem with Jeb's surname.

Shoot!

Who cares!

As long as he makes a good president, I don't care if his name's Romplestiltskin.

[summer]

Oh, I don't think you can't draft him - he will decide for himself. (But, I do believe someday he will run.)

[summer]

PS Even kids admire him! --

Outstanding Student Meets Governor [FL 4th grader chooses meeting Jeb over visiting Disney World]

[summer]

And, truly, it makes those complainers look so UN-American - since when does our country deny someone a chance because of his or her last name? That would be terrible. Especially in this case, for such a fine gov, whom so many voters in this often divided state really support and trust.

[Pippin]

Choosing the Gov. over Disney World?

LOL!

Now I know Gov. Bush is popular! :o)

[JohnnyZ]

Hmm I think you miss my point Buddy. I said there are good things that can be said about anyone.

You said you'd take any self-made man over a "trust fund baby" every time.

And I said I'd take an honest man born rich over a liar and a cheat born poor every time and twice on Sundays.

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

[Pippin]

That's how I feel.

Would it be so bad to have three presidents from the same family, especially if they are good at what they do?

[summer]

Hey - he really IS "Florida's Favorite Governor!" :)

[summer]

The funny thing is I think Gov Jeb Bush would be the BEST, no offense intended to his dad or brother.

[Pippin]

Yep! :o)

Now Florida can give him up to the rest of us.

Texas had to do it.

[summer]

Gov Jeb Bush has always worked hard. He was not handed any election win, and he always had a job before he was elected gov of this state. He did not sit around waiting to be "crowned" contrary to what some imagine has gone on in his life.

[Sentis]

Accident of Birth is absolutley no reason to vote for them either. Basically if another Bush runs in the next election he will lose unless we cheat. Let's run somebody new from some other family instead of another Bush.

[Pippin]

I kinda like him better that George, (and I really like W as president)

[summer]

Really, if there were no terms limits in Florida, I am sure he could win the governor's office for a long time in this state. (And, no recounting necessary when he runs.)

[churchillbuff]

Because out of all the potential Republican candidates, he's the only one in my opinion who's any good."""

I happen to agree that he may be more reliably conservative than any other big-name candidate (I admit I'm steamed about the Terri Schiavo thing, but there are limits I suppose to what a politician can do in the face of opposition from public opinion and the establishment of both parties). I'm somewhat uncomfortable with a single family holding the presidency for so long in so short a space of time, however.

[summer]

That really depends on who ELSE runs - if it's Hillary "Clinton," I hardly think anyone can make an argument against a "Bush."

[You Dirty Rats]

Only once since 1948 has there been a Republican Presidential Ticket without someone named Nixon, Dole or Bush on it. That was also the only time we got crushed (1964).