Americans appear comfortable with political dynasties (Not really says the author)

Yahoo.news ^ | 12/25/2014 | Nancy Benac

[raybbr]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Again? Really?

There are more than 300 million people in America, yet the same two families keep popping up when it comes to picking a president.

The possibility of a Bush-Clinton matchup in 2016 is increasingly plausible.

After months of hints and speculation, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush says he's actively exploring a bid for the Republican nomination.

And while Hillary Rodham Clinton hasn't revealed her intentions, she's seen as the odds-on favorite for the Democratic nomination.

Between them, the two potential rivals have three presidents and a U.S. senator in the branches of their family trees. And three governors, as well. View gallery FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2008 file photo, former Presidents … FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2008 file photo, former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush walk on the …

Why are these two families so dominant in modern politics?

It turns out that even though Americans profess to reject dynasties, in politics they're quite comfortable with familiar names.

And a famous name can bring a candidate instant brand recognition, important fund-raising connections and a ready network of political contacts. It may also suggest competence at a time of dysfunction — like now.

"Power begets power," says Dartmouth College political scientist Brendan Nyhan. "Dynasties can self-perpetuate."

A political pedigree can have its negatives, though. A prominent surname sometimes carries unsavory associations and the risk of a fatigue factor. View gallery

Both sides of that equation were evident after Bush, 61, the son and brother of a president and the grandson of a senator, made his announcement.

[raybbr]

The whole idea of a Bush/Clinton campaign should make every rational American want to puke. It's power. They all want power and money.

These two families and their "teams" want nothing more than to create a quasi monarchy in the U.S. giving them power.

[T-Bird45]

I agree that power and money are strong motivators for both the principals and their strap-hangers. Let’s not set aside the power of ego to feed the flames. This then launches a thousand pundits pounding keyboards to pour gas in the tank of these quest machines. I put more responsibility on the chattering classes for not being able to be more discerning. Too bad this author didn’t choose to be the first to explore this factor.

[Howie66]

Exactly right. It’s these two families that the Media and the Statists keep pushing on us and honestly, I am fed up with both!

[Jacquerie]

Appeals to passion rarely fail.

[fone]

It’s these two families that the Media and the Statists keep pushing on us

Well said!

and honestly, I am fed up with both!

AMEN!

[pieceofthepuzzle]

“The whole idea of a Bush/Clinton campaign should make every rational American want to puke.”

Couldn’t really be said any better or succinctly.

[Travis McGee]

[skeeter]

Bush quitting the board of the company that made millions off of the ACA in preparation for running should tell us everything we need to know.

No principles, its a business.

[amnestynone]

Hilary and Jeb running could actually cancel each of them out as it sets up a narrative about dynasty and fatigue from both of these families. Also one other thing that could effect the Dem race that no one is talking about is that all 5 contenders Hilary, Biden, Webb, Sanders and Brown are over 70 years old. This is a party that says it is youthful and loves to knock off front runners.There is going to be a lot of discussion about that and I for one look for some one else who is younger to contrast quite well with that. Things that have never mattered before will come to the forefront.

[Howie66]

Nailed it!