I was no Jeb Bush fan, but may need to re-think my opinion of him. This shows him to be doing exactly the right thing for the right reasons. The correspondence in the exhibits showed himself to be decent, engaged, informed, and compassionate. While we all have the Constitutional right to influence the government, I am pleased to see Jeb Bush do so in the ways and for the motivations cited in this article and its exhibits.
4
Previous political dynasties (Roosevelt's, Kennedy's) no doubt enriched themselves and their relations, but they also promoted the welfare of the downtrodden. Now there is no pretense. The poor are just an imposition that is blamed for their own plight and no effort is made to free them from their misery.
7
I'm not sure the Bush family has any insight into how they are viewed by the world.
6
perhaps because it hasn't mattered so far.
3
This article is not news. It is a narrative that is not reporting any one interesting or current fact about Jeb Bush. Rather, it attempts to add to the larger media narrative of Jeb Bush as a childhood bully. He may very well have been. But all of these anecdotes of the unsightly perks of privilege have no bearing on Mr. Bush as an adult, so far as I can tell from the article. Why publish it now?
Why didn't they run the 'smart' one first?
6
That he even has the gall to run shows us all that money now rules our country. He makes...me...sick. As does his family. The day the election was stolen from Gore by a corrupt Supreme Court, was the day America fell. Sorry for the doom. I am totallly disgusted.
18
Apparently Jeb Bush didn't have much success lobbying in behalf of South Florida Republicans or his business contacts. With the exception of the FAA recommendation, which wasn't fully implemented and an AG position in South Florida that wasn't successful in the end too, Jeb Bush's track-record isn't very good.
If he can't successfully lobby when his father was VP or president, how can he be successful as president if he were elected? He doesn't have the skill sets per this article to get the job done convincing others to do what he is lobbying for.
If he can't successfully lobby when his father was VP or president, how can he be successful as president if he were elected? He doesn't have the skill sets per this article to get the job done convincing others to do what he is lobbying for.
12
When the majority of American voters brought us a third term of Bush-opoly I threw my hands in the air- a fourth? I and many hard-working, middle-class Americans who have dedicated ourselves to improving and protecting this country will just turn our backs. Maybe ultimately such disscord will lead to greater opportunity for more political diversity, but it is sad to think we are so fractured a country that this clown could even be a possiblity.
11
More importantly, what did Jeb do in Flordia in Bush vs Gore to solidify his access to the White House?
10
Jeb did a fair amount, behind the scenes, to help the Republican side in the 2000 election. That is perhaps less troubling than the Florida Secretary of State, Florida's chief election officer, working publicly to help the Republican side.
4
He acted to prepare ye the way of Rick Scott, he who in those days was opposed merely by lo, an even more loathsome candidate.
And thus did the sons of Saul, who didst confront...but I believe you take my point.
And thus did the sons of Saul, who didst confront...but I believe you take my point.
4
There's a dangerous and generous meme being established that Jeb is the "smart brother", the intellectual, and the thoughtful.
I don't think he's smart. He's not particularly educated with a BA from U of Texas. He couldn't use his dad's contacts to get into ivy league. Even his brother was able to do that.
I think the media is, once again, being generous to another mediocre Bush. He could very well be denser than his brother, George Jr. I'm betting he is denser but hides it better behind his quiet nature.
I don't think he's smart. He's not particularly educated with a BA from U of Texas. He couldn't use his dad's contacts to get into ivy league. Even his brother was able to do that.
I think the media is, once again, being generous to another mediocre Bush. He could very well be denser than his brother, George Jr. I'm betting he is denser but hides it better behind his quiet nature.
15
To the manor born attitude, but unlike Dub-Ya, worked for his graft.
4
Jeb Bush uses uses his family connections to make new connections. He helps them and they, in turn, help him. He is an insider. Anything wrong? No, given his advantages all he's done is use them. To me the question is, do we want an insider by familial connection to run against another insider with family connections for President. Is the USA so politically bankrupt?
We need to clean house.
We need to clean house.
6
Eight years if this Bush might well be followed by the middle aged Chelsea whose father say she is better than father/mother. Onward the Dynasty.
1
One need only to look at the accompanying photograph to realize a hit piece was to follow. How about a piece on Hillary Clinton using her name to get where she is or Chelsea earning $600,000 per year at NBC for doing nothing.
9
Jeb Bush using the family name is not much different than Congress members being coerced and lobbied to vote in favor of corporations due to hefty contributions. Even as President Obama took office, the Republicans (Gringich, O' Connell, Cantor etc.) were gathering at a local restaurant and deciding to say no to whatever Obama put forth. And continue to do so. (and when I decided to never vote Republican again) This is the American definition of Politics. Jeb just has family support.
5
I love the implication that the people Jeb Bush knows and who donate to organizations he likes are the best people for contracts, positions, business help and should move to the head of the line. It's beyond whether we have a meritocracy or it's morally right -- if we are not actually getting the best people and companies in these positions, the country will not do as well as it could.
3
We should not be surprised that Jeb Bush used his father and brother to further his cronies' careers. But the chutzapah of his requests even surprised the people in the White House of Bushes 1 and 2.
Terrific job of reporting, which alas will be lost on most of the electorate. Thanks
Terrific job of reporting, which alas will be lost on most of the electorate. Thanks
9
I am an independent leading more or less socially Democratic but Fiscally Republican.
He is the son of the President of the U.S., this is normal behavior. I am so sure that Chelsea Clinton had she been older would have done the same thing and asked for favors. This comes with the territory of having a family while in power. People will ask for favors.
Nothing new and he did his best to press what he thought mattered to him most at that time.
He is the son of the President of the U.S., this is normal behavior. I am so sure that Chelsea Clinton had she been older would have done the same thing and asked for favors. This comes with the territory of having a family while in power. People will ask for favors.
Nothing new and he did his best to press what he thought mattered to him most at that time.
5
This is normal behaviour,
In response to CJ: Chelsea Clinton had she been older would have done the same thing had she been older.
Has already. From the NY Times, Oct 4th, 2011
"Ms. Clinton was appointed last week to the board of IAC/InterActiveCorp, the Internet media conglomerate controlled by Barry Diller. For her efforts, Ms. Clinton will be paid about $300,000 a year in cash and incentive stock awards. Not bad for a 31-year-old in graduate school."
On, June 24th, 2014, her net worth from comparable deals was estimated to be $ 15 Million.
So this is normal.
The only puzzle is why the NY TImes reports constantly on how rich the offspring and relative officials have become without a commensurate investigation in the US
In response to CJ: Chelsea Clinton had she been older would have done the same thing had she been older.
Has already. From the NY Times, Oct 4th, 2011
"Ms. Clinton was appointed last week to the board of IAC/InterActiveCorp, the Internet media conglomerate controlled by Barry Diller. For her efforts, Ms. Clinton will be paid about $300,000 a year in cash and incentive stock awards. Not bad for a 31-year-old in graduate school."
On, June 24th, 2014, her net worth from comparable deals was estimated to be $ 15 Million.
So this is normal.
The only puzzle is why the NY TImes reports constantly on how rich the offspring and relative officials have become without a commensurate investigation in the US
8
This is a fluff piece.
Diverting attention?
Downplaying Jeb's vast and powerful family network?
Diverting attention?
Downplaying Jeb's vast and powerful family network?
3
Please. No more Bushs, no more Clintons, no more Kennedys. These are dynasties made possible by possession of or access to obscene amounts of money and driven by a craven lust for power. These politicians could care less about what happens to us: the great unwashed 99%. This is not the America I was born into or the one I want to leave to my grandchildren.
7
How surprising that Jeb thinks he has a shot at the Presidency after what brother Bush did to this country and the world. Does he really think the American people are so stupid?
21
I swear if another Bush is elected to the White House, I'll give up my citizenship in the U. S., this country is supposed to be a democracy, not a monarchy, with the same people being returned to power in spite of how bad the previous ones were.
We need new blood in office not the same corrupt groups and bloodlines, it's the only way this country is ever going to move forward into a better future for everyone, not just the few.
We need new blood in office not the same corrupt groups and bloodlines, it's the only way this country is ever going to move forward into a better future for everyone, not just the few.
16
The most qualifying factor, or disfactor (is that a word?) is: Can Dana Carvey do a right on impression of him as well as he did his father and Ross Perot! That Jeb Bush using his name/family connections is not knew, as I am sure
Senator(s) Taft used them, or maybe even the Kennedys who have been in office. The question is: To what ends was he using those connections? As a now wealthy businessman, will he still use those connections to get his way around Washington, even if he is not elected. Mr. Bill used his Arkansas residency to get a job with Senator Fulbright, so using connections is not new.
The what for should be he most important part of the equation.
Senator(s) Taft used them, or maybe even the Kennedys who have been in office. The question is: To what ends was he using those connections? As a now wealthy businessman, will he still use those connections to get his way around Washington, even if he is not elected. Mr. Bill used his Arkansas residency to get a job with Senator Fulbright, so using connections is not new.
The what for should be he most important part of the equation.
This brings to mind the rotten familial aristocracy of 18th and 19th century Europe. It ended badly.
16
Can anyone tell me that the Kennedys did not use family influence to an equal if not greater degree? The utter hypocrisy is laughable.
6
President Kennedy was murdered 52 years ago. And which president was his father? Oh...none of the above...and what has Caroline done that is so terrible. Ambassador to Japan? She is a nice lady.
What about the Bush kids? Let's lay off them.
What about the Bush kids? Let's lay off them.
4
And of Joe Kennedy's kids, the eldest was blown to nothing on a mission in 1944, and the next two were assassinated in the service of their country.
i will cheerfully celebrate the first George Bush's pretty much heroic service,mif you'll admit that reality.
i will cheerfully celebrate the first George Bush's pretty much heroic service,mif you'll admit that reality.
1
A spoiled, rich, powerful kid used his power and influence to get what he wants. There's a shocker.
People complain about the Bush and Clinton dynasties. To me, there's a big difference between Bill Clinton (and to a lesser degree, Hillary) and George/Jeb Bush. Bill Clinton grew up in a single-parent family with a mom who struggled to keep food on the table. He worked for everything he achieved instead of having it handed to him on a silver platter, plus he's very smart. He can relate to ordinary people. That's why people listen when he explains things. I'm just saying.
People complain about the Bush and Clinton dynasties. To me, there's a big difference between Bill Clinton (and to a lesser degree, Hillary) and George/Jeb Bush. Bill Clinton grew up in a single-parent family with a mom who struggled to keep food on the table. He worked for everything he achieved instead of having it handed to him on a silver platter, plus he's very smart. He can relate to ordinary people. That's why people listen when he explains things. I'm just saying.
13
Of course there is a difference when your side does it. That is the root of all partisan hypocrisy.
3
There is nothing unique or stellar about using connections to advance one's agenda and that of friends. How does that qualify him to hold the highest office of the land?
9
Another Bush family member to bring down America, their ties to Arab oil and who knows what else has only produced wars and recession which equals unequaled national debt. Lets not have another Bush.
20
Many people use connections whether they are in politics, for getting a job, for getting into that special game, etc. There isn't any indication of criminal activity here. It looks as if Jeb Bush was doing what almost any person with connections to a very important person would do. At least someone had the sense to tell him to go through the proper channels. If he didn't take the hint this story hasn't shown that there were any real benefits accruing to him personally or to anyone he really wanted as Supreme Court Justice or Attorney General.
4
As a job one summer, I was hired by International Medical Centers to sign up the elderly with medicare A&B for HMO plans at "social/sales events" with Kool aid, snacks, and big band music playing in the background in about 1982. Jeb Bush lobbied hard for Rick Scott and IMCHMO during this time. For IMC, using these sales events to schmooze control of Medicare from the elderly was as easy as taking candy from a baby. IMCHMO was later found to have defrauded Medicare out of millions. Scott and IMC were never charged, but only fined. Now HE is Governor. I can only speculate that Scott and Jeb have a lot of favors invested in their longtime relationship.
11
What exactly does "to schmooze control of Medicare from the elderly" mean? It sounds really nasty, but I have no idea what it means. Were they trying to talk seniors into dropping out of Medicare?
1
It means that Rick Scott walked on felony charges for defrauding Medicare at the trivial cost of his company, signed off on $1.5 billion in fines, took a $300 million payout and spent about $50 mil to biy the election.
thanks for asking.
thanks for asking.
4
Thanks for the reply Robert, but what does that have to do with the elderly? "to schmooze control of Medicare from the elderly" implies Scott and Bush were conspiring to schmooze the elderly into not receiving services. So please if you are kind enough to reply again please clarify how Bush and Scott were conspiring to "schmooze control of Medicare from the elderly?
Scott paying fines to avoid a felony is hardly unique, and if the terms were agreed to by both sides, I don't see the problem.
Scott paying fines to avoid a felony is hardly unique, and if the terms were agreed to by both sides, I don't see the problem.
Sounds like Jeb was a lot more aware of our world than Obama. He seems to have done well in spite of being a BUSH. There is an old adage 'I am not my brother's keeper' and it is unfair to tie him in. He is another individual!
4
Ah yes, the handicap of being wealthy and well connected.
3
Jeb Bush seems to think of himself as a royal son with a private ear to the king and a privileged means of introducing his personal likes and dislikes for the king to act on. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. And vanity is a form of greed. As we look around the political and religious world we see a host of different beliefs, Moslem, Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, and many more, all claiming to be the true faith, when it is logically impossible for them all to be true. All have hostile views of those that don't agree with them. Infidels and heretics are despised, hounded, and murdered by the faithful. With this as a background, globalization has brought all these religious sects into much closer contact and much more violence of conflicting views.
It is time to realize that we can't all be right and that it is within the hidden mystery of our lives that we may all be wrong. Killing one another in the vanity of assuming we are the only true believers is clearly no answer to living together. So, let's quit the simplistic good guys/bad guys approach to working out our living conditions, and instead start respecting one another's views and trying to reconcile our differences.
It is time to realize that we can't all be right and that it is within the hidden mystery of our lives that we may all be wrong. Killing one another in the vanity of assuming we are the only true believers is clearly no answer to living together. So, let's quit the simplistic good guys/bad guys approach to working out our living conditions, and instead start respecting one another's views and trying to reconcile our differences.
1
I remember a lot of people on the right complaining (usually with a sneer) whenever President Bill Clinton's spouse Hillary was involved in anything during his administration. She was not elected after all, he was... So now here we see that the young and inexperienced son of Vice President (then later President) Bush appears to have been meddling as much or more in affairs than Ms. Clinton ever did. (For the record, I don't have a problem with the actions of Mr. Bush or Ms. Clinton on this point.) But I wonder if the standard of criticism will be applied to Mr. Bush by those same pathetic whiners as it was to Ms. Clinton. Well, of course not. Hypocrisy reigns supreme in politics...
6
If U.S politics was a matter in the hands of we the people we would not even be entertaining the thought of a new Bush in the White House. But the presidency, like most white collar jobs is 85% who you know. Jeb Bush is well connected and his family is american royalty. He figured out how to get everyone on his team, so we he will likely get the nomination at least.
3
But politics is in the hands of the people. Nobody is being forced to go vote for the guy.
1
When Al Gore fought his gutless campaign for President of the United States against George Bush the 2nd, among many of the back room deals that came down were the "dangling chads" in the ballotts of Florida, that - thus - could not be counted.
When George Bush the 1st talked about a "new World Order", he wasn't kidding around. We can all see where supporting/arming/training/funding Saddam Huesain has brought us. Now (thankfully) dead, his Field Commanders have created ISIS. We can all see what a phony War in Iraq has brought us; a Federal treasury deep in the red, that, prior to that was balanced and had a surplus. Neither George the 2nd, nor Jeb, have seen Military Service, and yet they send thousands of Americans to their death - to fight for; not Democracy, not Freedom of Speech, but only to make the World safe for Big Oil and Halliburton.
I am beyond weary of seeing America ruined by greed, and insider trading. Only a blind fool would Vote for Jeb - unless, of course, he was on the payroll, too.
When George Bush the 1st talked about a "new World Order", he wasn't kidding around. We can all see where supporting/arming/training/funding Saddam Huesain has brought us. Now (thankfully) dead, his Field Commanders have created ISIS. We can all see what a phony War in Iraq has brought us; a Federal treasury deep in the red, that, prior to that was balanced and had a surplus. Neither George the 2nd, nor Jeb, have seen Military Service, and yet they send thousands of Americans to their death - to fight for; not Democracy, not Freedom of Speech, but only to make the World safe for Big Oil and Halliburton.
I am beyond weary of seeing America ruined by greed, and insider trading. Only a blind fool would Vote for Jeb - unless, of course, he was on the payroll, too.
18
Neither Hillary Clinton or her spouse, Bill, have seen Military Service. Neither has Barrack Obama who currently sends 4000 American troops into potential battle with ISIS. So, what exactly, was your point?
2
After George Bush and George W. Bush and what they've done to the world, how can we even consider another one? The presence of yet another Bush on the political scene is frightening and horrible.
16
I am surprised anyone is surprised! I am also astounded that anyone thinks this is a negative piece. It is sort of flattering in how bland the details were. The biggest business discussed was Motorola, not Monsanto. His friends were not nominated to the Supreme Court. Pushing rabbit meat not as egregious as GMO corn. It was a puff piece.
6
I've always had the feeling that the main things any of the Bushes want out of being President are jackets emblazoned with the Presidential seal and weekends at Camp David.
12
Seriously? No story here--this is how the connected world operates. The Bushes are hardly unique.
6
Exactly! Most all politicians do this or something similar. It's how the game is played. Those who dislike Jeb Bush should cite reasons that are unique to him. Just like those who dislike Hillary Clinton should. Both sides are equally blind to their own party's candidates game playing.
1
Roger Clinton was granted a presidential pardon!!! Come ON! If anyone believes Jeb did any more than Chelsea, the twins, the Kennedy's, or the Obama girls will you're wrong. The only one I leave out is Amy Carter who always truly seemed like she wanted to be left alone. Let's not even look at Hugh and Anthony Rodham...
5
Of course no other politician has ever pushed their connections !! This is nothing new and you can criticize all you want and try to make political capital out of it but the fact remains he is the same as everyone else whether in politics or looking for a job. Trust the NYT to try to make something out of nothing.
How about Chelsea Clinton's $600,000 job at NBC when she had no experience and was employed where more experienced media savvy people would have done better ? The same thing for the Bush girl and so on.
How about Chelsea Clinton's $600,000 job at NBC when she had no experience and was employed where more experienced media savvy people would have done better ? The same thing for the Bush girl and so on.
5
shame in all of you who does not see anything wrong in choosing your recommendation for a position base on your donation capability rather than the merits for it. . .
That is exactly the problem with democracy. . . Is not one person one vote. . . It is one dollar one vote
Therefore Mr Bush shows same attitude of past Bush presidents . . . When national priority was driven by the needs of their biggest donors (even if it had to invent a war --Irak weapons of mass destruction) . . .The Carlyle, the Halliburton, the Koch bro, etc . . . .
magically again, 90% of the wealth would go to 1% of the population
NO THANKS ! ! !
That is exactly the problem with democracy. . . Is not one person one vote. . . It is one dollar one vote
Therefore Mr Bush shows same attitude of past Bush presidents . . . When national priority was driven by the needs of their biggest donors (even if it had to invent a war --Irak weapons of mass destruction) . . .The Carlyle, the Halliburton, the Koch bro, etc . . . .
magically again, 90% of the wealth would go to 1% of the population
NO THANKS ! ! !
6
I have to ask what's the alternative to 'democracy'?
1
It looks like Jeb Bush used his connections simply to get ahead later on in life, not for actually changing any major aspect of how the country runs on a day to day basis, which is what activists and people with close relationships to politicians should do. If he ever were to become president, one would expect that the same would occur. Unfortunately, as we see with the Clintons and the Kennedys, this type of thing goes beyond party lines.
I hope a candidate similar to Obama emerges in 2016 - one with zero connection to the political machine that has become Washington, D.C; one who isn't merely a cog. But until the American people start opening their eyes to the corruption that surrounds them, and with the bust that Obama's presidency has become in many areas, I don't see that happening any time soon.
I hope a candidate similar to Obama emerges in 2016 - one with zero connection to the political machine that has become Washington, D.C; one who isn't merely a cog. But until the American people start opening their eyes to the corruption that surrounds them, and with the bust that Obama's presidency has become in many areas, I don't see that happening any time soon.
16
Obama has no connection to the political machine? How many fundraisers has he flown to in 2015, at taxpayer expense no less? Are you sure it is us who needs to open our eyes?
2
He certainly was no Emilio Estavez, who "didn't want to ride into the business as 'Martin Sheen's son'."
3
Are you suggesting Jeb should change his surname?
Are you suggesting Jeb should change his surname?
Sheeesh! I'm saying that some people don't ride their father's coat tails name change or not.
Sheeesh! I'm saying that some people don't ride their father's coat tails name change or not.
1
The Bushes remind me of dung beetles for some reason, but then again the beetles are actually productive in the real world. If the Jebster is the repub candidate I hope he gets crushed.
9
Our country faces a laundry list of unprecedented problems, and we are tearing each other apart - listen to the idealogues on both sides ignore facts and shades of gray. Underneath that, we the people are desperate for a real leader. We need a real leader who has empathy, wisdom, courage and toughness. We need a real leader who will demand we all do our part and rise to act from the best part of ourselves. Cooperating with one another, helping one another, and working together for our common good is what patriotism really means.
