... I stood with my colleagues through the difficult issues, like the Terri Schiavo case and stem cell research and stood with the President as he vetoed legislation that would fund the destruction of human embryos for scientific research. But I also believe the role of Minority Leader to be willing to challenge the President of our own party respectfully but forcefully should this administration depart from our commitment to core principles.
Congressman Mike Pence talks with bloggers
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Ok, Jeb proclaimed he wasn't going to run for President in 2008. So, let's get this one out of the way right up front: since when does a Party's "darling" who plays hard to get, eschew changing his mind, if DRAFTED to run. Therefore, Jeb will be the GOP's candidate with ONE very important caveat. The entire political landscape changes rendering Jeb ineligible (read: "UNelectable") if George W. is indicted and/or impeached. Like it or not, Jeb's reputation and chances hinge on his brother's escape from criminal and/or malefactorable notoriety. Naturally, at this pregnant moment in history, big brother's "OK" reputation is by NO MEANS safe. If Rumsfeld is indicted and charged ... George W. suddenly becomes "naked" to the same attack.
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So, let's look at Jeb's pluses and minuses. He's 53 years old and a converted Catholic. So, on which side of the ledger do we place any of this: of course, depending upon our OWN preferences, we'll select won't we? But, some of it is rather easy. Unlike his brother, Jeb was a fine scholar, having graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelors' degree in Latin American Studies in 1973 from The University of Texas at Austin. He registered for the draft, but the Vietnam War ended before his number came up. After earning his degree, Bush went to work in the international division of Texas Commerce Bank, which was a job he received through the influence of James A. Baker (yes, THAT James Baker). Jeb was transferred to Venezuelan capital, Caracas, to open a new operation for the bank. He spent two years there, attracting a lot of new business to that bank and gaining considerable respect for his business acumen. He moved his family there as well.
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Jeb Bush was also actively involved in the Terri Schiavo case (the brain damaged woman who had irreversible damage and who was on a feeding tube for over 15 years. Bush, who is pro-life, signed "Terri's Law," passed by the Florida legislature permitting the Governor to keep Schiavo alive. However, the law was judged unconstitutional by Florida's Supreme Court and when the decision was appealed to the federal courts, the U. S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case.
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