FDR was one such leader, and Churchill was another. FDR, the scion of a wealthy family, nonetheless suffered greatly and gained wisdom and empathy from it - and he listened to his wife. Above all, he knew what real humility is: the acknowledgement that there are forces about which we can do nothing. This winter in Boston, as I look at over 70 inches of snow, some of my neighbors and I have come together to help one another, recognizing that we cannot control the snow, but we can control how we respond to it. I will vote for any leader who demands that we do our part and rise to our best, who shows awe and reverence for the things we cannot change, but asks for our cooperation and unity to do shoulder our responsibilities and change what we can.
FDR was one such leader, and Churchill was another. FDR, the scion of a wealthy family, nonetheless suffered greatly and gained wisdom and empathy from it - and he listened to his wife. Above all, he knew what real humility is: the acknowledgement that there are forces about which we can do nothing. This winter in Boston, as I look at over 70 inches of snow, some of my neighbors and I have come together to help one another, recognizing that we cannot control the snow, but we can control how we respond to it. I will vote for any leader who demands that we do our part and rise to our best, who shows awe and reverence for the things we cannot change, but asks for our cooperation and unity to do shoulder our responsibilities and change what we can.
4
Thanks NYT, now I have to take Jeb Bush seriously as a contender for President. Good luck Jeb Bush. All the best for you.
5
NYT is like "hey ur father was a clown, so u should be. It is proved in science. You know we are the guardian of science".
3
This was a good investigative article, but I hope the Times will also turn its attention to how Hillary Rodham Clinton made use of her access & influence in Little Rock & DC.
13
Was it through her father, the Vice President and then President of the United States?
10
Haven't the Bushes done enough to America already?
17
Enough harm.
9
And so it begins. Nothing in this piece was un fair game nor was it overly caustic. It is however early and lets face it scrutiny is not creamy peanut butter spread evenly for all gods children to enjoy. Not on Seasame Times street anyways. No this ol grey lady has yet to tell me why my president when he was of about the same age as the then young Bush lad chose Pakistan as a "walkabout" destination. Cause ya know even back then it just wasn't known as the place aspiring dems found their inner brey. Nope that would be racist as would pointing out both he and the Bush boys went to private schools of about the same caliber none on scholarship and all graduated from Ivy league colleges.
Like mama Bush I'm not crazy about his candidacy but it's America he's entitled to a fair shot sans Romneyesqe character assasinantion. So far I just don't see an inbred insensitive scion of some robber barrons ill gotten fortune
I will wait to see how Hillary is treated here cause after the grilling her husbands shakedown front got handled in these pages I just don't see her coming out unblemeshed if indeed alive.
Like mama Bush I'm not crazy about his candidacy but it's America he's entitled to a fair shot sans Romneyesqe character assasinantion. So far I just don't see an inbred insensitive scion of some robber barrons ill gotten fortune
I will wait to see how Hillary is treated here cause after the grilling her husbands shakedown front got handled in these pages I just don't see her coming out unblemeshed if indeed alive.
1
A minor technical detail: pretty much, the children of the immensely-wealthy and connected don't need the scholarships that, they later admit, they probably couldn't have qualified for.
Shall we discuss who gets into the champagne Guard unit and then gets away with not showing up all that regularly, and who ends up scrunched down in a rice paddy someplace in Vietnam, getting shot at?
Shall we discuss who gets into the champagne Guard unit and then gets away with not showing up all that regularly, and who ends up scrunched down in a rice paddy someplace in Vietnam, getting shot at?
5
I believe the Dan Rather debacle settled the Guard a.w.o.l. mystery and as a minor technical point the Bush in question legitametely missed the draft. As another minor technical point my Guard unit with my father in it served in the Philipines in WW2 and I do not recall champagne ever being mentioned. It wasn't a barrel of monkeys when I was in it. A final minor detail of the last several presidents the only one to flagrently avoid the draft and send a f. u. very much note (from Cambridge no less) to his parol board was not republican and once just loved being known as the first black president.
Even if this article feels a bit hack-ish in tone, as a republican, I agree with its underlying message: we should be more than a bit uncomfortable with the idea of another dynastic president. In a republic of 300m people, the fact that we can't seem to field a diverse set of viable candidates is alarming/embarrassing.
Since this is the NYTimes, however, I won't hold my breath waiting for the companion piece on Hilary. Her use of proximity to a family member elected to higher office to burnish her own credentials and grow her own network not only makes jeb's attempts to pitch in look childishly unsophisticated, it's simply unprecedented in political history. Here, you get the sense that every memo and conversation of relevance was feverishly added to this piece. With Hilary, you'd need a few books at minimum -- is there any substance to her at all beyond inheriting and operating the levers of the bill Clinton political machine?
Anyone care to attempt to distinguish these two dynasts, apart from Hilary apparently being more successful at getting what she wants? Anyone care to do so on grounds more substantive than you like Hilary and can't stand the bushes?
Since this is the NYTimes, however, I won't hold my breath waiting for the companion piece on Hilary. Her use of proximity to a family member elected to higher office to burnish her own credentials and grow her own network not only makes jeb's attempts to pitch in look childishly unsophisticated, it's simply unprecedented in political history. Here, you get the sense that every memo and conversation of relevance was feverishly added to this piece. With Hilary, you'd need a few books at minimum -- is there any substance to her at all beyond inheriting and operating the levers of the bill Clinton political machine?
Anyone care to attempt to distinguish these two dynasts, apart from Hilary apparently being more successful at getting what she wants? Anyone care to do so on grounds more substantive than you like Hilary and can't stand the bushes?
7
I hadn't know that Hillary Clinton's hrandfather was an immensely wealthy oil tycoon with astonishing political connections, that her dad was CIA Director then VP then President, and that her brother was a two-term President with a penchant for, shall we say, appointing the semi-competent Prez of the Arabian Horse Association.
tell me more
i did know, though, that the Clintons were politicians out of Arkansas who cit the deals you'd expect, and that many were unhappy with the way she cashed in with lectures and books.
i read the Times articles, including the one from today.
tell me more
i did know, though, that the Clintons were politicians out of Arkansas who cit the deals you'd expect, and that many were unhappy with the way she cashed in with lectures and books.
i read the Times articles, including the one from today.
7
Not an apology for Hillary, but her Dad wasn't President, and her Grandfather wasn't a Senator.
9
What the others said about muti-generational power, plus this would be Bush Pt. 3 vs Clinton Pt. 2, which is a difference. But I dislike any kind of dynasty and another Clinton vs Bush election would make me very sad for this country.
1
Interesting that this "nickle-dime" stuff is in the public record so it could be found. I suspect that the real deals are not so easy to uncover. A way to put the hounds off the scent?
5
Will the GOP actually have a 'choice' as to whom will represent their party in 2016? Jeb seems to have an appetite for fund raisers early on (like brother George) and he has out-paced/run everyone else aspiring the Office by raising huge hunks of 'donor' money. Does money make a difference? Take a look at the newly elected/re-elected Congressional members. MONEY made it happen.
5
You have a good point.
The argument against big money in politics is that "ultimately the people decide, so the money isn't really consequential".
But once people start making their choices based on who can raise the most money, the money is making the decision for the people and not the other way around.
The argument against big money in politics is that "ultimately the people decide, so the money isn't really consequential".
But once people start making their choices based on who can raise the most money, the money is making the decision for the people and not the other way around.
I hadn't realized that Jeb Bush has become a serious threat to the coronation of Hillary Clinton, but now that I see the Times launching a preemptive character assassination campaign against him, it must be time to take the Bush candidacy seriously.
13
What did the Clinton Dynasty do that hurt this country? They are well-educated, highly intelligent people. Clinton was not perfect as a person, but he did a lot of good. Now, look at the Bushes. Bush I and Bush II had no concept of Eisenhower's wisdom and put us exactly where it was forwarned. Bush II is enjoying retirement. Clinton and Carter are still working statesmen.
11
You must have missed the pro-JEB puff piece the Times published last week.
5
Bush I and Clinton are best buds and share in charity work, travel together, and work together. Your choice will be either the bro, a governor, or the wife, a one-term senator and losing presidential wanna-be.
The political system is damaged enough through the influence of extreme wealth without another Bush to add to this political debacle of influence peddling. Another Bush would mean even more wars than we have now, if that's even possible. Try to picture Jeb Bush as president after he used his influence to throw the presidency to his brother...with expected results!
10
One last thing. People may get the impression that Jeb Bush is a moderate Republican. That is not the truth. Regardless of his statements on immigration, he is a a total conservative that has no problem using the power of government to force his views upon people.
Just do some research on the damage he did to Florida. People may say that he balanced the state budget. That's a no brainer because the state constitution requires it.
But check out his records on judicial appoints and his judicial philosophy, open government, etc.
If I had a choice between him and Sarah Palin, I would choose Sarah because you know what you're getting. With Jeb, the easy charm will fool you he leading the country into another war over nothing.
Just do some research on the damage he did to Florida. People may say that he balanced the state budget. That's a no brainer because the state constitution requires it.
But check out his records on judicial appoints and his judicial philosophy, open government, etc.
If I had a choice between him and Sarah Palin, I would choose Sarah because you know what you're getting. With Jeb, the easy charm will fool you he leading the country into another war over nothing.
13
Explosive population growth and resulting poverty, immigration pressure to the first world from the third world, the resulting turmoil.....these are the causes and major themes of the next 50 years....Afghanistan, ISIS, Iraq all cauldrons of jealousy and anger due to economic want. How it is handled will determine the future of the human race, if any. Despite his name and his idiotic brother's disastrous two terms (voted in by the American public who deserves the blame) he is uniquely sensitive to the issue through marriage and studies in Latin America (he did not do law school at Harvard or Yale or business school....thank god) and he might be able to forge an alliance that would enable us to rationalize the immigration issue. Since Obama from a financial and military standpoint is simply Bush lite and quite spineless......and I voted for him twice......and Hillary is simply another George Bush lite I will take my chances on Jeb.
Hope these revelations bring down the dynasty. It is happening in old-world Europe. We are free of such shackles. Let's not regress into the past.
5
The last thing this country needs is another entitled Bush in the White House. A priviledged bully in his school years now just assumes it's his turn to be the leader of our country. The Bush family's incestous ties to the Saud family raises serious questions to me, that's just for starters. Under Jeb Bush Halliburton would suck the American taxpayer dry, you can bet on it. I can't believe America thinks it should be a reasonable and sane choice to put another Bush in the White House. God No !
10
When I lived in Florida, Jeb was the governor the entire time I was there. He was very different from most politicians, he did what was best for the state, he did not mind going against his party and family in doing and implementing what he thought was best.
Part of his "connections" was from Democrats that he won over.
Jeb is not like his father or brother, just like I am not like my father or siblings and many of you can say the same thing.
And don't knock connections. Many who are complaining the Bush family and rich people's connections, either do or would use connections to further themselves.
Part of his "connections" was from Democrats that he won over.
Jeb is not like his father or brother, just like I am not like my father or siblings and many of you can say the same thing.
And don't knock connections. Many who are complaining the Bush family and rich people's connections, either do or would use connections to further themselves.
10
Really? Attacking education and giving people the freedom to shoot each other without consequences was good for Florida?
19
Where is the wrongdoing?
The Bush family's rolodex goes back five and six generations. Just check the family tree if truth matters.
Bush paths to influence at times lead to relatives (both Dem and Brand-X), but in any event, the many thousands they personally know genuinely liked them, even before they could pass out invitations to inaugural balls.
Ever wonder at all Bush Sr's high appointive jobs held before VP? Before that he was just a one-term US Representative. It's called knowing people.
The Bushes can walk thru doors that the 35th Presidential family could only dream of. No 35 never scrupled against using connections, twisting arms, etc. Outside family, No 35 had few friends and were more like cannibals within. Why not parallel a Bush family story with a story of the Presidential family 35?
Despite the Bushes' abundant real, friendships, those hardly make the Bushes better Presidents, than media-star quality makes family 35's men suitable Presidents or Presidential-candidates.
Any other politician would love the Bushes' abundant friends and allies, where bonds are real. Is Jeb shameless to use them?
Neither family's men are Presidentially gifted. Why not an article Jeb's real lacks? Hard when he governed a diverse, highly-populated state here he had real power. (like CA, NY, OH, NJ, IL)?
Wasn't that what NY Times used to be known for?
The Bush family's rolodex goes back five and six generations. Just check the family tree if truth matters.
Bush paths to influence at times lead to relatives (both Dem and Brand-X), but in any event, the many thousands they personally know genuinely liked them, even before they could pass out invitations to inaugural balls.
Ever wonder at all Bush Sr's high appointive jobs held before VP? Before that he was just a one-term US Representative. It's called knowing people.
The Bushes can walk thru doors that the 35th Presidential family could only dream of. No 35 never scrupled against using connections, twisting arms, etc. Outside family, No 35 had few friends and were more like cannibals within. Why not parallel a Bush family story with a story of the Presidential family 35?
Despite the Bushes' abundant real, friendships, those hardly make the Bushes better Presidents, than media-star quality makes family 35's men suitable Presidents or Presidential-candidates.
Any other politician would love the Bushes' abundant friends and allies, where bonds are real. Is Jeb shameless to use them?
Neither family's men are Presidentially gifted. Why not an article Jeb's real lacks? Hard when he governed a diverse, highly-populated state here he had real power. (like CA, NY, OH, NJ, IL)?
Wasn't that what NY Times used to be known for?
2
If it was not enough that we now have Jeb wanting to be the next President, his son, George P. (Prescott) Bush, is now the Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office. Another Bush in training to want the Presidents job further down the line. Oh, and "George Prescott Bush is also named for his great-grandfather, Senator Prescott Bush."
5
The Times needs to be looking at other Republican candidates. They are already christening Jeb Bush as the nominee.
If we subscribe to the notion inherent in Juvenal's aphorism and its application to the current to US chief magistrate that: ''Fortune by way of a joke does raise some men from the gutter top men" than any new presidential candidate even a former member of the Borgia family , would be an acceptable alternative to President Obama.
Certainly Jeb Bush can differentiate and disassociate himself from his family name and history. The process is simple : do not compromise your personal and political beliefs in your quest , or when you achieve the office of president, provide the opportunity(s) for" every" American to participate in your vision of the American dream, and above all do not surround yourself with sycophants. As Machiavelli stated: ''You judge the intelligence of a political leader by the people who surround him".
The rest is easy.
Certainly Jeb Bush can differentiate and disassociate himself from his family name and history. The process is simple : do not compromise your personal and political beliefs in your quest , or when you achieve the office of president, provide the opportunity(s) for" every" American to participate in your vision of the American dream, and above all do not surround yourself with sycophants. As Machiavelli stated: ''You judge the intelligence of a political leader by the people who surround him".
The rest is easy.
My impression of the Bush sons, Jeb being the exception, was that none were smart enough or talented enough to get ahead without the help of their father and his connections.
I wouldn't vote for Jeb for president because he is much too conservative for me but also I believe that we should't have dynastic rule in a democracy (or what's left of it, sadly).
I wouldn't vote for Jeb for president because he is much too conservative for me but also I believe that we should't have dynastic rule in a democracy (or what's left of it, sadly).
3
Do we have to keep hearing about these character from the Corporate media all the time to somehow make us think we really do have anything like a vote that counts...people are wise and do not vote despite the media...Oil/gas/coal rule and the living planet is doomed..thanks to the media..give up on the oil wars
1
Transactional relationships seem to be a hallmark of the Bush clan. This article appears to say that they use each other as often as they use other people. As many commented, this may be a hallmark of effective politics; however it is also a hallmark of politics always practiced with a price. The many "wrong" notes struck by Mr. Jeb during the time he was governor in Florida can be traced to his sense of entitlement. While this was looked on favorably by the Cuban class he used as allies (being no different than what they did under the dictator Batista), the majority of Floridians were at first surprised and eventually disgusted by the constant "use" of people for power to be used without integrity.
If Mr. Jeb is the best the GOP can pay for in this election cycle, his limitations will prevent his election just as they did when Bush II was given the place Mr. Jeb felt he had earned.
If Mr. Jeb is the best the GOP can pay for in this election cycle, his limitations will prevent his election just as they did when Bush II was given the place Mr. Jeb felt he had earned.
2
It appears that the man has accomplished nothing on his own.
13
The Kennedy's put their sons and brothers in power. Then the know nothing Mrs. Clinton, after her some times husband's selling out of the American working and middle class is a front democratic contender for the next Democratic nominee for the 2016 presidential race. Then all our 1-10% get their idiot sons and daughters into Ivy League schools and onto corporate boards when they are 22 years old (Chelsea Clinton) ahead of talented 30 something common citizens that have been with the company for several years, worked their way through school and accumulated massive college debt. So why are the editors even bothering to mention this old news? Does the half of our criminal corrupt 1% oligarchy that votes for, and pays off, campaign contribution bribes democratic party politicians, really need that much help?
6
1. I'm not a big fan of dynasties that start out with the likes of Joe Kennedy, but any time you'd like to compare his sons' talents, war records, and sacrifice to those of George 2 and Jeb, go right on ahead.
2. i'm also not a big Clintons fan--didn't vote for them either time--but any time you'd like to try the same with George and Jeb's ability to lift themselves up by their own galluses woth theirs, why, go git 'em.
2. i'm also not a big Clintons fan--didn't vote for them either time--but any time you'd like to try the same with George and Jeb's ability to lift themselves up by their own galluses woth theirs, why, go git 'em.
5
I am quite pleased that I have never exercised my right to vote in a US election. Jeb Bush exploits nepotism with a gusto one would not find out of place in Mubarak's Egypt, for example. In any case, this article illustrates the dysfunctional state of democracy in the United States today, based on favouritism and backstreet deals despite the will of the people who wasted the time to go to the polling stations on Election Day. Just another bit of proof of the United States hardly being in a position to preach democratic values to autocrats in Eastern Europe or the Middle East.
1
Nothing new here. The Bushes are quite good at politics. Bush '43 was quite adept at it. Who knows how his presidency might have turned out had we not been attacked so soon into it, before his Cabinet had even been filled?
One thing is certain. Like Reagan, he would have been vehemently hated by the left for everything he had done.
One thing is certain. Like Reagan, he would have been vehemently hated by the left for everything he had done.
2
Never mind the left; Reagan has wrought contempt from the far right of the GOP.
3
Yeah people on the left are funny that way, kill and injure several thousand people, plunge the economy into a recession, make the country a laughingstock around the world and lefties get all worked up about it. Go figure.
14
The gall of those in the power circle to presume they would have a position in the next Bush Administration is telling. The problem with American culture is, we don't have royalty so we make do with celebrity.
8
I'm exhausted by the Bush family. Each time they've been in office we saw war and miserable economies for the middle class. I'm not saying the Clintons are angels in their politics, but at least they seem to care about common folk, I just never got that vibe from the Bush family, especially Laura Bush who never did anything special for the world while in the White House.
21
I'm not saying the Clintons are angels in their politics, but at least they seem to care about common folk,
Such as NAFTA?
Such as NAFTA?
2
You are absolutely correct: The Clintons SEEM to care about common folk. No less, and absolutely no more. (I've lived across the street from the Clintons, and they would order you killed for fun.)
2
Bush Dynasty?
Son of an utterly mediocre one-term president (and one-time head CIA spook), and brother of one of the worst presidents in history, whose ruinous decisions (and lies) are still inflicting our nation with harm?
Now why in the world would anyone think this is a good idea?
Son of an utterly mediocre one-term president (and one-time head CIA spook), and brother of one of the worst presidents in history, whose ruinous decisions (and lies) are still inflicting our nation with harm?
Now why in the world would anyone think this is a good idea?
38
All that power, influence, money, and ambition. All directed to one end: an unceasing, laser focus on self-interest... For himself and his clan.
Imagine the same thing, but actually used in service of the public. Imagine how different and how much better off our country could be. But these people just don't think that way.
Leopards don't change their spot. It isn't fair that we have to deal with another Bush. Two were quite enough, and we still haven't fully recovered. The fact that Jeb is considering a run is itself proof that he is unfit. Both for office, and generally.
Imagine the same thing, but actually used in service of the public. Imagine how different and how much better off our country could be. But these people just don't think that way.
Leopards don't change their spot. It isn't fair that we have to deal with another Bush. Two were quite enough, and we still haven't fully recovered. The fact that Jeb is considering a run is itself proof that he is unfit. Both for office, and generally.
18
How is this news? Many workers at my place of employment were hired because a manager or another coworker knew of him(her) and lobbied HR to accept the application. I don't really see anything wrong with using a well known family name to gain a position of power. It's what happens next that is of importance.
9
Thank you for this investigative journalism, please keep it up. Several books have outlined the Bush and Walker families' fortune-building, most of it based on questionable financial deal-making, rigged deals, defense industries and armed conflict, oil, and crony capitalism -- all enabled by their pursuit of political power which has been supported by oligarchs like the Koch family. Curious readers might look up titles like "American Dynasty" by Kevin Phillips, and "House of Bush, House of Saud" by Craig Unger and "The Iron Triangle" by Dan Briody.
Can we please stop handing the reins of power to these robber barons?
Can we please stop handing the reins of power to these robber barons?
20
The son’s words, Mr. Sununu said, carried the extra weight of lineage. “We listened to him.”
Is there a coat of arms and everything?
Man, if only Jeb and family could have made enough pushing the consumption of domestic rabbit meat and then left it at that.
Is there a coat of arms and everything?
Man, if only Jeb and family could have made enough pushing the consumption of domestic rabbit meat and then left it at that.
9
Sickening not surprising. Daddy has to take care of his own kids after all. Family comes first before God and Country. Says a lot about us too. We may be free but we are still beholden to Monarchy and lineage. Maybe a few genes have changed in our DNA. But the DNA itself is unchanged. Just a process of evolution. Instead of of a monarchy we now have a clan. The only wise Bush is Barbara Bush. She reminds me of Princess Diana.
Well, we now know why JEB is running for president...he just feels entitled.
The tone of his actions is no different from what we hear from Jamie Dimon and Lloyd Blankfein. It's disgusting and disgraceful.
The tone of his actions is no different from what we hear from Jamie Dimon and Lloyd Blankfein. It's disgusting and disgraceful.
16
What is revealing about this article is that Jeb Bush was especially eager to help and promote those people loyal or part of the Florida Republican Party. What this attitude often lead to is that those disloyal to the Republican cause will be punished for their so-called disloyalty. This brings to mind the firing of judges unwilling to start investigations that would damage Democrats (a controversy that led to the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales) and the famous closing of lanes by aids of Governor Christie to punish mayors who had not supported the governor of New Jersey. The narrow minded push of one's own base of loyal supporters can easily lead to such misuse of power.
6
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Governor Bush or that the things described in this article create concern.
I think there’s something wrong with us if we elect another member of this family to the presidency. For better or worse, what they’ve contributed or not, to our country, is done. The wisdom of our system, the flaw of monarchy, is in choosing alternatives and rejecting a fixed choice.
A future President Bush 45 cannot spend a day in the Oval Office entirely free of his father’s and brother’s pasts. It is haunting. It should not be expected of him. Nor should he be expected to be a man other than one of his family which means that as he does things, he will do them as his father or brother might.
The genius of our system is in starting over. Every four years we get to consider it – starting fresh. After no more than eight years, we must. The individual we elect to the presidency doesn’t bring old DNA back to the White House. It asks too much of Governor Bush even if he asks to do it.
I think there’s something wrong with us if we elect another member of this family to the presidency. For better or worse, what they’ve contributed or not, to our country, is done. The wisdom of our system, the flaw of monarchy, is in choosing alternatives and rejecting a fixed choice.
A future President Bush 45 cannot spend a day in the Oval Office entirely free of his father’s and brother’s pasts. It is haunting. It should not be expected of him. Nor should he be expected to be a man other than one of his family which means that as he does things, he will do them as his father or brother might.
The genius of our system is in starting over. Every four years we get to consider it – starting fresh. After no more than eight years, we must. The individual we elect to the presidency doesn’t bring old DNA back to the White House. It asks too much of Governor Bush even if he asks to do it.
4
"Kristy Campbell, a spokeswoman for Mr. Bush, said in a statement that 'from time to time, Governor Bush of course passed along information or requests to the White House, which were routed to appropriate channels.'
'There is nothing odd or inappropriate about that,' she added."
Except that for those of us not named Bush, the "appropriate channels " would be the circular file.
This statement shiws just how clueless the privliged are in America.
'There is nothing odd or inappropriate about that,' she added."
Except that for those of us not named Bush, the "appropriate channels " would be the circular file.
This statement shiws just how clueless the privliged are in America.
15
A Bush is a Bush and politicians are politicians. What's the big deal. Let's look at the local corruption in California. I live in West Hollywood aka WEHO. The city has 35,000 population and has the bureaucracy of Buffalo. The city council has sold out to every big-time New York Developer and are being staffed by aids making $200,000. If Jeb Bush were president, I'd be happy, because I could, through a friend, ask Bush to get the FBI to investigate WEHO. According to a recent piece in the Los Angeles Times, is the second most corrupt area in America is Southern California.
4
Surprise. A sour and entitled looking young prince thinks he's a self made man who has something to offer us peons. Another obnoxious fruit of the entitled tree. Who can we expect next: Neil, the convicted crook? I don't think it matters. "Some rob you with a six gun and some with a fountain pen." I guess all the Bushes prefer fountain pens but they are robbers nonetheless.
29
Oh, heavens. You haven't noticed the more "attractive" photos of Hilary lately? Editorial opinion affecting more than text.
4
When one has money, the only thing left to strive for is power. And "power corrupts". Save our country from another Bush who will enrich the military industrial complex, as W. Bush did Halliburton, with no regard to the cost of the human lives of the other 99% who fall for their lies and enlist to fight their wars.
20
There I absolutely nothing here that is worth the news print and time of the reporter to write it up.
Of course Jeb Bush used and nurtured the ties he had to his father. HW was his father after all and that's what fathers and sons do: love and promote the best interests of each other if they truly love and respect each other.
It is a positive characteristic that I would hope for and expect in any President/son relationship.
The real question is if there was any patently inappropriate abuse of the relationship and I see none in what has been written. I suspect that the relationship between a man named Bill and a wife named Hillary will be a lot more interesting and potentially more easily twisted by the pundits of both sides of the political fence in the coming election.
All of that said, I would not vote for Bush for the simple reason that past performance by a son of HW Bush gives me no reason to have any confidence in this particular strain of a wandering shrub. There are better more qualified candidates out there. Being the spouse or the son or the brother of a President is a ridiculous standard to use as a reason to elect, especially in the cases of both Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton. Both have their own records to stand on or hide from, depending on your perspective.
This nation should be able to do better than this in choosing its leadership. But sadly I doubt if we will.
Of course Jeb Bush used and nurtured the ties he had to his father. HW was his father after all and that's what fathers and sons do: love and promote the best interests of each other if they truly love and respect each other.
It is a positive characteristic that I would hope for and expect in any President/son relationship.
The real question is if there was any patently inappropriate abuse of the relationship and I see none in what has been written. I suspect that the relationship between a man named Bill and a wife named Hillary will be a lot more interesting and potentially more easily twisted by the pundits of both sides of the political fence in the coming election.
All of that said, I would not vote for Bush for the simple reason that past performance by a son of HW Bush gives me no reason to have any confidence in this particular strain of a wandering shrub. There are better more qualified candidates out there. Being the spouse or the son or the brother of a President is a ridiculous standard to use as a reason to elect, especially in the cases of both Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton. Both have their own records to stand on or hide from, depending on your perspective.
This nation should be able to do better than this in choosing its leadership. But sadly I doubt if we will.
8
Instead of celebrating this family, we should start the investigations and prosecutions, if we are to remain a Democracy. We cannot allow a brutal political dynasty to have its way with our nation.
Look up the actions of Poppy Bush when he was CIA Director, and see the collusion with the right-wing torturers and assassins in South America. Look into BCCI, the Savings and Loan Swindles, and Iran-Contra, and see the misery and death this family brings.
Look up the actions of Poppy Bush when he was CIA Director, and see the collusion with the right-wing torturers and assassins in South America. Look into BCCI, the Savings and Loan Swindles, and Iran-Contra, and see the misery and death this family brings.
24
The governor of Oregon just resigned over allegations of influence peddling after his fiancee used her connections to advance her own (very modest) business interests. Republicans out here are crowing about it. I wonder, if they read this, if they'd react as strongly against Jeb?
17
I agree.
I also think Oregon's voters should have shown Gitzhaber the door in 2014—if the GOP could only find another Mark Hatfield instead of a Monica Wheby or a Dennis Richardson they'd have Oregon's state house today—for the mind boggling Cover Oregon abomination and the "No Bridge To Somewhere" fiasco.
The last I read Cover Oregon and the failed I-5 bridge project has Oregon on the hook to the federal government for $350 million—now that is a scandle, even if the fed holds Oregon's taxpayers harmless.
I also think Oregon's voters should have shown Gitzhaber the door in 2014—if the GOP could only find another Mark Hatfield instead of a Monica Wheby or a Dennis Richardson they'd have Oregon's state house today—for the mind boggling Cover Oregon abomination and the "No Bridge To Somewhere" fiasco.
The last I read Cover Oregon and the failed I-5 bridge project has Oregon on the hook to the federal government for $350 million—now that is a scandle, even if the fed holds Oregon's taxpayers harmless.
This just another American story. Whether we like it or not, we are a class society. Go to Harvard or Yale or any Ivy league school and you have valuable connections for life. Legacy matters when you apply to these schools like Boston College and Stanford. Money begets money. The rich get richer.
And they run the oligarchy called the United States of America. Unfortunately the average refuses to recognize this.
And they run the oligarchy called the United States of America. Unfortunately the average refuses to recognize this.
15
Jeb Bush has a rare opportunity if he campaigns well and is elected, and that is to reverse all the political damage his father and brother have done over the past 20 years. This might seem an insurmountable task, but I believe he's clearly the smarter of the two brothers, and likely more intelligent than his father. He's bi-lingual and bi-cultural. He's lived in Central and South America. He can connect to the all-important Hispanic vote in a way that only one other serious Republican nomination could, that of course being Marco Rubio.
However, Rubio might have difficulty moving the hardline Republican voters, a difficulty I suspect Jeb Bush will not have.
Once he actually assumes office, given his understanding of Latin American culture (remember he has a degree in Latin American studies from U. of T. @ Austin), he might be able to repair long-damaged relationships, for instance, Venezuela, and get them back on board with American interests. I also think he could be pressured to enact immigration reform as a campaign promise to the Hispanic voters.
Finally, I'm less worried about his political maneuvering than most, mainly because this is how the game is played at all levels, even - in fact, especially - at local, county, and state levels. National politics generally suffer from this less, since the visibility is greater and one must undergo more scrutiny. While I think Bush would certainly nominate acquaintances, he'll nominate based on some modicum of ability.
However, Rubio might have difficulty moving the hardline Republican voters, a difficulty I suspect Jeb Bush will not have.
Once he actually assumes office, given his understanding of Latin American culture (remember he has a degree in Latin American studies from U. of T. @ Austin), he might be able to repair long-damaged relationships, for instance, Venezuela, and get them back on board with American interests. I also think he could be pressured to enact immigration reform as a campaign promise to the Hispanic voters.
Finally, I'm less worried about his political maneuvering than most, mainly because this is how the game is played at all levels, even - in fact, especially - at local, county, and state levels. National politics generally suffer from this less, since the visibility is greater and one must undergo more scrutiny. While I think Bush would certainly nominate acquaintances, he'll nominate based on some modicum of ability.
9
A smart Bush is still a Bush; his smartness could make him even more dangerous
6
I find it interesting that these documents are not hidden, are in writing and easily accessible. If this was some sort of dirty-dealing, personal influence, would there even be a record of them? Jeb Bush did what every citizen has a right to do - share insights, make requests etc. This was no back-room deal making. Totally transparent.
And so it begins... Next we'll have comments from teachers on his grade school report cards.
And so it begins... Next we'll have comments from teachers on his grade school report cards.
3
Saying Jeb is "smarter" than George Bush is a back-handed compliment, no?
2
No more Bushes, period. Their expiration date is long gone.
24
Are you sure you don't mean "exasperation" rather than "expiration"? Either way works for me, and I live in Florida where Jeb managed to give us W.
6
Does America really need another Bush in the White House? The sons of this elitist dynasty have collectively managed to plunge America into recession, depending on a successive Democrat to clean up their clutter. The last one waged a specious war, the aftermath of which is now spreading its claws all over the Islamic world. JEB's record as a governor leaves very much to be desired; he did neither Florida nor America any favors when he used his gubernatorial position to finagle the election of his brother. The fire of character assassination has just been kindled; when JEB finally stops his antics and declares he is running, he will have a huge amount of heat to contend with as well as being burdened with an unpopular name.
14
Bush senior when head of the CIA forwarded information to the apartheid regime in South Africa to find Nelson Mandela. We celebrate Mandela today,but it was our intelligence agency under Bush who gave him up.
Why? Because in essence America had an apartheid system also, tacitly supporting South Africa's regime.
Hypocrisy and double dealing is part of the Bush doctrine...
Why? Because in essence America had an apartheid system also, tacitly supporting South Africa's regime.
Hypocrisy and double dealing is part of the Bush doctrine...
16
Nothing earth shaking in this, otherwise negatively written, report. The facts viewed objectively, show an earnest, above board Jeb Bush, speaking honestly his mind. He was the only good governor of Florida that I know of. Since his departure Florida has sunk in the mire of perpetual corruption. As of now, I , as a lifelong democrat, believe Jeb will be the better choice for President, among all other republican candidates.
6
When it comes to dynasties, there is simply no comparison between the Bush and Clinton families.
Bill Clinton was the son of a struggling single mother in Arkansas. Hillary Rodham grew up in a decidedly middle-class family. They had no privilege or connections. They got where they are by education and hard work, period.
Contrast that to the privilege and connections of the Bush brothers. Their grandfather was a U.S. senator whose connections helped their dad start an oil company that made him a millionaire and paved the way for a political career. The Bush brothers grew up with access to power available to pretty much no one else, and they used it to selfish ends.
It's laughable to think Jeb Bush would be where he is today by ambition and hard work alone.
Bill Clinton was the son of a struggling single mother in Arkansas. Hillary Rodham grew up in a decidedly middle-class family. They had no privilege or connections. They got where they are by education and hard work, period.
Contrast that to the privilege and connections of the Bush brothers. Their grandfather was a U.S. senator whose connections helped their dad start an oil company that made him a millionaire and paved the way for a political career. The Bush brothers grew up with access to power available to pretty much no one else, and they used it to selfish ends.
It's laughable to think Jeb Bush would be where he is today by ambition and hard work alone.
17
It's laughable to think Hillary Clinton would be where she is today had she not been the boss' wife.
2
Yes, but it's impossible to imagine the "boss" getting as far as he did without Hillary behind him
5
No its amazing that very gifted politician, Bill Clinton, was not destroyed by his tin eared, greedy, crooked as the day is long wife. They left the White House broke. How many broke people buy two $1M plus houses? She stole furnishings from the White House. (You can check the NYT and Washington Post) Was shot at by Bosnian snipers. Travelgate, options trading, Benghazi, et... Russian reset. Socialized medicine (failure thank God), etc...
That Hillary is a real peach.
That Hillary is a real peach.
1
He helped his brother become President through cheating the voter-count in Florida; and all that while he was Governor. That is actually all I know of him and I am not impressed.
21
What to expect if Jeb Bush became our next president?
We want to look at what his father and his brother did when they were the president. (unbelievable that we may be facing a third one). Among many other things they both became war presidents. To think that Jeb may be different is hoping for the best.
It is what Americans banked on for the 8 years that they gave to Obama. hoping for the best.
We want to look at what his father and his brother did when they were the president. (unbelievable that we may be facing a third one). Among many other things they both became war presidents. To think that Jeb may be different is hoping for the best.
It is what Americans banked on for the 8 years that they gave to Obama. hoping for the best.
5
Yes, many of us banked on Obama and every time I check the value of my 401k, I'm glad I did.
3
Yes, this is very much business as usual, which is the core of the problem. Instead of awarding positions of great importance to the families of earlier beneficiaries, is there a good reason we should not consider merit as the primary qualifier? Witness Jebs brother, with his business failures, personal shortcomings, lack of judgement in selecting advisors, etc., and a remarkable inability to solve important problems (anyone out there doubt that our reaction to 9-11 has played into the goals of terrorists: we're all scared of each other).
And how could we ever expect that a leader who never had to suffer the consequences of a really bad decision could suddenly make a responsible call when it really matters. This is the disaster that follows when we do not require competency of our leaders, and its the common complaint of repubs and dems.
We are fortunate to have such a potential candidate who has seen the power and failure potentials of the Presidency from inside, served as Secretary of State in a manner that qualifies her in international affairs without rival, as well as being a former member of Congress. Too competent? You can bet the Bush Dynasty employees think so.
And how could we ever expect that a leader who never had to suffer the consequences of a really bad decision could suddenly make a responsible call when it really matters. This is the disaster that follows when we do not require competency of our leaders, and its the common complaint of repubs and dems.
We are fortunate to have such a potential candidate who has seen the power and failure potentials of the Presidency from inside, served as Secretary of State in a manner that qualifies her in international affairs without rival, as well as being a former member of Congress. Too competent? You can bet the Bush Dynasty employees think so.
1
Most great families consist of one extraordinary man and then successive generations of parlayers and hangers-on. The Bushes are no different. They're all living off of Samuel Bush's rise from obscure mechanic to blue-blood steel tycoon. But for him, they'd be nothing.
4
They ARE nothing! Politics just gives them a "showroom shine", such as we experience at the local car dealer........
1
One intervention by Vice-President Bush on behalf of Motorola had powerful positive ramifications. Chris Galvin's father Bob set up a meeting with Bush Sr. He took with him an oddly shaped box with buttons on it, about the size and shape of a brick. He asked the vice-president for Mrs. Bush's phone number. And dialed it on the brick. And Barbara Bush answered. After the Bush's conversation, Bob said "Do you know that the FCC is withholding this from the American people." As they were: the agency at the time had no interest in rocking any boats, and they were the gatekeepers to the radio spectrum. The Administration intervened, and a great industry was born.
To their great credit, neither Bob nor Chris Galvin sought to involve Motorola employees (or at least those below executive rank) in partisan politics.
Sadly, Motorola's history demonstrates the risks of dynasty. Bob Galvin was one of the great business visionaries of the 20th Century. Chris rose through the ranks too quickly, and lacked his father's insight and intuition. His appointment as CEO was the beginning of a long downhill slide. This once-great company is now a faint shadow of itself.
To their great credit, neither Bob nor Chris Galvin sought to involve Motorola employees (or at least those below executive rank) in partisan politics.
Sadly, Motorola's history demonstrates the risks of dynasty. Bob Galvin was one of the great business visionaries of the 20th Century. Chris rose through the ranks too quickly, and lacked his father's insight and intuition. His appointment as CEO was the beginning of a long downhill slide. This once-great company is now a faint shadow of itself.
2
No more Bush White House. No more Clinton White House. Enough is enough.
4
exactly....Elizabeth Warren 2016
No surprises here in terms of a well-connected person attempting to leverage his connections. That said, I am at a loss as to why the Bush name continues to receive any real consideration. Think about it: George Sr. was a fine public servant but a mediocre, at best, president and George Jr. will undoubtedly go down as one of the worst ever. What's the fascination? Or is it just familiarity?
7
Contrary to some, I think that these notes or communications illustrate why Jeb Bush is a serious contender to become President of the United States. What comes through in these rather ordinary requests, admittedly sent to people in lofty positions, is a civility and sense of caring in Mr. Bush. I expect that a surprisingly large part of the electorate in 2016 will be attracted to candidates who demonstrates these qualities.
3
Curious if the NY Times shows the same indignation with respect to the Kennedy clan.
6
Sounds as if he knows the going price for everything, but the value of nothing.
7
This reads like Mr. Putin's path to power. Let's stop it here at imposing son and brother, and find a capable individual for our Republican candidate for 2016.
6
The GOP just doesn't have any viable candidates - Christie is another political character that has been dodging bullets lately, and Paul is an unseasoned, unfocused ideologue, and Ted Cruise is just idiotic.
13
Conservatives will call this a 'hit' piece and Liberals the opposite, but it isn't. I think most people have no opinion on Jeb. After all these years, he remains the son-in-waiting. Maybe that is unfair. Hillary was born with some connections but is self-made as she rose to power with Bill. It takes many connections but also restraint in understanding there should be limits. Getting a job through connections may be common but it isn't for everyone. A good candidate needs to balance connections with a sense of reason. Why does Jeb Bush want to be President? I hear no conversations about him being a rising star, a vision for the future. His mother said it first, "I think the country has had enough of the Bushes and Clintons." She was half right.
4
And the governor of Oregon just resigned his girlfriend doing far far less than this
5
Right, he resigned so we don't have to worry about him anymore.
I got my first summer job as a kid, promoting HMO plans to elderly women at social/sales events in 1981 for International Medical Centers in FL. Yes, they used cute young boys to bilk old ladies out of their Meficare. Jeb Bush lobbied hard on behalf of that industry for Rick Scott, during that time. Turned out that company ended up defrauding millions out of medicare, and Instead of being convicted for it, Scott was elected Governor.
17
Sounds about right concerning what Jeb Bush and Rick Scott would do........does the term "snake oil sales men" ring a bell?
10
There wasn't much here other than Jeb's rich-kid creepiness. If you're going to keep doing these Jeb Bush pieces on Sundays, how about something more substantial? How about his shameless Terri Schiavo stunt and of course the 2000 Florida recount?
13
Since when did Jeb Bush control the US Supreme Court???
2
The revelation of Jeb Bush as influence peddler beginning in his youth: is that what we want in the White House?
And a picture of a man obsessed with being in the White House: do we really want him there? What is his purpose? Should we believe what he says? His lifelong ambition would seem to make him dangerous.
His term as governor of Florida was at least in part dedicated to the dismantling of public education (and he had the nerve to call himself 'The Education Governor'). Being a scion of the oil industry, he has no environmental conscience at a time when the biosphere faces a man-made ecological collapse and civilization faces a dark age of starvation and war. Anything he did for Florida's natural landscape and shrinking, polluted water supply was for political theatre. During the presidential election of 2000, as governor he presided over unconstitutional voter restrictions and purges of voter rolls, enhancing the opportunity for his incompetent brother to gain the White House.
Then he helped to elect an even worse governor: Rick Scott.
Jeb Bush is a dangerous man.
And a picture of a man obsessed with being in the White House: do we really want him there? What is his purpose? Should we believe what he says? His lifelong ambition would seem to make him dangerous.
His term as governor of Florida was at least in part dedicated to the dismantling of public education (and he had the nerve to call himself 'The Education Governor'). Being a scion of the oil industry, he has no environmental conscience at a time when the biosphere faces a man-made ecological collapse and civilization faces a dark age of starvation and war. Anything he did for Florida's natural landscape and shrinking, polluted water supply was for political theatre. During the presidential election of 2000, as governor he presided over unconstitutional voter restrictions and purges of voter rolls, enhancing the opportunity for his incompetent brother to gain the White House.
Then he helped to elect an even worse governor: Rick Scott.
Jeb Bush is a dangerous man.
12
I'm sorry, he is not the "smart one". He's another privileged kid from a privileged family, lacking a realistic, common, empathetic viewpoint. He and his family have been bought and sold by big oil, big money, and big politics for generations. A slippery weasel; accessing the situation and molding his response for the sake of the handlers. Avoid at all costs!!! Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!!
16
Steve and Michael,
Does the the fact that Jeb Bush used his connections for political and personal gain shock you? Do you know ANY politician at any level who would not or has not done the same? How about some new material or a different spin? Weak.
Does the the fact that Jeb Bush used his connections for political and personal gain shock you? Do you know ANY politician at any level who would not or has not done the same? How about some new material or a different spin? Weak.
4
I was a big fan of the political courage of 41 to raise taxes. However the lesson his sons took away from that was that political courage didn't pay at reelection. 43 demonstrated none of the restraint of his father. 45 would not be 41.
As a nation Bush v Clinton is a disaster. Where are all the leaders? Both parties need to move beyond to sons and wives of former presidents.
As a nation Bush v Clinton is a disaster. Where are all the leaders? Both parties need to move beyond to sons and wives of former presidents.
2
Elizabeth Warren !!
6
My goodness! A son using his father's connections to get ahead? Who would have thought?
6
The seeking and granting of economic and political "accommodations" and access is as old as human beings. Networking isn't illegal or unethical nor is Governor Bush alone in aggressive use of his family's position and contacts. I'm certain a comparable picture of "networking" could be portrayed of Ms. Clinton, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, or perhaps more accurately, the other heir apparent to our Presidency.
The deeper question is how is our Republic and it's citizens best served by a presumptive political aristocracy? Given the privileges, power and prestige of the Presidency of the United States how can "We The People" be assured the Bushes and Clintons of our imperial political class will serve the many instead of further enriching the few?
Ms. Clinton's traverses the country in private jets "loaned" to her by extremely wealthy donors. I question why a yet unchallenged potential presidential candidate with a immense horde of contributions wouldn't rent her own plane or buy a ticket instead of accepting such "favors". The phrase in economics; there's no such thing as a free lunch also extends to private jets.
The some of greatest public policy disasters of the past two decades; tax cuts for the elitist rich, invasion / nullification of constitutional privacy and wars of choice in the Middle East all were promulgated during an presidential administration with the name Bush. Governor Bush brings to mind the image and lesson of the Trojan Horse.
The deeper question is how is our Republic and it's citizens best served by a presumptive political aristocracy? Given the privileges, power and prestige of the Presidency of the United States how can "We The People" be assured the Bushes and Clintons of our imperial political class will serve the many instead of further enriching the few?
Ms. Clinton's traverses the country in private jets "loaned" to her by extremely wealthy donors. I question why a yet unchallenged potential presidential candidate with a immense horde of contributions wouldn't rent her own plane or buy a ticket instead of accepting such "favors". The phrase in economics; there's no such thing as a free lunch also extends to private jets.
The some of greatest public policy disasters of the past two decades; tax cuts for the elitist rich, invasion / nullification of constitutional privacy and wars of choice in the Middle East all were promulgated during an presidential administration with the name Bush. Governor Bush brings to mind the image and lesson of the Trojan Horse.
2
In related news, the Times conducts in-depth analysis of a mole hill; turns out that the innocent looking hill is actually a mountain. A great, big, nepotistic mountain created by members of the same mole family. Turns out they’re all related.
It is also hard to fathom a son who writes to his father. The nerve! I wonder whether Beau Biden writes to his dad. Did the Ford boys? What about Julie Nixon Eisenhower? There’s gotta be some dirt on Julie, though Tricia looks pretty clean.
I look forward – as others have expressed – to your analysis of the Clinton white house. Did Chelsea write her dad from college? What about the Rodham boys or Roger Clinton? It would be hard to imagine a relative having any influence with Bill Clinton. He was too busy doing favors for female staffers.
I can’t wait for your analysis of anyone named Kennedy, Heinz, Kerry, or Gore. While you’re at it do some stories on how much Pelosi’s husband has made trading on inside information she’s passed him on companies like Visa from committees she chairs.
Let’s not talk about who influences Obama. Not yet. But once he’s out and all the details emerge, prepare to write his name and title with a little asterisk.
And it's hard to imagine that in 1990, the nascent days of mobile telecom, the Bush administration would have been interested in Motorola. It’s not like Motorola was developing cellular technology.
It is also hard to fathom a son who writes to his father. The nerve! I wonder whether Beau Biden writes to his dad. Did the Ford boys? What about Julie Nixon Eisenhower? There’s gotta be some dirt on Julie, though Tricia looks pretty clean.
I look forward – as others have expressed – to your analysis of the Clinton white house. Did Chelsea write her dad from college? What about the Rodham boys or Roger Clinton? It would be hard to imagine a relative having any influence with Bill Clinton. He was too busy doing favors for female staffers.
I can’t wait for your analysis of anyone named Kennedy, Heinz, Kerry, or Gore. While you’re at it do some stories on how much Pelosi’s husband has made trading on inside information she’s passed him on companies like Visa from committees she chairs.
Let’s not talk about who influences Obama. Not yet. But once he’s out and all the details emerge, prepare to write his name and title with a little asterisk.
And it's hard to imagine that in 1990, the nascent days of mobile telecom, the Bush administration would have been interested in Motorola. It’s not like Motorola was developing cellular technology.
9
In fairness, it's not exactly as though Sasha Obama is writing her dad about Supreme Court appointments or promotions of Army generals. Your "everybody else does it" argument has a little Nixonian ring to it.
9
My argument isn't pro "everyone does it" - never wrote that, didn't imply it. The argument is the NYT "discovers" the obvious on the candidates they chose to vilify, turns a blind eye to ones they support. The expose on Clinton they won't publish would clearly show a much more sinister misuse of power and connections. You don't exactly need to be a forensic investigator to see the depth of the Kennedy influence peddling. Clinton was no different.
I also never implied anything about Sasha or Malia Obama, that's why I didn't mention them. Mr. Obama's track record of people who have influenced him stretches from Bill Ayers to Al Sharpton and Jeremiah Wright. We're undoubtedly going to learn more in time.
I also never implied anything about Sasha or Malia Obama, that's why I didn't mention them. Mr. Obama's track record of people who have influenced him stretches from Bill Ayers to Al Sharpton and Jeremiah Wright. We're undoubtedly going to learn more in time.
3
The last thing this country needs is another cynical rich kid as president. The last Bush did nearly irreparable damage to the US. Can we afford more of that?
7
Really? Nepotism in politics? But thank you NYT for going after Jeb and tomorrow please go after Hillary. The White House shouldn't be a family business.
8
There is nothing shocking about this. It is what should be expected. We all use the connections we have. The key is not to abuse it and not to do anything wrong.
3
The major difference between the two Bush Presidencies and the Clinton Presidency is that Clinton left the Nation better off than the Bushes. To cut to the quick, the Bushes were abject failures (especially Bush the Younger) while Clinton was a success. If the choice is between a successful dynasty and a failed one, I think the answer is clear that Mrs Clinton will be a better President than Jeb Bush.
10
No doubt because of Hillary's bang up job as Secretary of State. The Russian reset, the lead-from-behind war in Libya, her dodging sniper fire in Bosnia.
I can see why you're so impressed with her (husband's) accomplishments.
I can see why you're so impressed with her (husband's) accomplishments.
6
Clinton's administration was counted by a Republican Congress. The country was left better in spite of Clinton not because of him.
1
If there is anything to be gleaned from this article, it is how politics works, which shows us why and where it does *not* work. Trading favors is not good politics, but rather makes for policy based on obligations and future favors.
Term limits for all would nip some of this in the bud, but so would a drastic lowering of the pay as well as reconfiguring how some of these committees work (think Rawl's 'veil of ignorance').
Politics in the USA is a cesspool of cronyism, merit based upon who kissed who's behind. It needs to end.
Term limits for all would nip some of this in the bud, but so would a drastic lowering of the pay as well as reconfiguring how some of these committees work (think Rawl's 'veil of ignorance').
Politics in the USA is a cesspool of cronyism, merit based upon who kissed who's behind. It needs to end.
61
Our political dynasties may differ than the ones in Great Britain, which we initially fought a revolution to get away from them.
The question is, how far can we go, when it comes to political dynasties. We already have the Adams, the Roosevelts, and now the Bushes and Clintons.
Individuality must be judged in this case. Is this one branch of the tree really build his career with his own bare hands? Even if he did get some favors from his father, can he manage on his own as Commander in Chief?
The question is, how far can we go, when it comes to political dynasties. We already have the Adams, the Roosevelts, and now the Bushes and Clintons.
Individuality must be judged in this case. Is this one branch of the tree really build his career with his own bare hands? Even if he did get some favors from his father, can he manage on his own as Commander in Chief?
Get ready for the mother of all pratfalls. Despite the lurid levels of campaign money raising from his Wall Street masters, Jeb Bush won't get five votes from rank and file Republicans in the primaries. Wait and see.
Didn't the governor of Oregon resign his position for conflict of interest and influence peddling?
Nothing is going to change until the US public rises up and demands s third, maybe even a fourth political party.
The republicans and democrats really don't care who wins as long as they get to carve up the cake between them. It is unfathomable that a large segment of the population that think differently are excluded.
Perhaps that is why only half the nation even chooses to vote
Nothing is going to change until the US public rises up and demands s third, maybe even a fourth political party.
The republicans and democrats really don't care who wins as long as they get to carve up the cake between them. It is unfathomable that a large segment of the population that think differently are excluded.
Perhaps that is why only half the nation even chooses to vote
I remember when much was made during the Reagan years about Yuri Andropov (former head of the KGB) rising to head the Soviet Union. Doesn't this really tell us something about how this Commies really are?
But wasn't George H.W. Bush head of the CIA (appointed) before he became our "Chairman." Wasn't he appointed UN Ambassador? Wasn't he appointed to be VP in order to appease the real powers that be? I think he won one (1) election to Congress before winning his one term as
president.
The depressing thing about the Bush Dynasty is not that they grabbed power and strained every nerve to hold on to it generation-after-generation. Bush Sr. was already a "made man" by the time he got out of the Navy after WWII. This "Dynasty" is the face of the oligarchy that has come to rule us. One would think that they had other candidates within their ranks, or more imagination. Or it could be that the Bushes are the perfect "yes men."
But wasn't George H.W. Bush head of the CIA (appointed) before he became our "Chairman." Wasn't he appointed UN Ambassador? Wasn't he appointed to be VP in order to appease the real powers that be? I think he won one (1) election to Congress before winning his one term as
president.
The depressing thing about the Bush Dynasty is not that they grabbed power and strained every nerve to hold on to it generation-after-generation. Bush Sr. was already a "made man" by the time he got out of the Navy after WWII. This "Dynasty" is the face of the oligarchy that has come to rule us. One would think that they had other candidates within their ranks, or more imagination. Or it could be that the Bushes are the perfect "yes men."
3
this article from start to finish makes me queasy to say the least.Of course one
expects nepotism with the so called Bush Dynasty but this takes that notion
to a whole new level.When playing 'entrepreneur' how much of this access
translated to to riches in Jeb's in bank account???
expects nepotism with the so called Bush Dynasty but this takes that notion
to a whole new level.When playing 'entrepreneur' how much of this access
translated to to riches in Jeb's in bank account???
1
My biggest fear for electing a candidate like Jeb Bush is the reintroduction of his brother's gang into the Executive Branch. For eight years, these ideological individuals have nearly wrecked the federal government and sent this country into a unrecoverable tailspin. I am aware that we will no longer have Dick Cheney in the administration. Nevertheless, to have people occupying the white house with similar mentality and philosophy is unthinkable.
7
The fact that they are not in jail is a travesty of justice.
7
The notion that American politics is a "family business," or that family privilege should loll and bumble through many decades and multiple presidencies, is REPULSIVE.
1
You can bet that helpful Jeb also had a few suggestions to Florida Secy of State Harris during the 2000 vote recount that gave bro George the presidency.
7
While the historical record of presidential scandals indicates that Hillary Clinton was probably crowded out from enjoying the traditional access that most wives have to their husbands, no one in their right mind could conclude that she did not capitalized serially and strategically on her personal relationship with the president to advance her own political prospects to a degree that would make the tiny pile of memos that the Times has joyously rushed to its front page seem, well, bush-league.
2
I'm trying to figure out whether Jeb is so delusional that he really believes Dubya did a fine job...or if he feels so entitled by dint of his name and VIP access, that it doesn't matter what the Bush eponyms bequeathed...?
4
Friends of Bushes, like the ones who wanted Sadam's oil or those who wanted to deregulate the financial industry. Mr.Bush is a nice guy, he just needs some new friends.
1
Good to draw attention to this shameful case of a child of a high government official using his privileged status to offer opinions and suggestions. Fortunately, this is a very rare and unusual practice in Washington.
Yes, it seems Jeb is good at extending the family's 'business'. The Bush family dynasty needs to stop before we have to crown Bush the Third as the emperor of our Kleptocracy called America. And, unfortunately, Hillary is the only one that can stop him.
It seems the Media have decided the presidential election contestants. Another Bush vs. Clinton. It is a dreadful situation for our country. Our poor, declining Empire. It was a short run in the vast span of history. A shining city on the hill? I think not.
It seems the Media have decided the presidential election contestants. Another Bush vs. Clinton. It is a dreadful situation for our country. Our poor, declining Empire. It was a short run in the vast span of history. A shining city on the hill? I think not.
5
Actually, the letters and the outcomes generally show that there was a pretty good firewall between the office of Bush, Sr. and Jeb. While there is no question he used or tried to use his family connections to his advantage, the correspondences have none of the sticky voice the most corrupt in the world use.
On another note, did anyone notice how badly Jeb's letters were written? One would expect better results from such privileged and expensive education.
On another note, did anyone notice how badly Jeb's letters were written? One would expect better results from such privileged and expensive education.
3
He was raised a child of privilege. I would never have occurred to him to NOT use his father's influence to his own advantage.
1
I am disgusted too.
We don't need dynasties in America.
AND that includes Kennedys and Clintons.
Wake up!!!!!!
We don't need dynasties in America.
AND that includes Kennedys and Clintons.
Wake up!!!!!!
3
Always, always, there have been great tribes in the kingdom. Of these, the Lord first created the tribe of John, who begat John Q, and afterwards, they dwindled. And the Lord created William Howard, who begat Robert, of whom the Lord would say: "He tried." And the Lord created Theodore, whose blood ran in Franklin, and the Lord knew that he'd created a couple of heavy hitters. And the Lord created John and his brothers, and their tribe aspired to rule forever, and truly they were smote with tragedies. And the Lord created Bill, who pretty much created Hillary, who aspires to run the kingdom, and is laying in stores of gold and mud. And the Lord created George P, who begat George W, and the Lord said: "Oops. And George P begat another son as well, whom he called Jeb, and who aspires like Hillary to rule the kingdom, and who also is gathering stores of gold and mud, and whose tribe girds for battle with the tribe of Hillary. And the Lord saw that they would smite one another hip and thigh, and it would not be attractive, and the Lord covered his eyes.
1
I'm opposed to Bush or Clinton succeeding to the office. Neither one is of the people, for the people. And this country fought a revolution to end dynastic rule.
Both live in a 1% world and neither knows the struggles of the common citizen and both are in the pocket of big business.
At the end of the day both parties are on the opposite side of the same coin owned by big business.
Both live in a 1% world and neither knows the struggles of the common citizen and both are in the pocket of big business.
At the end of the day both parties are on the opposite side of the same coin owned by big business.
3
Is anyone surprised? Simply par for the course and, in this case, to use the golf idiom, an inflated handicap.
1
Like many decendents of wealthy and/or powerful families, the younger family members are born on 3rd base and think they hit a home run. George W. Bush and to a lesser his brother Jeb are no exceptions.
2
After the unmitigated disaster that was W the last thing I want to see is another Bush in Washington DC, much less the White House, especially one with an acronym for a first name.
8
W's fecklessness provided a good example of the long-term effects of fetal alcohol syndrome, tied to a life that engendered a sense of self-entitlement.
Jeb's campaign's mindless dumping of Floridian's personal information--including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and health information--without taking responsibility for it or even an apology, leads to the same conclusion about him.
Jeb's campaign's mindless dumping of Floridian's personal information--including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and health information--without taking responsibility for it or even an apology, leads to the same conclusion about him.
2
I wish his brother had sent some of these notes to his Dad. One in particular: Dad, should I invade Iraq?
6
What did Ann Richards say about his father? "Born on third base and thought he hit a triple."
I prefer a self made man or woman to be my President.
You have to understand this is a man who has political ideas that he has no skin in. His ideas were just absorbed from people who surrounded him. If you start with nothing, your world view is shaped by your journey from nothing to being success.
It is easy to believe in trickle down economics if you have never had to wait for it to trickle down. It is easy to support policies that leave working Americans with no health insurance, no savings, no pension and not enough money to pay for other basic necessities if on the day you were born you new you would never face those issues in your life. It's easy to believe in winners and losers when it is guaranteed that you will be a winner.
Is Jeb Bush a bad human being that deserves vilification. The answer is probably no that he does not deserve vilification. Is he a "complete" guy who understands what it is like to be an ordinary American. I do not think so.
I prefer a self made man or woman to be my President.
You have to understand this is a man who has political ideas that he has no skin in. His ideas were just absorbed from people who surrounded him. If you start with nothing, your world view is shaped by your journey from nothing to being success.
It is easy to believe in trickle down economics if you have never had to wait for it to trickle down. It is easy to support policies that leave working Americans with no health insurance, no savings, no pension and not enough money to pay for other basic necessities if on the day you were born you new you would never face those issues in your life. It's easy to believe in winners and losers when it is guaranteed that you will be a winner.
Is Jeb Bush a bad human being that deserves vilification. The answer is probably no that he does not deserve vilification. Is he a "complete" guy who understands what it is like to be an ordinary American. I do not think so.
2
There are two other factors that make Jeb totally unfit for the job. The first is his membership in the Project for the New American Century ("PNAC"), the cabal which included Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld and which thought up our Iraq policy premised on a "Pearl Harbor-like event." The initial statement of principles was published in 1997, and its goals became reality after the manipulated election of CheneyBush in 2000. As Governor of Florida, Jeb promoted the demonstrations that gave rise to an election decided not by voters but by the Supreme Court.
Second is Jeb's recent performance by dumping personal information--including Social Security numbers and health information--on the internet in his quest for the presidency in a misguided attempt at "transparency."
The only thing transparent about Jeb is his desire for a one-party nation and inability to take responsibility for the actions of his underlings.
Second is Jeb's recent performance by dumping personal information--including Social Security numbers and health information--on the internet in his quest for the presidency in a misguided attempt at "transparency."
The only thing transparent about Jeb is his desire for a one-party nation and inability to take responsibility for the actions of his underlings.
4
Writing and forwarding letters of recommendation? Heinous.
Requesting a letter of condolence? Terrible.
Asking consideration for Cuban Americans in his district? How could he?
The New York Times has done a thorough job on this. I feel totally informed about Jeb's ability to write letters to people.
Requesting a letter of condolence? Terrible.
Asking consideration for Cuban Americans in his district? How could he?
The New York Times has done a thorough job on this. I feel totally informed about Jeb's ability to write letters to people.
3
This is a great article and shows that campaign for 2016 has started. To be fair to American people, NYT should also have an investigative article on the political connections Mrs. Hillary Clinton might have used as the first lady, Secretary of State and thereafter to further her political ambition . After all, this is the first time that two dynasties the Bush and the Clinton will be competing for the Presidency of United States.
2
Gee, a one-party state! How quaint! Brings back memories of other countries that went down in flames. Do we really want to go there?
1
Following "Desert Storm" George "H" said the occupation of Iraq and removal of Sadam Hussain was untenable, due to the resultant power vacuum between Iraq and Iran. George "W" didn't get the message - consequently we now have ISIL. Given the current, critical need for understanding this historic, familial dichotomy, one can only be distressed that Jeb recently stated that his focus is on the future and refused to address the records of his father and brother.
1
As a person with a US passport and an Italian passport, I don't understand when Americans attack Southern European politics as corrupt and based on patronage. If anything, US federal politics -- given the large scale -- are the most corrupt in the entire world and make backroom deals in Rome or Athens look like peanuts.
Bernie Sanders 2016!
Bernie Sanders 2016!
13
Family influences are always tricky when one or more members are elected officials. Kitzhaber of Oregon just stepped down as governor because his girlfriend (translate to modern day wife) influenced governing decisions -- a "scandal" according to the public and the media. The Kennedys were so interconnected that it was a dynasty rule rather than an individual one. Eleanor Roosevelt had as much impact as her husband. Jackie O's influence way monumental, beyond even her husband's death. All of the children of past presidents got into colleges or jobs because of their family connection. You can't divorce your family when one is elected....there is no way to avoid it.
Would any of us not listen or be influenced by our children, spouses, parents if we could help or benefit them? And by the way, I am the opposite of a Bush supporter.....but this is not an issue -- his politics are.
Would any of us not listen or be influenced by our children, spouses, parents if we could help or benefit them? And by the way, I am the opposite of a Bush supporter.....but this is not an issue -- his politics are.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush pioneered many of the education reforms the rest of the country is now discussing, including data-based school and teacher assessments, school choice and charter schools. Florida student standardized test scores improved after Bush took office in 1999. The federal Race To The Top grant program takes its cue from Florida.
Bush’s plan is based on six pillars:
Grading schools on a simple A through F scale based on student standardized test scores.
High-stakes testing.
Requiring students to meet grade standards before promotion to a higher grade.
Paying teachers based on student performance.
New methods to credential teachers.
Adding charter schools, private school vouchers (since struck down by a court) and online schools to offer parents more choices.
Critics, such as a June 2011 report from the National Education Policy Institute, argue there is no evidence that the reforms Bush supported led to improvement by Florida students. Still, the Foundation for Excellence in Education that Bush founded is a national advocate for education reform and Bush is the chief face of Republican-favored proposals — increasingly embraced by Democrats — many states are now considering.
Bush’s plan is based on six pillars:
Grading schools on a simple A through F scale based on student standardized test scores.
High-stakes testing.
Requiring students to meet grade standards before promotion to a higher grade.
Paying teachers based on student performance.
New methods to credential teachers.
Adding charter schools, private school vouchers (since struck down by a court) and online schools to offer parents more choices.
Critics, such as a June 2011 report from the National Education Policy Institute, argue there is no evidence that the reforms Bush supported led to improvement by Florida students. Still, the Foundation for Excellence in Education that Bush founded is a national advocate for education reform and Bush is the chief face of Republican-favored proposals — increasingly embraced by Democrats — many states are now considering.
1
It's just another symptom of our crumbling democracy. Rampant political corruption and undue influence of elected officials made perfectly legal by calling it political contributions; a revolving door between government and corporations through lobbyists; corporate "personhood" via the supreme court; science and education system under attack by fundamentalist religious zealots; lopsided wealth distribution where the 1% now control more than 50% of all wealth. Dynasties fit in perfectly with the system we have created.
7
Ever since the Kennedys I've thought that political dynasties didn't make any sense. Unfortunately, name recognition seems to be one of the more important factors in getting elected. Just yesterday our local paper had an article about legislators who were the sons or daughters of politicians. And in judicial races, name recognition is so important that political parties will recruit candidates with the same name as an existing judge.
2
I'm a lifelong Democrat, and no fan of the Bush family, but to me this is " much ado about nothing." Doesn't everyone who has contacts - especially in their family - use them to get jobs, meetings, etc.? Pres. Bush sent Walter Payton a signed photograph? So what! There is no smoking gun here. Move on, NYT....
3
It is easy to understand your tolerance for Jeb's behavior, given that you are a "lifelong Democrat". What's the fundamental difference between a "lifelong Democrat" and a "Lifelong Republican"? Fundamentally, nothing. That's why thinking people need to ditch both branches of the Party.
2
If this is the worst thing you can unearth to hang on him, I'm inclined to think he might be good for the job.
3
You might want to keep reading about him.
2
Please, no more Bushes. We can't afford another. Take a look around. His brother GWB sucked the air out of the economy and we are all still paying for it. No Child Left Behind was a disaster, a burden so dreadful that many school districts will never recover from the problems it caused. I literally gag whenever I hear the name "Bush". No more Bushes, ever. None. No no no.
10
Jeb will still have to face up to the legacy of Bush/Cheney, the worst presidency in modern times. And people should take a closer look at his involvement (for personal gain) with mediocre or sub-standard charter schools
Enough of these Bushes. Ugh.
Enough of these Bushes. Ugh.
10
Jeb Bush seems to be a decent man. But, I don't believe only one family, brother, or son needs to succeed to POTUS for our nation and culture to progress well. While the Bushes appear capable administrators and even more capable politicians, there are other people among us 300 million citizens who have equal or better skills. Does our nation require family members to pass along the highest elected offices from member to member using their underlings to facilitate the transfer...as occurred among European royals? Our founding fathers warned us to beware of aristocracies. Ironically, the Bush Republicans appear as or more "successful" at passing the baton from one member to another than the Kennedy Democrats. The Clintons? One spouse is enough. Hillary may be ambitious, smart, and a capable politician, but our nation needs variety not more of the same. Thomas Jefferson's warned us, the future generations: "I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare to challenge our government to a trial by strength and bid defiance to the laws of our country." "The end of democracy and the defeat of the American Revolution will occur when government falls into the hands of lending institutions and moneyed incorporations." “Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms (of government) those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny”
1
You know what would be a newsworthy article?
If there was evidence that Jeb got NO help from Dad.
Kalidan
If there was evidence that Jeb got NO help from Dad.
Kalidan
3
This is politics. Delve into the Clinton machine and you will see the same.
7
Politics is less about intelligence and personnel character and more about sounding the right tone, having the right associations, being the best reflection of a widely supported point of view, being the best option. Like it or not, Jeb Bush could well be the best option the Republicans have, which means that he may be America's next president. And if that happens, people will look at him and say, o my god, look who we have elected president, but that is the nature of process.
11
Jeb Bush could well be the best option the Republicans have
Then a Democratic victory with Hillary is assured. But I will sit this election out if that is the best both Parties have. And I'm a registered Independent.
Then a Democratic victory with Hillary is assured. But I will sit this election out if that is the best both Parties have. And I'm a registered Independent.
"the themes that have dominated his career in both government and business: a fruitful reliance on his family name, a fascination with the mechanics of government and a willingness to delve into the gritty art of political favors."
In other words, a sense of entitlement, a tendancy towards cronyism and little or no interest in actual policy. The sense that I get is that the Bushes, unlike other neocons, are not particularly dogmatic. Rather it is all about ruling (as opposed to leading) as a matter of birthright and feathering their nest for generations to come. With his election, our devloution into a monarchy would be complete.
In other words, a sense of entitlement, a tendancy towards cronyism and little or no interest in actual policy. The sense that I get is that the Bushes, unlike other neocons, are not particularly dogmatic. Rather it is all about ruling (as opposed to leading) as a matter of birthright and feathering their nest for generations to come. With his election, our devloution into a monarchy would be complete.
8
I would be among the first to accuse. and have on occasion, the NYT of a hit piece on somebody other than their anointed favorites. However, this is not one of those times. This is publicly available information. I expect that they will do the same type of piece on Hillary Clinton, or anybody else, as it informs the voting public. The NYT has been plenty critical of the Clintons, and I assume that they will be so again in a future article. Additionally, who has not used personal access for gain? If one is an alumni of a certain school, has served on a particular board, or otherwise has had access to decision makers or those that can help, I am certain one would use those connections to their advantage, possibly altruistically, to groups that need help. Bush did just that, and we all do everyday and unapologetically.
4
I always had more than a little discomfort about the Kennedy family and their pervasive influence. As horrible as it may sound though, that family paid an enormous price for their privilege and elevated station in the US as well as the world.
The Bush dynasty on the other hand seems to have struck some kind of Faustian deal to relentlessly have the ability not only to impact virtually all aspects of society domestic and international but to do it so poorly, bordering on criminality and also escape any negative consequences or detriment to their brand.
Reagan had it only partly right, there was an evil empire, he didn't realize it was in his cabinet and seems to show no sign of being vanquished. Even the son who must have had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck for some part of his gestation made to the highest office in the land. Mephistopheles must have been lurking somewhere.
The Bush dynasty on the other hand seems to have struck some kind of Faustian deal to relentlessly have the ability not only to impact virtually all aspects of society domestic and international but to do it so poorly, bordering on criminality and also escape any negative consequences or detriment to their brand.
Reagan had it only partly right, there was an evil empire, he didn't realize it was in his cabinet and seems to show no sign of being vanquished. Even the son who must have had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck for some part of his gestation made to the highest office in the land. Mephistopheles must have been lurking somewhere.
8
I applaud the NYT balanced coverage on this issue.
Bush is getting so much advantage from name and family.
He and GOP are unique in that regard.
Hillary never got any help.
Neither did Chelsea.
Jerry Brown was all on his own.
The Kennedy's were all self made, every one of them.
Jackson never did much for his son
Neither did crater for his grand child, he would have done the same if his name was porter
And so on and on, this dynasty is such a GOP phenomenon.
Bush is getting so much advantage from name and family.
He and GOP are unique in that regard.
Hillary never got any help.
Neither did Chelsea.
Jerry Brown was all on his own.
The Kennedy's were all self made, every one of them.
Jackson never did much for his son
Neither did crater for his grand child, he would have done the same if his name was porter
And so on and on, this dynasty is such a GOP phenomenon.
3
The Kennedys were self made? Yeah , as sons of one of America's richest men who in part made his fortune through bootlegging.
1
Chelsea got a $600,000 job at NBC as a "news correspondent" without any experience.
3
How many of JFK's relatives went into politics?
3
John Ellis Bush had the wisdom, foresight, merit and qualifications to select the DNA of his father and mother George Herbert Walker and Barbara Pierce Bush. It is our fault that we did not pick them first.
Jeb has a lot in common with Prince Charles and Prince William. He is a prince and the Duke of Florida. His brother was a prince and is the Duke of Texas. Jeb's dad is still alive.
Why did we throw all of that tea into that harbor?
So that we did not have to wait for the monarch to die before their heirs could rule over us?
Jeb has a lot in common with Prince Charles and Prince William. He is a prince and the Duke of Florida. His brother was a prince and is the Duke of Texas. Jeb's dad is still alive.
Why did we throw all of that tea into that harbor?
So that we did not have to wait for the monarch to die before their heirs could rule over us?
7
Jeb Bush - consummate boot licker.
But the political game is played exactly this way. Access gets you favors. Favors get paid back, usually in the form of money.
Jeb successfully built his own career by leveraging his family name and working his tail off to make sure his "peeps" were taken care of.
There is little question that if Jeb hadn't been Governor of Florida at the time his brother ran against Gore, W. would never have won the presidency. Think how different the MIddle East would be if that hadn't happened. How many more average folks would still be alive there.
Rove has already presumably told him how he'll run his presidential campaign. Compassionate Conservative II - The Sequel. Which will amount to exactly the same thing. Whatever can be sold to donors if elected, will be.
Progressive may wring their hands all they want on these digital pages, but this dude has a shot at the Oval in '16.
But the political game is played exactly this way. Access gets you favors. Favors get paid back, usually in the form of money.
Jeb successfully built his own career by leveraging his family name and working his tail off to make sure his "peeps" were taken care of.
There is little question that if Jeb hadn't been Governor of Florida at the time his brother ran against Gore, W. would never have won the presidency. Think how different the MIddle East would be if that hadn't happened. How many more average folks would still be alive there.
Rove has already presumably told him how he'll run his presidential campaign. Compassionate Conservative II - The Sequel. Which will amount to exactly the same thing. Whatever can be sold to donors if elected, will be.
Progressive may wring their hands all they want on these digital pages, but this dude has a shot at the Oval in '16.
2
What confuses me is why the name Bush is seen as an automatic ticket to the presidency. The first one was a one-term tragedy, the second one went beyond tragedy and left with the lowest approval ratings one could imagine. However, when yet another Bush from this below-average family expresses interest in the office, well, everybody jumps on board. Let's end the cycle of abuse before Dubya's daughters turn 35.
14
This article offers insight into how politics works in the US, nothing more. If Jeb was a large donor to the party, he would have perhaps less access to his father and his staff, but access none the less. This shows him as an astute political animal using his familial ties to get ahead--others use money. He used what he had available.
3
If JB is the GOP nominee I will probably vote for him; he seems to be smarter than his brother W, and he is more articulate. The country - thank God it has survived the last 6 years and, hopefully, the next 2 - needs adult leadership once again. However, its seems to me from many of these comments its OK for liberal 1% Democrats to use family connections, as well as those they established at Sidwell Friends and Stanford, but is evil when conservative 1% GOPs do it. Oh, the hypocrisy of the liberal. What would we do without it?
5
Bill Clinton came from a single-parent home with no money or history of family money. JEB's grandfather was a Wall Street banker and a U.S. Senator, and as we know, his father was a U.S. President. Slight difference there. Nevertheless, I'd prefer to see new blood as candidates from both parties for 2016.
4
I agree with you Cowboy, both Clinton and JB's grandfather were self made men in the truest sense, but that still does not address the issue that when wealth liberals use family connections it OK but when wealthy conservatives use family connections its evil.
1
Most household pets are smarter than G.W.
You obviously haven't read any economic news for the last decade or more. Now would be a good time to start.
You obviously haven't read any economic news for the last decade or more. Now would be a good time to start.
5
Jen Bush's zealous, single-minded obsession in achieving his goals in the many issues he pursues should concern anyone who remembers his actions in the Terri Schiavo affair. If ever there were an issue he should have avoided, it was this one. I hate to think of the danger he would put this country in, if, as President, he became obsessive about some issue in which he, and we as a nation, had no business interfering.
12
We have had Bush family members in the White House for 12 years representing Bush family interests for 12 years. The interests of the rest of us would best be represented by someone with other interests and power bases. There must be at least one million preferable candidates who are not already part of American plutocracy. It would be great to select a president from the 99% and not the 1%. I am already missing Obama when I think of a dynastic president.
9
In case you are too young to remember, Jeb Bush's Grandfather Prescott was suspected of being a Nazi collaborator in the runup to WWII. And Jeb's brother, Neil, was a central figure in the Savings & Loan scandal of the 1980s, that cost taxpayers billions. And Jeb's father, Poppy, was so connected to Saudi Arabia that they called Prince Bandahr "Bandaher Bush". The Bush dynasty and the house of Saud still profit together through a huge investment fund called the Carlysle Group in Washington DC. And of course, Jeb's brother, George, ignore the warnings and it cost 3,300 lives on 9/11, then close to 7,000 GI lives in Iraq, which he invaded to steal their oil. And of course, the legal mediocrity on the Supreme Court is because of appointments from Bush I and Bush II. The next President could easily appoint 3 new Justices; do you want that to be another Bush, so you get Thomas, Alito and Roberts lookalikes?? This is a family utterly devoid of core values. Enoiugh already!!
15
Still, who should be judged on the behavior of grandparents?
3
Jeb Bush is a limited man with limited comprehension of the world outside the bubble in which he was raised and with a narrow prism through which he views a world of set ideas, reactionary ideals and small accomplishment. He is not the moderate the media would have him be and can only be so described in the context of what the Republican Party has become, the lunatic far right and farther right and even farther right views of its purported candidates for president. In that context he looks and sounds like a man of reason. But he is not, not any more than the others.
In any case it seems to some, including me,that this time the raving Republican masses will reject the wisdom of the party's monied class and insist as they did in the 1964 version on one of their own. Which of the far, far, far right, which of the intellectually fatuous and dangerous characters seeking their nomination they will choose is not yet clear. But it will not be Bush. If he had a time to be president it passed when he was governor of Florida. In the interim he has done the many things that exposed now weaken his candidacy.
In any case it seems to some, including me,that this time the raving Republican masses will reject the wisdom of the party's monied class and insist as they did in the 1964 version on one of their own. Which of the far, far, far right, which of the intellectually fatuous and dangerous characters seeking their nomination they will choose is not yet clear. But it will not be Bush. If he had a time to be president it passed when he was governor of Florida. In the interim he has done the many things that exposed now weaken his candidacy.
6
Jeb Bush, when he was Governor of Florida, intervened with the Terri Schiavo case- ordering the feeding tube to remain against her husband's wishes who was legal guardian and many doctor's advice. This same theory of the state being in control of your body is being seen in how the GOP is taking over women's reproductive rights. It is a trend of turning our government into a theocracy. I would never vote for this man.
16
Here's a little piece from an article in today's Guardian:
Another client of HSBC Geneva to donate to the Clinton foundation is Denise Rich, the ex-wife of the late billionaire and commodities trader Marc Rich, who fled to Switzerland in 1983 after being indicted by US authorities for tax evasion, fraud and racketeering. Mark Rich was was controversially granted a presidential pardon by Bill Clinton just hours before the former president left office in 2001.
Denise Rich contributed as much as $500,000 to the Clinton foundation.
Ah, yes, the Clintons are so righteous and clean
Another client of HSBC Geneva to donate to the Clinton foundation is Denise Rich, the ex-wife of the late billionaire and commodities trader Marc Rich, who fled to Switzerland in 1983 after being indicted by US authorities for tax evasion, fraud and racketeering. Mark Rich was was controversially granted a presidential pardon by Bill Clinton just hours before the former president left office in 2001.
Denise Rich contributed as much as $500,000 to the Clinton foundation.
Ah, yes, the Clintons are so righteous and clean
I am not a fan of Jeb Bush, but this is all old news. Family dynasties in politics have always provided advantages to family members, ie the Kennedys, Cuomos, Clintons (in the case of Hillary because of her husband's connections) and many more. Old news.
6
You mean Chelsea Clinton did not get that $600,000/year NBC news job based on merit?
3
Jeb Bush seeking approval for his friends outlines what is wrong with the two party system. It is quite obvious the Republican/Democractic Parties represent the special interest groups and not the middle class.
Perhaps the need for a 3rd Party has never been greater. Or make the national election for president based upon popular vote. Has it stands now only five or six states determine the national election. It is time for a change.
Perhaps the need for a 3rd Party has never been greater. Or make the national election for president based upon popular vote. Has it stands now only five or six states determine the national election. It is time for a change.
62
A third party would devolve into the same behavior. Think historically - when has this not occurred in politics? We need stronger ethics laws, limits on terms and campaign finance reform - it's the only way.
2
You are absoltely right!
Not to say things shouldn't change, but if and when we go to popular vote for the president, guess what? Only five or six states are still going to determine the national election - the largest ones. A candidate could well win by focusing only on the 10 top metropolitan areas.
The thought of another Bush in The White House is making my hangover that much worse this morning. Talk about being over-served one too many. As a country, haven't we had enough of the Bush Brand? Do we really want to have another at this point in all our lives? It is a bitter drink, and I hope we've all lost our taste for it and anyone associated with making it, so spend all your money Mr. Koch trying to get this privileged, spoiled rotten, not too bright example of how our system has become so perverted and corrupt. The rich and powerful control ever lever of power in our nation and use it to foist these fools and their cheap moonshine upon us all and call it wine.
14
I'm a liberal Democrat and won't vote for him. But in the scheme of things there's not much in this article that I think is a big deal. I know few humans, particularly ones in political dynasties, that don't seek favor for their interests and their friend's interests. Oddly, I'm actually left thinking that if this is all there is he has a good chance of being president.
7
Maybe a new law should be passed whereby no one named Clinton or Bush can be re-elected to office to give our democracy a chance to thrive without just two families dominating for next twenty years. With our current method our two political parties dominated by two families ends up in a pendulum swinging whereby a Clinton is elected when the wind blows to the left and a Bush is elected when it swings to the right. Of course Jeb used his connections, and Hillary didn't? Even with the scandalous Bill , Hillary has had success even with Bills promiscuous behavior. The issue at hand is whether time has passed and we need to apply pressure to now allow another Clinton or Bush to become President for the next forty years otherwise we may not actually be living in a democracy .
How did you overlook Kennedy?
3
Chelsea will probably be up for US Senate next.
How is this different from Kennedy, Clintons, or any other powerful political "family" in US politics? How is this different from how corporate and social structures work? People get well-tutored but fairly mediocore kids into the "best" colleges this way. People get plum jobs for their kids, relatives and friends this way. People raise big money for charities, quid pro quo, on the same basis. It's one of the ways that things work and have worked for a very long time.
What you know and how hard you work can get you far, and very far if you're very good. Who you know can get you a lot farther a lot faster. Who is surprised by this story. Since when is this new or especially revealing?
How is this different from Kennedy, Clintons, or any other powerful political "family" in US politics? How is this different from how corporate and social structures work? People get well-tutored but fairly mediocore kids into the "best" colleges this way. People get plum jobs for their kids, relatives and friends this way. People raise big money for charities, quid pro quo, on the same basis. It's one of the ways that things work and have worked for a very long time.
What you know and how hard you work can get you far, and very far if you're very good. Who you know can get you a lot farther a lot faster. Who is surprised by this story. Since when is this new or especially revealing?
7
If this were not about who is going to run the country, I would not care. But the condition of our Congress and the socio-political polarization of the country has happened for a reason. And one possible reason is that we are no longer represented in DC. Large and rich corporations own legislation ... as long as we keep giving people like Bush a pass, that will not change.
4
Or ambassador. Lucky sperm should not drive politics
1
Or how is it different than an unelected official being given control over the federal student lunch program?
1
As a life-long D, I am not upset when a life-long R does his job. It seems that Jeb worked equally hard for the small-time players, such as the rabbit farmer, as he did the big leaguers. Working on behalf of your constituents is part of the job of a politician. I would have been more upset if he didn't approach the White House.
6
John Ellis Bush has an agenda....to promote himself at any cost. His educational "achievement" for Florida consisted of foisting the FCAT testing on the state. Teachers hated it. The software came from his brother's company. How convenient. His intrusion into a family tragedy like the Terry Schiavo case showed that he would stoop to the lowest point available to try to manipulate events. These letters the Times published today show a lifetime of attempting to make everything go his way. In a schoolyard, he would be called a bully.
9
America,the land of opportunities - if you have the right connections.
13
The thought of rewarding this family, one that brought our Nation such disasters, with another presidency is stomach-turning.
14
The Bush Family has been lurking in the background in every catastrophe and political scandal since the JFK assassination (maybe including that one--Daddy Bush is named in a discussion about the assassination with J. Edgar Hoover, but denies being involved until he was appointed to head the agency--wink wink). Watergate, assassination attempt on Reagan (Hinckley was a friend of the family), Iran-Contra, 9-11, stolen elections, S&L ripoffs....what is to like about this family? Why are they not in jail?
8
It isn't about Jeb, and it isn't about Hillary. We must walk back Citizens United, and revisit the entire issue of the Corporation as an individual, who has somehow magically morphed from a convenient legal fiction in order to limit liability, into an entitled citizen, who is capable of distorting our system of checks and balances upon power, by virtue of its mountains of cash: to its exclusive advantage.
Political Dynasty is the natural consequence of the current massive consolidation of wealth which has so distorted the deliberative processes of Republican Government. Jeb Bush is not a political candidate. He is the heir apparent.
Bernie Sanders makes pronouncements, but he isn't calling for a Constitutional Amendment which could abolish Corporate Citizenship and deflate the absurd idea that money is free speech. Certainly, neither Jeb or Hillary will take that necessary step. So who will?
Either we maintain a ridiculous dialogue about Republicans, Democrats, and who represents the lesser evil, or we amend the Constitution to reflect the Republican values which were intended by the founders.
Failing that we can look to the model of Rome which cast the future of all Republics when the voice of the people has been nullified by the prerogatives of Empire in the service of Aristocracy. Republic Or Empire? What's it going to be? Reform or another Dark Age?
Political Dynasty is the natural consequence of the current massive consolidation of wealth which has so distorted the deliberative processes of Republican Government. Jeb Bush is not a political candidate. He is the heir apparent.
Bernie Sanders makes pronouncements, but he isn't calling for a Constitutional Amendment which could abolish Corporate Citizenship and deflate the absurd idea that money is free speech. Certainly, neither Jeb or Hillary will take that necessary step. So who will?
Either we maintain a ridiculous dialogue about Republicans, Democrats, and who represents the lesser evil, or we amend the Constitution to reflect the Republican values which were intended by the founders.
Failing that we can look to the model of Rome which cast the future of all Republics when the voice of the people has been nullified by the prerogatives of Empire in the service of Aristocracy. Republic Or Empire? What's it going to be? Reform or another Dark Age?
6
I suspect a lot of political theatre is for the purpose of distracting us from lobbyist and corporate machinations. This needs to be addressed properly. It is disappointing to know the effect of money in politics and political influence, it isn't new and we should have it taken out rather than legitimized.
3
Kind of amazing that George Bush had any time left to be president after answering the thousands of communications Jeb was sending through for special attention.
Guess that means anyone who knows Jeb will have his ear to get their little special favors taken care of if he ever becomes president.
Guess that means anyone who knows Jeb will have his ear to get their little special favors taken care of if he ever becomes president.
3
Did Chelsea Clinton's connection to Bill and Hillary get her the hedge fund job? The position at NBC as a reporter with zero charisma? Look, there is no smoking gun in all these communications. Better look at his tax returns when disclosed to see if he paid 11%. Wait for him to say 47% of voters aren't worth worrying about. Get some communication in which he says he knows for sure there are WMD in Iraq and go for them. Better yet let's wait for the nominees, both of them, to enunciate their policies for our future and decide who is best for our nation.
5
So, what do we learn? Politicians first interest is not to promote the welfare of the people, but to enrich themselves and their friends.
5
I don't think you read the article. There were a lot of constituents, poor and middle class, that benefited from his association with his family. That is politics. but to imply that he enriched his friends is quite a stretch.
1
Jeb Bush's political history depicted here in no way seems unusual, except perhaps for its effectiveness. Many other careers on both sides of the political aisle would, if examined, reveal even more Machiavellian intent and ambition.
What's distressing is the sad reminder of how little clout that ordinary citizens possess in the political affairs of their country. That said, citizens could help themselves greatly by paying attention and getting out to vote.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
What's distressing is the sad reminder of how little clout that ordinary citizens possess in the political affairs of their country. That said, citizens could help themselves greatly by paying attention and getting out to vote.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
7
“ “The Son’s words, Mr, Sununu said, 'carried the extra weight of lineage .‘We listened to him.”
I am stunned that the Chief of Staff to the President of the United States
not only believed that the requests of a child of a President “carried extra weight” because “He had lineage” or for any other reason, that the White House actually acted upon Jeb Bush’s suggestions,and that Mr. Sununu
openly admits to having done so.
I’m trying to envision Warren Buffet & the Board at Berkshire Hathaway acting on investment tips from his child “Buy G.M, Dad, It’s a solid investment” (G.M. may have been “big to fail”but its shareholders,of which I was one, lost every dime of money we had invested in G.M. Stock &/or bonds). ,or Steven Job’s staff’s giving “extra weight “and listening to his child’s input “Scrap the iPhone idea. iPhones will be a bust. Scrap ".
If only Jeb Bush’s sage words had included : “There are no WMDs in Iraq.
Do NOT send in troops to Iraq.It will be a debacle that will result in the deaths
of countless Americans,and mire our country in an unending war.”
Or was it Jeb who wrote” Dad-send troops into Iraq”, to which the Chief of Staff “listened” because Jeb Bush “Had lineage”.(which came from a man who graduated with a C average from Yale,to which he was admitted only as a legacy student”.
Good Grief.
I am stunned that the Chief of Staff to the President of the United States
not only believed that the requests of a child of a President “carried extra weight” because “He had lineage” or for any other reason, that the White House actually acted upon Jeb Bush’s suggestions,and that Mr. Sununu
openly admits to having done so.
I’m trying to envision Warren Buffet & the Board at Berkshire Hathaway acting on investment tips from his child “Buy G.M, Dad, It’s a solid investment” (G.M. may have been “big to fail”but its shareholders,of which I was one, lost every dime of money we had invested in G.M. Stock &/or bonds). ,or Steven Job’s staff’s giving “extra weight “and listening to his child’s input “Scrap the iPhone idea. iPhones will be a bust. Scrap ".
If only Jeb Bush’s sage words had included : “There are no WMDs in Iraq.
Do NOT send in troops to Iraq.It will be a debacle that will result in the deaths
of countless Americans,and mire our country in an unending war.”
Or was it Jeb who wrote” Dad-send troops into Iraq”, to which the Chief of Staff “listened” because Jeb Bush “Had lineage”.(which came from a man who graduated with a C average from Yale,to which he was admitted only as a legacy student”.
Good Grief.
7
I am surprised to see a lot of commentators in this forum seem to think negatively about the actions of Jeb Bush described here. He does seem to be a man conscious of his stature and connections and seem to know how to use them. He might have tried pushing the envelope a bit like in the case where he suggests an appointment to supreme court or the case of that army general, but, I guess nothing wrong in trying when your father is the President of United States, right? It would have been bad if those appointments had really gone through or if Jeb Bush had picked a fight over them which did not happen.
I think his actions and behavior are pretty much par for the course. Matter of fact, the staff of his father, President Bush seem to come out in a better light. They knew when to kowtow Jeb Bush and were not afraid to push back when they thought he crossed certain boundaries.
As for all those who were seeking favors through Jeb Bush, it's a different matter all together.
to quote from the article- "....Mr. Galvin said he had sought nothing from either the president or his son and, in his discussions with both, merely sought to exchange ideas for improving government operations."
So, Mr.Gavin seeks nothing when meeting with the POTUS? Please, give me a break!
I think his actions and behavior are pretty much par for the course. Matter of fact, the staff of his father, President Bush seem to come out in a better light. They knew when to kowtow Jeb Bush and were not afraid to push back when they thought he crossed certain boundaries.
As for all those who were seeking favors through Jeb Bush, it's a different matter all together.
to quote from the article- "....Mr. Galvin said he had sought nothing from either the president or his son and, in his discussions with both, merely sought to exchange ideas for improving government operations."
So, Mr.Gavin seeks nothing when meeting with the POTUS? Please, give me a break!
32
OK here's the test: if this is just someone who is effectively using his resources including his connections, then this would be fodder for a pro-Jeb campaign ad?
After all - we all want an effective and resourceful President.
So would it? Your answer illuminates what you know about what the public at large really thinks about this sort of thing.
The answer is, of course, no. These everybody-does-it; this-is-how-it-works are delusional. And the self satisfied ersatz-worldliness with which this opinion is offered is ludicrous.
After all - we all want an effective and resourceful President.
So would it? Your answer illuminates what you know about what the public at large really thinks about this sort of thing.
The answer is, of course, no. These everybody-does-it; this-is-how-it-works are delusional. And the self satisfied ersatz-worldliness with which this opinion is offered is ludicrous.
1
The photo standing in front of GHWB says it all. About both of them.
2
Only the nature of using his daddy's position distinguishes this Bush from his brothers.
From the ability to raise money off their parents' friends (to purchase ball teams, for example) to the ability to fight any and all charges against them (such as mishandling savings and loans and creating chaos in the American economy, to name one), and much in between, the Bush boys have gotten what they wanted.
When they're done wreaking havoc, they gather at Kennebunkport and reminisce. A jolly bunch.
From the ability to raise money off their parents' friends (to purchase ball teams, for example) to the ability to fight any and all charges against them (such as mishandling savings and loans and creating chaos in the American economy, to name one), and much in between, the Bush boys have gotten what they wanted.
When they're done wreaking havoc, they gather at Kennebunkport and reminisce. A jolly bunch.
12
Thank you, New York Times, on documenting the privilege, entitlement and almost unbelievable access of this wealthy scion. The vast majority of Americans probably have no idea of how set up for life someone like Jeb Bush is, and will never have such opportunities no matter how hard we work, but you fairly and objectively document it here.
That one of the major political parties is thinking of foisting someone like him (as it did his brother, George W. Bush, a disaster for which we'll be paying for decades to come) on us is beyond disheartening and terrifying.
We should all remember whenever someone like him talks about "hard work" or "opportunity" or "the free market" or "equality" or "freedom," or any of the other buzzwords he might be likely to utter, none of them have any value based on real-life experience. They're just buzzwords, and Lord help us if he or anyone like him is allowed once again to direct policy based on them.
That one of the major political parties is thinking of foisting someone like him (as it did his brother, George W. Bush, a disaster for which we'll be paying for decades to come) on us is beyond disheartening and terrifying.
We should all remember whenever someone like him talks about "hard work" or "opportunity" or "the free market" or "equality" or "freedom," or any of the other buzzwords he might be likely to utter, none of them have any value based on real-life experience. They're just buzzwords, and Lord help us if he or anyone like him is allowed once again to direct policy based on them.
16
yes chelsea is just soooo self made
3
319 million people. And we're looking at Jeb and Hillary. Something's not right.
18
Never print news that risks cutting off "access" to top government officials. Why be so sanctimonious about "access"?
1
Shared ideas and shared knowledge, particularly about how-to as well as what-to-do are just as important to networking as back scratching.
Don't deride group solidarity until you've had a tick pulled off your back before it can burrow in by a buddy.
Don't deride group solidarity until you've had a tick pulled off your back before it can burrow in by a buddy.
1
"Mr. Bush offered his recommendation for the next Supreme Court opening."
Breathtaking arrogance appears to be in the Bush family DNA.
Breathtaking arrogance appears to be in the Bush family DNA.
16
For all of you excusing this as "everyone does it" in their normal business and personal life, understand this; having access to the union shop foreman is just a wee bit different than being a rich, spoiled child and having direct access to the President of the United States and all that comes with that. This is a perfect example of how bereft our political system is and how, despite protestations to the contrary, how it is almost completely about money and power. You really have to ask yourself, out of some 330-million souls, how is it possible that two Bushes have been President and another is auditioning for the third act?
18
Well, I'm not defending our "political system", nor the Bushes (junior, senior, whatever), but I hardly think that a son's access to his powerful father is indicative of anything inherently unfair about the system. This is human nature. A parent talks to a child and vice versa. What would you have it be otherwise? If my father were the union shop forman, I think I would have an advantage in getting a job interview for a shop position. Yeah, unfair, but what are you going to do about it?
1
How is it possible that John Adams' son, John Quincy Adams was elected President?
There is a precedent for that already. If Jeb runs, I imagine he'll win, because he can command both the conservative vote in the whole, and the Hispanic vote. He's bilingual and completely bi-cultural. He speaks Spanish fluently, lived in Venezuela, spent time in Central America during high school, and he apparently makes a mean spicy guacamole.
Jeb is apparently the "smart one", and the Bush that George Sr. expected to be President. To be honest, I'd like to see how he campaigns.
There is a precedent for that already. If Jeb runs, I imagine he'll win, because he can command both the conservative vote in the whole, and the Hispanic vote. He's bilingual and completely bi-cultural. He speaks Spanish fluently, lived in Venezuela, spent time in Central America during high school, and he apparently makes a mean spicy guacamole.
Jeb is apparently the "smart one", and the Bush that George Sr. expected to be President. To be honest, I'd like to see how he campaigns.
America has had enough dynasty already. We need new blood in the White House. Jeb is business-as-usual, and he has offered no compelling vision for the country.
14
NYT: Please provide some investigative reporting on Jeb Bush's shenanigans after he was governor of Florida. He sold his name and served on boards of multiple corporations that used Jeb's association to promote trust and credibility. At the same time, these corporations were exploiting their customers and investors, who thought the companies were solid in view of the Bush name.
10
George W should be in a federal jail cell paying for his crimes against humanity. I weep when I think of all the American soldiers who died in Iraq because of W's ignorance and ambition.But we don't have the political courage to put on trial the corrupt, inhumane and ignorant practices of our former leaders. So let's use Jeb's presidential run to raise the flag against this family dynasty and their many atrocities.
22
First - thank you NYT for illuminating the kind of behind the scenes maneuvers that we common folk do not get to see. While too many of us are too jaded to be shocked by such revelations, we should continue to be outraged and disgusted at the entitlement mentality of the Bush clan and others like them. We should question the ticket and the mandate of Jeb and anyone like him... these are not people who can serve the nation well - they have never lived the lives of the people that they wish to serve and cannot possibly understand what is good for the nation. They will, however, serve the power structure that grew them into the positions that they now hold and perpetuate the elite entitlement society.
The degree to which Jeb appears to have had access to high officials should serve as a warning to voters. This is not a man who earned high office, but expects to inherit it. This must not happen.
The degree to which Jeb appears to have had access to high officials should serve as a warning to voters. This is not a man who earned high office, but expects to inherit it. This must not happen.
208
As opposed to the say, Ted Kennedy?
3
And the Kennedys and Clintons have not always done exactly the same thing? Give me a break!
2
This is not a man who earned high office, but expects to inherit it. This must not happen.
It happened with his brother. Twice was too many.
It happened with his brother. Twice was too many.
1
This story points to the real hypocrisy and disingenuine philosophy that Conservatives engage in.
Conservatives are so quick to label the "47%" as slackers and deadbeats when they seek government assistance to combat the crippling economic affects of a worldwide economic meltdown, which they had no part in creating. Yet they see nothing wrong in advancing their own ambitions and the ambitions of their political allies through political favor and crony capitalism.
The hypocrisy is stunning!
Conservatives are so quick to label the "47%" as slackers and deadbeats when they seek government assistance to combat the crippling economic affects of a worldwide economic meltdown, which they had no part in creating. Yet they see nothing wrong in advancing their own ambitions and the ambitions of their political allies through political favor and crony capitalism.
The hypocrisy is stunning!
29
The idea of a dynasty in federal politics has regal pretensions but demonstrates the Banana Republic reality of our political culture. Our political offices are passed along as familial property, but the genteel imagery is belied by the might and muscle of permanent political machines needed to maintain power. These political machines have rapacious hunger for cash from those who have business before the government are willing to pre-pay for policy initiatives that will prove remunerative. As such, these permanent political apparatuses are a semi-shadow government, and such payments are a business costs -- political prospecting. Bush or Clinton -- Lancasters or Yorks? Democracy and the republic are a fading reality. Our Anglo-Saxon political inheritance, fought and won over 1000 years and deposited on these shores 400+ years ago -- and improved by successive generations of Americans-- has curdled into something Argentine.
8
Why debate, or even consider, whether Jeb Bush's conduct was illegal. His conduct has been disgusting and perhaps corrupt. He aspires to run for President but he is just "another bad breath county chairman".
12
Mr. Bush may or may not be the best Republican candidate for President. Either way he should not run. Political dynasties don't belong in America whether they be Kennedys, Bushs, or Clintons. I hope this article raises some eyebrows, unfortunately I'm afraid it won't.
10
A fascinating picture of how politics in this country works, of how Motorola gets what it needs, but the interests of average working people are left in the dust.
23
Business as usual for the political elites. Here in backward Virginia, we've put our former governor in jail for his escapades, but I expect that at the federal level, people are much more sophisticated. Jeb's brother did much worse, and has gotten off scot-free.
19
Lovely to see the inner workings of our oligarchical class. God bless America, where a lack of connections and pedigree will get you nowhere. Time to reign in these nefarious dynasties. Piketty's blueprint needs to be implemented to rid society of these entitled brats once and for all...."It was a period when Mr. Bush, a real estate developer and entrepreneur in his late 20s and 30s, made his debut in regional politics, parlaying his family name into the chairmanship of the Dade County Republican Party and emerging as a sought-after figure for anyone trying to reach the White House."
12
This is a well done piece of research and important as we approach the 2016 election. I confidently await the Times companion piece on the brothers Rodham, and their correspondence with their sister while she resided in the White House and served in the Senate.
5
Won't be seen. I'm sure such correspondence will be "misplaced" should there ever be a requirement for Hilary to produce it. Historical precedent.
1
In reading this, I realized that, once again, Americans have a choice. We can either elect someone who is -- and has been for over two decades -- well-known and highly respected by world leaders the world over for her intelligence, tireless work ethic, thick skin and strong backbone, and openness to reason and debate.
Or we can elect another Bush, a name only respected at greedy oil companies and very private investment groups, both eager for more war so they can drill, baby, drill or cash in on their munitions investments.
Hopefully, come 2017, I won't have to lie and say I'm Canadian when I travel. Not sure I have it in me to endure people in Paris, London, Zurich, Rome, et al. spitting on me for being, once again, "a stupid American."
Or we can elect another Bush, a name only respected at greedy oil companies and very private investment groups, both eager for more war so they can drill, baby, drill or cash in on their munitions investments.
Hopefully, come 2017, I won't have to lie and say I'm Canadian when I travel. Not sure I have it in me to endure people in Paris, London, Zurich, Rome, et al. spitting on me for being, once again, "a stupid American."
22
Though I avidly support Hillary, good for Jeb he used his connections to enter politics! The underlying narrative critique in this article is the same puritanical notion that connections among and between family and like minded members of a political party are intrinsically morally tainted. The reforms resulting from these ideas degrade political parties and supplant them with ideologically hellbent billionaires disparaging government itself, or in the case of the left and right alike in the House, binding legislators to rigid uncompromising agenda resulting in paralyzingly gridlock. Nice work, puritanical reformers! Mayor Daley had it right: "good politics makes good government and good government make good politics." I add; take the good politics out of the equation and you will get bad government.
The subtitle should be " how to build an oligarchy". "Born on third, thinks he hit a triple" ( origins, maybe Jim Hightower, used it 1st in ref. to an earlier Bush, reused by Ann Richards. . .) , The privileged don't understand how privileged they are; easy to be a nice guy when no one dares say no, and moneyed hands seek to groom you each step of the way. He was " listened to" at a time when he was ignorant and self-centered. He used inherited influence to bully others into listening -- and everything appears calculated ti improve his political standing with one group or another. There is no overarching vision: it all looks like county politics, with increasing amounts of money and influence.
We need campaign reform as one attempt to change the money in-votes out pattern that has developed. I don't know what "we" can do to increase the chances of unconnected, citizens to pursue political careers witout having to hunt down huge sources of money -- whihc is always going to require some recompense.
But aside from that, Isn't it just a bit frightening that someone who has been treated like a "prince" may lack the the keen intelligence and wide ranging interests and knowledge that we need in a President? It's natural (necessary) to have a big ego in politics. But what does he do when faced with major national and international issues? Does he have any real understanding of domestic issues?
Good article. Now hat he has really done - or not done - in Florida?
We need campaign reform as one attempt to change the money in-votes out pattern that has developed. I don't know what "we" can do to increase the chances of unconnected, citizens to pursue political careers witout having to hunt down huge sources of money -- whihc is always going to require some recompense.
But aside from that, Isn't it just a bit frightening that someone who has been treated like a "prince" may lack the the keen intelligence and wide ranging interests and knowledge that we need in a President? It's natural (necessary) to have a big ego in politics. But what does he do when faced with major national and international issues? Does he have any real understanding of domestic issues?
Good article. Now hat he has really done - or not done - in Florida?
24
"Born on third, thinks he hit a triple."
Sort of like Hillary Clinton, who just happened to marry a guy who became president. Had Bill lost the 1992 election, do you think Hillary would ever have been elected to anything?
Sort of like Hillary Clinton, who just happened to marry a guy who became president. Had Bill lost the 1992 election, do you think Hillary would ever have been elected to anything?
I guess we should have a coronation for Bill's wife instead.
Color me "slightly cynical" here--but it strikes me that this is pretty much standard operating procedure in politics--albeit writ large by the unique family connections Jeb had the good fortune to be born into.
2
Going to see a piece jointly written by Jeb - and, say, Al Gore or Chuck Schumer - any time soon?
You know, one of those bipartisan pieces on getting a big part of this country working again.
Or are you going to be shrill and partisan about bipartisan pieces - just like you are about most other things.
You know, one of those bipartisan pieces on getting a big part of this country working again.
Or are you going to be shrill and partisan about bipartisan pieces - just like you are about most other things.
3
I vote for the "shrill and partisan"!
1
Well, gee, if my father was a big Hollywood producer, and I wanted to be an actress, wouldn't I use his connections to further my career goals and aspirations? I guess Tori Spelling has what someone might call a career, but would any Hollywood actress want to trade places with her?
I'm not sure where the news is in this story. Perhaps public service is not the same thing as a career in Hollywood, but is it really possible for a president's son, who aspires to be a state governor, to avoid such an accusation?
I'm not sure where the news is in this story. Perhaps public service is not the same thing as a career in Hollywood, but is it really possible for a president's son, who aspires to be a state governor, to avoid such an accusation?
2
Who can you use if you can't use your friends!
1
oh, please everyone... get a grip on yourselves. There isnt an elected official in the USA or world, where the family does not intervene in a big way. Heck, look at New York City right now. Elected was Bill DeBlasio, yet it seems here that his wife, Chirlane was also hired. He gave her an office, a salary and staff. I didnt vote for her. I dont know who she is yet she is not only in on his NYC decisions, but works for the City which is the height of nepotism. So, everyone, let's knock it off. We have bigger fish, to fry like the murdering of people by ISIL, North Korea, Sudan, Syria and so forth. This nepotism thing is small potatos compared to the real issues of the world, today.
9
Anyone would do this. I had a visit with a friend the other day and she got her nursing job through connections and her husband is a longshoreman though connections.
5
This isn't about getting a job through networking. Networking allowed your friend to be considered and I am certain she is qualified. This is about establishing government policy with graft, rather than performance. This is about unqualified, unproven corporate interests taking your tax dollars and setting standards that serve their interests not the public's. Research the privatization of education in Florida. You will see what I mean.
4
George H. W. Bush's sons are the modern poster children for the ills and disasters of nepotism:
Neil Bush - the S&L scandal
Jeb Bush - the 2000 Presidential Election of his unqualified brother George via massive Florida voter suppression and GOP election fraud
George W. Bush - an eight-year catastrophe of Presidential incompetence, greed and poor judgment unrivaled in American history
America doesn't need more of the worst generation of little Bushes.
Neil Bush - the S&L scandal
Jeb Bush - the 2000 Presidential Election of his unqualified brother George via massive Florida voter suppression and GOP election fraud
George W. Bush - an eight-year catastrophe of Presidential incompetence, greed and poor judgment unrivaled in American history
America doesn't need more of the worst generation of little Bushes.
46
Graft, graft and more graft...
Well placed and taking advantage of it. Imagine him at the very top!
Well placed and taking advantage of it. Imagine him at the very top!
11
What a coincidence. The New York Times has hit pieces on the two leading Republican candidates, Jeb Bush and Scott Walker. Articles are all set to go on any other Republican candidate who rises in the polls and becomes an actual contender.
Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for the hit piece on President Obama, where there still is no confirmation that he took classes at or has a transcript from Columbia University, and not a positive word from a single classmate at Harvard Law School.
Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for the hit piece on President Obama, where there still is no confirmation that he took classes at or has a transcript from Columbia University, and not a positive word from a single classmate at Harvard Law School.
8
Geez, a newspaper reporting on Presidential candidates. What is the world coming to?
It's a shame that you were so glued to Faux News that you missed all of the NYT (and every other news outlet) coverage of President Obama.
It's a shame that you were so glued to Faux News that you missed all of the NYT (and every other news outlet) coverage of President Obama.
3
A family member contacts a President. Wow! What an expose and revelation!
I can't wait for the next NY Times article documenting the self-serving actions of a ... spouse whose husband is President and how this might lead such (self-serving) individual to become, let's suppose, a US Senator or Presidential candidate.
I can't wait for the next NY Times article documenting the self-serving actions of a ... spouse whose husband is President and how this might lead such (self-serving) individual to become, let's suppose, a US Senator or Presidential candidate.
10
Well, as Governor of Florida, we should not forget that Jeb was the one who ultimately gave us the Torturer-in-Chief and Dick Cheney. Soooooome Leadership that was!
5
We need to get info on the 2004 election in Florida and how Jeb manipulated it to get his brother elected. Jeb gave the US its worst President ever and should get the blame. The ultimate in crony capitalism!
17
When the children of the elite ascend to power without ever having worked in a factory, saved up to buy a car, been fired, sweated doing work as a farmhand, or hung out with guys who later ended up in prison -- this is what we end up with. How can 'leaders' with such stunted backgrounds can hope to cope with foreign leaders who have viciously fought their way to the top? How can people like this expect to be respected by those who themselves have struggled all their lives just to feed their families and pay the bills?
41
Two wars in Iraq and another Bush thinks he should be President?
With troops massed on the Kuwaiti border, GHW Bush failed to convey America's absolute opposition to Saddam's impending invasion and support for the Sovereignty of Kuwait.
With a memo from the Terrorism Czar, Richard Clarke, entitled "Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US" in his intelligence briefing of August 6, and "Clarke mentioned to National Security Advisor Rice at least twice that al Qaeda sleeper cells were likely in the United States."
(http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report_Ch8.htm) GW Bush vacationed in Crawford.
Jeb: "Governor Jeb Bush. The Florida election is held under the supervision of Florida Secretary of State, Katherine Harris, a co-chair of the Bush campaign. It was Harris who used her position to stifle a hand recount and who eventually certified an allegedly incomplete vote count." "Jeb Bush, who persuaded his cousin at Fox News, John Ellis, to make the call. . Ellis was the head of the network's election night decision team....for deciding whether the network should project a winner in each state. "(http://www.thenation.com/article/election-night-hell)
So should we even consider another Bush?
The false equivalence of comparing Hillary's run with Bush's lies in the fact that her husband's mistakes were personal. We are still suffering and paying for the carnage unleashed by the Bush family.
With troops massed on the Kuwaiti border, GHW Bush failed to convey America's absolute opposition to Saddam's impending invasion and support for the Sovereignty of Kuwait.
With a memo from the Terrorism Czar, Richard Clarke, entitled "Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US" in his intelligence briefing of August 6, and "Clarke mentioned to National Security Advisor Rice at least twice that al Qaeda sleeper cells were likely in the United States."
(http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report_Ch8.htm) GW Bush vacationed in Crawford.
Jeb: "Governor Jeb Bush. The Florida election is held under the supervision of Florida Secretary of State, Katherine Harris, a co-chair of the Bush campaign. It was Harris who used her position to stifle a hand recount and who eventually certified an allegedly incomplete vote count." "Jeb Bush, who persuaded his cousin at Fox News, John Ellis, to make the call. . Ellis was the head of the network's election night decision team....for deciding whether the network should project a winner in each state. "(http://www.thenation.com/article/election-night-hell)
So should we even consider another Bush?
The false equivalence of comparing Hillary's run with Bush's lies in the fact that her husband's mistakes were personal. We are still suffering and paying for the carnage unleashed by the Bush family.
39
And some of the bills will take hundreds of years to pay - such as W's authorizing torture of POWs. Our enemies, now and in the future will not forget, as evidenced by ISIS beheadings.
3
How many more articles are you going write about Jeb Bush? I think it's enough now. He is not an interesting person. Come on, you can do better than this. And republicans in general. These people are not interesting, and one can barely tell the difference between them. They are bland, vanilla people with no imagination or creativity. The only ideas they have are limited to money, and gaining access to more. And even this is limited. Can you please try a little harder NYT and find a politician who can rise to the occasion? The world needs more creativity and creative people in politics. Please find some.This is tiresome.
10
Fear not, folks. This guy is pro illegal alien. He's going to be laughed off the first Republican debate stage.
4
As if every prez and his friends/family didn't/don't.
2
I would hope this country has had enough of the Bush family, they have participated in the downfall of the middle class and of this country for over three decades.
31
Ditto Clintons.
If this is the worst that can be dug up on Jeb Bush by what obviously was an extensive investigation by the Times, then the Jebster is going to sail into the Oval Office without the slightest problem.
It's as if some really don't understand how politics is played by EVERYONE in this federalist system of ours, Republicans AND Democrats; as if some believe that appointment candidates are simply manufactured by a president's staff, identifying candidates and selecting the best based on some dispassionate and independent set of criteria. It's never been like that and never will be.
It would be interesting to see how candidates were determined and issues given prominent attention in the Clinton White House, and the extent that Hillary Clinton had influence on them as First Lady and as Secretary of State in the Obama Administration -- or even what influence she may have had as a senator during the George W. Bush Administration, since they sought to co-opt her support on numerous issues.
What emerges from this Politics piece is a young man deftly interacting with a political system that has been in place almost from our beginning, exploiting the natural advantage of consanguinity with the important and powerful. What's noteworthy about the behavior is the maturity of political skills, juxtaposed with the state of our current president's political skills.
It's as if some really don't understand how politics is played by EVERYONE in this federalist system of ours, Republicans AND Democrats; as if some believe that appointment candidates are simply manufactured by a president's staff, identifying candidates and selecting the best based on some dispassionate and independent set of criteria. It's never been like that and never will be.
It would be interesting to see how candidates were determined and issues given prominent attention in the Clinton White House, and the extent that Hillary Clinton had influence on them as First Lady and as Secretary of State in the Obama Administration -- or even what influence she may have had as a senator during the George W. Bush Administration, since they sought to co-opt her support on numerous issues.
What emerges from this Politics piece is a young man deftly interacting with a political system that has been in place almost from our beginning, exploiting the natural advantage of consanguinity with the important and powerful. What's noteworthy about the behavior is the maturity of political skills, juxtaposed with the state of our current president's political skills.
62
If only one in 20 independent women vote for Hillary, she's a lock. Moreover, if "a Bush" runs it will neutralize the fact that "a Clinton" is running.
She's a lock. She can push her "Easy" button on this one.
She's a lock. She can push her "Easy" button on this one.
2
Wait ... we are supposed to be impressed by the fact that Jeb Bush benefited from from nepotism? How bizarre. What's next? Should we respect Lance Armstrong for the maturity of his doping skills? Get a grip, man.
Influence peddling may be common, but so are tax-dodging, insider trading and a host of other shady activities. The fact that they are common hardly makes them admirable.
Influence peddling may be common, but so are tax-dodging, insider trading and a host of other shady activities. The fact that they are common hardly makes them admirable.
8
"It would be interesting to see how candidates were determined and issues given prominent attention in the Clinton White House, and the extent that Hillary Clinton had influence on them" Well, Stephen A. Oxman became Asst. Secretary of State when Bill Clinton was first elected in '92. He went to Yale Law with both of them, and has had political ambitions and a need for power second to none, except his two brothers. When Clinton was first elected, Hillary whispered in Steve's ear "we have something for you in the administration". It was a Quid Pro Quo for helping Bill get elected. I know for a fact as I heard it with my own ears in Steve's home in Short Hills, NJ.
2
Governor Bush, your brother is considered by most of the educated, world the worst president in the History of the United States, leaving office with the our nation’s economy in taters, the middle east torn apart to the extent that Generations will being paying for his missteps, lies blunders and failures. His inattention to a crisis he was made aware of was perhaps the most egregious of his blunders, allowing the worst attack on the US mainland in history. Only his abject failed 8 years in the Whitehouse, believed by many to have been gained illegally, and awarded by the judiciary as some Dynastic legacy, allowed your fathers one term and rejected presidency shine in comparison. Given this legacy of Failure is it your intention to suggest you can make right tragedies your family has wrought on our country and the world, or is your quest for the office of president something you feel is your birthright? In selling his plot to the Saudis Bin Laden pointed out the hypocrisy of American Democracy but pointing out the stolen election fixed for the X president’s son. Would not even your participation in the election reinforce this belief held by the very same forces we continue to squander our treasure on, who would see your quest as a continuation of the this failed dynasty?
28
Do we really need another insider in office? It's time to seriously consider Elizabeth Warren.
12
I agree about Warren.
But wishing won't make it so.
It is going to take a lot of grass roots effort to get her to run and more to get her to win.
Facing the claws of the Hillary Machine won't be fun.
But wishing won't make it so.
It is going to take a lot of grass roots effort to get her to run and more to get her to win.
Facing the claws of the Hillary Machine won't be fun.
1
The media seemed to want a Bush candidacy, but here you see they can't resist this kind of personal destruction of someone who is not yet the candidate. When will the NYT put a column up about HRC? There is a lot of personal information not to like about the former Secretary. The NYT has not written about anything the GOP voters think is good, and that they liked during his 8 years as Gov.
No republicans I know want any more Bush presidencies, they want someone new. They don't want the media picking their candidate, and they want journalists to write about things that matter like foreign policy and taxation and ending the need for all this federal welfare.
No republicans I know want any more Bush presidencies, they want someone new. They don't want the media picking their candidate, and they want journalists to write about things that matter like foreign policy and taxation and ending the need for all this federal welfare.
2
The Bush family has been intimately involved in severely damaging debacles that have dramatically affected the lives of millions of people in this country. First, the S&L crisis in the 1980's, where Bush the elder and his three sons were involved in a cavalier exchange of millions of dollars in the wake of the deregulation of the industry (btw, Jeb defaulted on a $4 Million plus loan). This scam bilked many, including elderly, unwitting citizens out of their life savings (to the tune of $1.4 Trillion). Then there's Iran-Contra, which Bush the elder clearly had a role in, as yet unexplained. Then on to the first Gulf war in 1991, which was precipitated by the Kuwaitis drilling horizontally into Iraqi oil fields (and which we knew about, and about which our ambassador said publicly that we wouldn't interfere) - that set the tone for the subsequent WMD premised Iraq war. Then there's the Bush the elder proclamation "read my lips, no new taxes" as millions were suffering from the 1987 meltdown, and when most of Reagan's buddies were bailing out rich.
Americans who think that Bush the elder was some benevolent father figure with the "thousand points of light" are wrong, but his apples (sons) didn't fall far from the tree - it would be the same lousy deal with Jeb. The Bush clan is personally responsible for ventures that have been more damaging to our country than any in the course of its history. It's disgusting to think that this charade has one more act.
Americans who think that Bush the elder was some benevolent father figure with the "thousand points of light" are wrong, but his apples (sons) didn't fall far from the tree - it would be the same lousy deal with Jeb. The Bush clan is personally responsible for ventures that have been more damaging to our country than any in the course of its history. It's disgusting to think that this charade has one more act.
24
This just seems like the normal sort of thing a decent man would do. Front story article? Hardly.
3
Once a crook always a crook.
7
Probably not just "once", seeing as how he was Governor of our great state of Florida.......
1
A nice enough boy, this Jeb. Wonder if when elected he plans to pursue policies that will return us to the recessions his father and brother are famous for presiding over?
8
Hey Times guys, how about showing just a smidgen of balance now and then. Tell us about Liz Warren or Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden. I know that you've canonized them but, still, give us a few crumbs. Or are Republicans the only bad folks in town?
12
The NYT has produced plenty of grimy stuff about Hillary over the past 2 decades.
Not so much for Eliz Warren (aside from dubious use of Indian heritage) -- but that may be because there isn't much.
As for Biden - lots of background coverage over the years, albeit not much muck raking. One assumes that Republican opposition researchers would have found the muck if it was there.
I don't detect much bias in all of this.
Not so much for Eliz Warren (aside from dubious use of Indian heritage) -- but that may be because there isn't much.
As for Biden - lots of background coverage over the years, albeit not much muck raking. One assumes that Republican opposition researchers would have found the muck if it was there.
I don't detect much bias in all of this.
5
If you actually read the NYT you would see the numerous stories about HRC. Neither Biden or Warren has positioned themselves as candidates yet.
2
Jack - to 99% of the writers at The New York Times, the Republicans are the only bad folks in town. Do you think they are hiring, no matter how well qualified, a Southern Baptist who is an NRA member and pro-life?
1
This a nonstory. Find me any politician of national stature who has not exploited their network of contacts on the way up ...
8
Finally a Times' investigative article about Jeb Bush's corruption. I would like the Times to investigate and write an article about how Jeb Bush hired his crony to manage the Florida state employee pension. They then invested in Enron and Lehman when they were both collapsing to save Bush's friend Ken Lay and Lehman executives. The pension fund lost millions. Thank goodness it rebounded, but it was typical 1% good ole boy corruption.
24
Please stop writing front-page top-of-the-fold articles about Jeb Bush. Please stick with the news of the day and the stories about the people who care about this country and ALL its folks.
Thank your for considering this idea.
Thank your for considering this idea.
9
I recall that we fought a revolution to get away from political dynasties. Now we have the Bush and Clinton families, both multi-billion businesses, effectively taking over the leadership this nation. And yet, we let it happen. Nothing good will come out of it.
168
Clintons are NOT a dynasty. 2 people of the same generation, as opposed to 3+ generations of Bush. False equivalency.
7
DJK, I couldn't have said it better myself. In a nation of more than 300 million, must we always draw from the same tired well for leadership? Whether Republican or Democrat, no dynasties for me.
They brainwash you into thinking they are good for you. Their celebrity status fools us into hero worship. We willingly give our power away, without having to think. NO MORE.
I didn't have to read this article to understand this is not the type of person I would want to represent me as president. He might be able to relate well to Onepercenters, including the usual: corporations, bankers and the assorted creeps who will work for him in congress, but does anyone believe he would do much to support the interests of any other group.
We are in a battle, if not, war within the class system in this country. Once acknowledged, you would think most people would realize, this guys best attributes will be focused only on enhancing the wealth of the few, at the expense of the many.
We are in a battle, if not, war within the class system in this country. Once acknowledged, you would think most people would realize, this guys best attributes will be focused only on enhancing the wealth of the few, at the expense of the many.
16
So is this any diffrent than the Clintons getting Chelsea a $600,000 "reporter" gig at NBC. Only the most nieve readers of NYT will be shocked by this article...its a non-story, just like Gov. Walker not finishing college ......
8
His spokeswoman says "there is nothing odd about making such requests"
But Id like to hear the reaction if Biden's son was making similar requests...Im sure the Right would be all over him
But Id like to hear the reaction if Biden's son was making similar requests...Im sure the Right would be all over him
8
Most Americans have a sour taste in their mouth over anyone named Bush. However the people we have to watch out for are those who have been so systematically brainwashed to vote for anyone with an R after their name, that he just might pull off an election. The lunatic fringe is alive and well and gleefully financed by the Koch brothers.
19
This seems mild stuff compared to previous political dynasties. John Kennedy named his brother Robert attorney general. Bill Clinton set his wife Hillary up for political assent by giving her an office in the white house, assigning her cabinet-level duties and an overtly political role. From her White Office, she launched her bid to replace New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
5
LOL. Surely you jest? What son would not ask his father to intervene
for injustice or for a friend, who you know has a lot of merit. If my Dad
was VP or President, I'd be on the phone whenever I pleased.
If I was wrong, it wouldn't have taken my father a split second to tell me so.
Both parties do it. Look at the School lunch failure pushed by the First
Lady or Hillary Clinton's health-care plan.
Why should an unelected White House staff be so influential?
IMO, they shouldn't. That is one of Obama's problems.
for injustice or for a friend, who you know has a lot of merit. If my Dad
was VP or President, I'd be on the phone whenever I pleased.
If I was wrong, it wouldn't have taken my father a split second to tell me so.
Both parties do it. Look at the School lunch failure pushed by the First
Lady or Hillary Clinton's health-care plan.
Why should an unelected White House staff be so influential?
IMO, they shouldn't. That is one of Obama's problems.
2
I will not vote for another Bush.
I will not vote for another Clinton.
If those are the two choices I will write in SpongeBob. Or maybe Brian Williams.
I will not vote for another Clinton.
If those are the two choices I will write in SpongeBob. Or maybe Brian Williams.
8
With Sideshow Bob as V.P.
Yes, well....after an exhaustive nationwide search the two Parties have come up with the very best & brightest candidates that money can buy....Jeb & Hillary. Where do they find such luminaries to lead us into the future? How is it possible? We are all so fortunate. Only in America!
4
It is never wise to underestimate the ignorance of fellow voters, but I think that in 2016 there will be enough people who remember GW Bush's disastrous presidency to prevent election of his brother. Nevertheless, the battle has surely begun to stop this from happening.
3
How political dynasties become -political dynasties. And how democracies become oligarchies. And how ever more ignorant of history, we seem set to re-invent, from 'sea to shining sea,' the class systems our ancestors fled.
Dispensing favours until there are no favours left to dispense - that's how it worked in feudal times and that's how it works now.
Dispensing favours until there are no favours left to dispense - that's how it worked in feudal times and that's how it works now.
6
Did he really do anything anyone else would not have done?
4
Sounds like a most intelligent and appropriate man to me. One should use all of ones connections to move one forward.
5
"One" as in one percent
6
I hope he is nominated and that the GOP campaign goes down in flames over his corruption and the nepotism. I hope Americans are smart enough to avoid being Bushwacked again.
54
This report indicates Jeb Bush was much less pushy about trading on his father's influence than Hillary Clinton was in trading upon her husband's influence.
1
Yup, it would have been better to strike out on his own and never take advantage of anything at all having to do with his family. Come to think of it why not pass law the next time the Democrats have the WH and Congress making it illegal to help your children or leave them any of your estate? Yeah that would do it. And while you're at it, make it illegal for Republicans to have more than one person in any family be in politics, or, for that matter, the media. Kind of family terms limits. Yeah, that should do it.
Of course there has to be a Clinton exception so that Chelsea will be able to get that $500K plus part-time job back on network television, and so that she can inherit the millions from her parents, and, of course, this law has to go into place AFTER Hillary is elected POTUS - only after THAT should this family assistance / term limits law go into effect.
Yeah that should do it, rini10. Right?
Of course there has to be a Clinton exception so that Chelsea will be able to get that $500K plus part-time job back on network television, and so that she can inherit the millions from her parents, and, of course, this law has to go into place AFTER Hillary is elected POTUS - only after THAT should this family assistance / term limits law go into effect.
Yeah that should do it, rini10. Right?
1
Yeah, no nepotism under the Dems. Remember JFK making Bobby Kennedy his Attorney General? I'm sure that was purely merit based.
3
Like the Kings George before them, the Bushes have a line of succession on the throne or with family aspirations to it, going back to Prescott Bush and forward at least to Jeb's son George P.
It's not a good omen for Jeb that Americans terminated their line of King Georges at no. III. It would be better not to expose our country to a Bush III.
It's not a good omen for Jeb that Americans terminated their line of King Georges at no. III. It would be better not to expose our country to a Bush III.
47
King George VI died in 1952. The third in line to the Birtish throne will probably reign as King George VII in about 50 years. For now, he is probably the most photographed toddler in the world and is a regular on the tabloid circuit.
2
Hillary had Bill's ear, Muslim Brotherhood has Obama's ear, Sharpton has Obama's ear, etc.. Granted, the Bushes and Clinton's are family, but, .... I'm not a fan of Bush, nor was I very fond of George W., but, this article seems silly. Has the Times reported how Michelle Obama's classmates (at least one of whom represented a company which totally bombed on Obamacare roll-out) have benefited from her relationship with the administration? This is another ho-hum piece.
1
"Many on the president’s staff saw Mr. Bush not so much as meddling as fulfilling a duty to the family’s profession. “It is sort of the family business of extending the political network,” Mr. Collamore said in an interview. So members worked diligently to carry out his requests — even if some were out of the ordinary."
************
How much meddling about world affairs will Jeb receive from his brother and his brother's cohorts when the question of how long and how much and how to go to war with the Middle East is considered?
America has always been for sale to the highest bidder in some ways in politics. I seriously doubt from all historians have written that even the Founding Fathers were pristine pure in how they acted on issues. But the buying and selling of America is now so out of hand that any voter going to the polls is simply showing up to rubber stamp whatever party supporter has paid the most money.
************
How much meddling about world affairs will Jeb receive from his brother and his brother's cohorts when the question of how long and how much and how to go to war with the Middle East is considered?
America has always been for sale to the highest bidder in some ways in politics. I seriously doubt from all historians have written that even the Founding Fathers were pristine pure in how they acted on issues. But the buying and selling of America is now so out of hand that any voter going to the polls is simply showing up to rubber stamp whatever party supporter has paid the most money.
44
Well the first thing you know ol' Jeb's a millionnaire...
The kin-folk said, "Jeb, move away from there."
Said Washington is the place you wannna be.
So they loaded up the truck and they moved to D.C.
The kin-folk said, "Jeb, move away from there."
Said Washington is the place you wannna be.
So they loaded up the truck and they moved to D.C.
74
As someone who survived under Jeb Bush as governor, let me tell you what he did to the people of Florida -
1. Privatized the public education. Private companies are makings hundreds of millions through charter school and tests who effectiveness is questioned.
2. When he was running for re-election, he didn't sign a bill that would remove the caps off of local landline rates. Once he was re-elected, he signed the bill. (On another note, the bill was actually wrote by a phone company lobbyists.
4. Does not believe in an independent judiciary - no longer did he select judge based upon their legal scholarship, skills, etc but he selected those that shared his political philosophy.
5. Terry Schiavo - used the courts, the police, Congress, and his brother to interfere in a private family matter after a man decided to take his wife off life support.
Don't let the boyish good looks and charm fool you. Jeb Bush is petty and vindictive. Imagine a Chris Christie with good manners.
And finally, I place him in the same league as Dick Cheney except he's smarter than Cheney and more charming.
1. Privatized the public education. Private companies are makings hundreds of millions through charter school and tests who effectiveness is questioned.
2. When he was running for re-election, he didn't sign a bill that would remove the caps off of local landline rates. Once he was re-elected, he signed the bill. (On another note, the bill was actually wrote by a phone company lobbyists.
4. Does not believe in an independent judiciary - no longer did he select judge based upon their legal scholarship, skills, etc but he selected those that shared his political philosophy.
5. Terry Schiavo - used the courts, the police, Congress, and his brother to interfere in a private family matter after a man decided to take his wife off life support.
Don't let the boyish good looks and charm fool you. Jeb Bush is petty and vindictive. Imagine a Chris Christie with good manners.
And finally, I place him in the same league as Dick Cheney except he's smarter than Cheney and more charming.
107
Thank you. And let us not forget that in the 2000 Presidential election, he never had a moment's hesitation about being against a vote recount -- pushing his brother into the White House. If he'd even publicly considered it, or better yet, was for it -- he'd be riding high, now, looking very principled. But scratch the surface, and he's a Bush, through and through.
3
So, what you are saying is that Jeb was just like all other governors--Dem and GOP.
2
Thank you, allen! "Chris Christie with good manners". I wish I had thought of that. Priceless!
5
Jeb is now an official candidate -- the campaign press has started digging up stupid accusations as subtle character assassinations.
There are no bridges lanes in Florida on which he can be accused of putting traffic cones as was the made-up non-issue dogging Christie are there?
But the funniest of all is that three of the Republican candidates including Jeb are from Latino families, yet the Democrat Ward Bosses pretending to be Hispanic Activists will ignore that and push their party.
There are no bridges lanes in Florida on which he can be accused of putting traffic cones as was the made-up non-issue dogging Christie are there?
But the funniest of all is that three of the Republican candidates including Jeb are from Latino families, yet the Democrat Ward Bosses pretending to be Hispanic Activists will ignore that and push their party.
6
Your partisanship is showing. Seems you are being sensitive and defensive to me. Don't see anything in this article that wasn't (a) fact and (b) fair in in it's portrayal. I don't read anything here that would stop me from voting for him if he is the best candidate. Every candidate for President will have warts if you bother to take a close look at them.
1
Jeb Bush is from a Latino family?
7
Having a Hispanic wife doesn't give him a free pass on the things he's done wrong.
There are no stupid accusations in this article, this is what happened. Is the press supposed to ignore it?
There are no stupid accusations in this article, this is what happened. Is the press supposed to ignore it?
7
Jeb Bush engaged in constant efforts to politicize government functioning so that he could further his insistent goal to be president. Time after time--the Armed Services promotion board, Reagan's chief of staff--officials complain of his efforts to politicize their functions. We all remember this Bush disease of appointing cronies to office--"Brownie" as head of FIMA--despite a lack of credentials and qualifications. And the country is looking now to repeat it?
And the noble causes Jeb put this politicization of government functioning to, such as "tightening the noose around Castro's neck"--well, that one hurt the Cuban people to no end; did not end Castro's government, but let the Cuban people suffer economic hardship needlessly.
America, you want to put a Republican Party boss in the office of the Presidency? Somebody's whose first loyalty is toward his presidential ambitions, whose second loyalty is toward their corporate interests, and the people's interest is, well, frankly, only taken into account if the inferior Republican ideology calls for doing so?
So, we now have very strong elements of plutocracy--$900 mil to be spent by the Kochs on the '16 election, extreme economic inequality (due to tax reductions on the wealthy, abolition of estate tax, and no public policy calling for fiduciary relations between corporations and their executives) and in 2016 we'll get cement Republican Party bossism in the white house.
America to be slimed again by Republicans.
And the noble causes Jeb put this politicization of government functioning to, such as "tightening the noose around Castro's neck"--well, that one hurt the Cuban people to no end; did not end Castro's government, but let the Cuban people suffer economic hardship needlessly.
America, you want to put a Republican Party boss in the office of the Presidency? Somebody's whose first loyalty is toward his presidential ambitions, whose second loyalty is toward their corporate interests, and the people's interest is, well, frankly, only taken into account if the inferior Republican ideology calls for doing so?
So, we now have very strong elements of plutocracy--$900 mil to be spent by the Kochs on the '16 election, extreme economic inequality (due to tax reductions on the wealthy, abolition of estate tax, and no public policy calling for fiduciary relations between corporations and their executives) and in 2016 we'll get cement Republican Party bossism in the white house.
America to be slimed again by Republicans.
66
I don't see anything out of the ordinary in pushing the boundaries of family connections. That's what dynasties do. I guess the only negative (or positive depending on your political persuasion) is certain character traits that are always up for debate: pushiness (determination?), persistence (doggedness?), and entitlement (ambition, sense of place?).
But I guess, the question about dynasties is, do we want one? People compare the Clintons to the Bushes, which is not exactly comparable except for the access issue. But I think the public is weary of personalities and ties that seem over-exposed, creating a sense of deja-vu.
Perhaps the greatest problem with sons or daughters in political dynasties is this: they never have to struggle. Or fail. The advantage of access and early placement at the political table gives them a leg up for life. The way is paved, with no resistance.
It's that sense of entitlement that I find most obnoxious, whether it's a mega-wealthy donor who can buy his way to the top or a favored son scion who learned to misinterpret his fulfilled requests as some sort of personal achievement.
Access can help, but access can spoil. I would argue that Jeb is going to rub people the wrong way, sooner or later, as he continues to push his way to the top on longstanding family ties.
But I guess, the question about dynasties is, do we want one? People compare the Clintons to the Bushes, which is not exactly comparable except for the access issue. But I think the public is weary of personalities and ties that seem over-exposed, creating a sense of deja-vu.
Perhaps the greatest problem with sons or daughters in political dynasties is this: they never have to struggle. Or fail. The advantage of access and early placement at the political table gives them a leg up for life. The way is paved, with no resistance.
It's that sense of entitlement that I find most obnoxious, whether it's a mega-wealthy donor who can buy his way to the top or a favored son scion who learned to misinterpret his fulfilled requests as some sort of personal achievement.
Access can help, but access can spoil. I would argue that Jeb is going to rub people the wrong way, sooner or later, as he continues to push his way to the top on longstanding family ties.
244
The big difference is that Jeb Bush (and the rest of the Bush dynasty) are pushing an agenda in which they claim to have risen to their current positions on sheer merit. Instead, this demonstrates the opposite: privilege and power beget more privilege and more power.
Next time you hear ther Republicans complain about the "elite", re-read this article. This is why we need to reinstate higher taxes against the 0.1% and their estates; without a means of keeping resources from being concentrated in the hands of the rich and powerful, hard work and playing by the rules becomes meaningless.
Next time you hear ther Republicans complain about the "elite", re-read this article. This is why we need to reinstate higher taxes against the 0.1% and their estates; without a means of keeping resources from being concentrated in the hands of the rich and powerful, hard work and playing by the rules becomes meaningless.
8
Until, like George W, they fail on an epic scale.
1
Sorry, but the Clintons dont have a sense of entitlement.
4
Life is all about 'networking', get real, for without it nothing gets accomplished. For elites, especially at The Times, 'access envy' is just a continuation of life being 'unfair'. Call it redistribution of fairness.
12
Except that your concept of "redistribution of fairness." is what collapsed the economy and bankrupted thousands of US citizens. There are small crimes and there are big crimes. Do not confuse the two.
6
Let's be fair here. Didn't Hillary Clinton use the influence of her husband's office to score political points, exercise political influence, furthering her career? Didn't Robert and Ted Kennedy use the influence of their brother's office? Of course they did.
28
@Golden Clays - This article does not say any of that did not happen. Nor does it say that it did. The subject matter here is Jeb Bush's communications with his fathers power circle... not Hillary.
2
You are correct. For example, I can't imagine a President appointing his brother Attorney General ever again.
On the other hand, I don't think Clinton is shying away from the Presidency of her husband, having to go so far as to promote stories in the press as to how different they are. A good number of Hillary supporters are counting on her to bring back the opportunity and prosperity the country experienced from '92-'00.
Bush for his part is happy to keep the family Rolodex, but not the history. Having surrogates like Fleischer go out and insist that Jeb is nothing like W, while he goes around tapping into the same donor base and relying on the same advisors behind the scenes is the real problem.
On the other hand, I don't think Clinton is shying away from the Presidency of her husband, having to go so far as to promote stories in the press as to how different they are. A good number of Hillary supporters are counting on her to bring back the opportunity and prosperity the country experienced from '92-'00.
Bush for his part is happy to keep the family Rolodex, but not the history. Having surrogates like Fleischer go out and insist that Jeb is nothing like W, while he goes around tapping into the same donor base and relying on the same advisors behind the scenes is the real problem.
3
Well, don't worry, those articles will be coming soon, too, ad nauseum.
2
Well what are good old boys' networks good for after all? Lest we forget we had a banking scandal when Bush the elder was in the White House ("The Savings and Loan Crisis") which also cost the tax payers a pretty penny and one of the beneficiaries was none other then Neil Bush, the third Bush Brother. Neil, who famously stated at a Congressional hearing about one of his partners in crime "I wasn't his partner, he was my partner". Neil headed up a failed S&L called Silverado with virtually no banking experience. Well if we want a third banking crisis I'm sure that Jeb can oblige by loosening up those nasty regulations and turning a blind eye towards the misdeeds of his buddies, look how well it worked with the past two Bushes. I for one do not want to see if Jeb can pick up the Bush family hat trick.
42
How absolutely amazing.
Like father, like son.
Study the files of the Adams family....
If the boy had ignored his father, we would have called him disconnected and irresolute, disengaged and wandering.
This is the family business... and connections are what they use.
Like father, like son.
Study the files of the Adams family....
If the boy had ignored his father, we would have called him disconnected and irresolute, disengaged and wandering.
This is the family business... and connections are what they use.
6
Jeb Bush is yet another politician who was born on third base and thinks he hit a triple. As soon as "No Child Left Behind" was passed, he went into the education business and formed partnership/ownership agreements with firms such as K12 (digital learning run by William Bennett and Michael Milken) and Academic Partnerships, another online firm which paid him a fee of $60,000 per year and in which he had ownership of stock. His "Foundation For Academic Excellence in Education," whose primary goal is to destroy what's left of public education and eliminate once and for all those "dastardly teacher unions" (the "straw man" for the right and the neo-liberals) is now headed by Condoleezza Rice, she of the "mushroom clouds" and no background in K-12 education. He is another pay-to-play politician who has used the public sector to enrich himself and his friends. With the Supreme Court at stake (yes, it could be made even worse than it is now)and with Social Security, Medicare and income inequality just a few of the important matters facing the next President, we cannot afford to have another scion ascend to the throne of what's supposed to be a democratic nation (I'm also not a fan of Hillary, another "royal" corporate Democrat.)
93
In response to Stew
Although I don't agree with everything Hillary does, with our national government in its sorry state, the lesser of two evils is still preferable. Now if Elizabeth Warren is what she appears to be (these days we never know) that is someone who could lead our country to the benefit of its people.
Although I don't agree with everything Hillary does, with our national government in its sorry state, the lesser of two evils is still preferable. Now if Elizabeth Warren is what she appears to be (these days we never know) that is someone who could lead our country to the benefit of its people.
4
Jeb's reputation, like Marley's ghost, has links made throughout his political lifetime.
11
Jeb is a perfect choice for the GOP. He looks like a nice mainstream guy--a bit paunchy and seemingly nonthreatening with a ready smile. But, as this NY article documents, behind that rather amiable demeanor, lies someone who believes himself to be privileged and sees government office as an opportunity to engage in crony capitalism, act the ardent supporter of privatizing what is public, and reward & transfer taxpayer money to his business friends and their schemes
Some say Jeb will not appeal to the Republican right wing, but not to worry. Jeb has a scary track record of doing whatever it takes to pander to the far right. Under Jeb's watch as governor of FL, we had the Terry Schiavo media circus, and the first stand your ground law was in FL. Also appealing to the right-winters was Jeb's successful move to advance charter schools in FL, which he parlayed into an opportunity to please and reward his business buddies by opening the door for for-profit charter schools in FL--and boy did his business pals profit!
Jeb has been busy promoting himself as someone who cares about education (including the lucrative field of digital education), and he will no doubt sell himself as an education President. In that mode, Jeb will do what he can for crony capitalism & to dismantle public education See Alec MacGillis' 1/26/15 excellent New Yorker article "Testing Time: Jeb Bush's Educational Experiment." http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/01/26/testing-time
Bushwacked again!
Some say Jeb will not appeal to the Republican right wing, but not to worry. Jeb has a scary track record of doing whatever it takes to pander to the far right. Under Jeb's watch as governor of FL, we had the Terry Schiavo media circus, and the first stand your ground law was in FL. Also appealing to the right-winters was Jeb's successful move to advance charter schools in FL, which he parlayed into an opportunity to please and reward his business buddies by opening the door for for-profit charter schools in FL--and boy did his business pals profit!
Jeb has been busy promoting himself as someone who cares about education (including the lucrative field of digital education), and he will no doubt sell himself as an education President. In that mode, Jeb will do what he can for crony capitalism & to dismantle public education See Alec MacGillis' 1/26/15 excellent New Yorker article "Testing Time: Jeb Bush's Educational Experiment." http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/01/26/testing-time
Bushwacked again!
68
I'd much rather see Jeb as the nominee than the far right extremists who threaten to take over the Republican party. Take a long look at the list of Republican seeking the Presidency. Can you find a better choice?
1
Michael B: Given the list of current GOP hopeful presidential contenders, my vote would be "none of the above"
1
So what! Hope he wins.
9
Why? Does the idea of another war or another recession appeal to you that much?
5
DR:
It's absurd to claim that Jeb Bush will support another war. He has not even discussed his foreign policy platform.
That's like claiming Hillary will wind up perjuring herself over another illicit affair between Bill and a White House intern.
It's absurd to claim that Jeb Bush will support another war. He has not even discussed his foreign policy platform.
That's like claiming Hillary will wind up perjuring herself over another illicit affair between Bill and a White House intern.
AACNY - Jeb won't pass up the chance to play with soldiers the way his brother did. Unfortunately Hillary is just as likely to take us into another war so she can show how tough she is.
1
Yes, politicians can sometimes be, um, political.
9
I'm confused. Is a person who is politically motivated and has access to further his agenda not supposed to do that? Isn't that exactly what politics in America is? Every person at every level of society networks for their own advantage. I'm supposed to be upset that this guy used his father's position to form a "network" of people to get himself elected? That's exactly what an election is. The only thing "shady" in this article is the language.
83
Perhaps it is because everyone does "it" that we are in a polarized mess. Just because a lot of people do something, that does not make it OK.
6
Let me clarify this for you. When the dog goes for the Thanksgiving turkey resting on the kitchen counter one might say, "Who can blame him? That's what dogs do!" Certainly this is not a reason to let the dog get the turkey. Rand might argue the dog deserves the turkey. Why should he share? He's the one with the canines after all. But it's not his turkey. And besides, he would just gorge himself until he threw up and ruin what was left for anyone else. This is not the reason we roasted the turkey. Got it now?
4
I don't think the article is criticizing that political people use their connections. The article does explain how this process works and how families and friends (cronies?) can inject themselves into leadership and stay there. It is the staying there for generations that should be a concern to Americans.
1
It is interesting to see what Jeb Bush did with his access, I have always wondered to what extent the Bush sons benefited from having their father in the White House, now I can see physical evidence...not just speculation and rumors.
15
Is there a son or daughter of power and wealth who hasn't done this? Chelsea Clinton, for example?
20
Is Chelsea Clinton trying to get into a position where she could wage another war or damage education?
6
I know it feels good to say that, but could you maybe give a specific example? I'm not aware of Chelsea building a political operation based on her parents connections while they are in office.
6
Is she running for president?
4
The WSJ reports:
Feb 3, 2015 - Jeb Bush ... is trying to position himself as a Washington outsider eager to ..."
Maybe Jeb should start eating more domestic rabbit meat. He's going to need to do something different if he expects to be able to convince people that he's a Washington outsider, that's for sure.
Feb 3, 2015 - Jeb Bush ... is trying to position himself as a Washington outsider eager to ..."
Maybe Jeb should start eating more domestic rabbit meat. He's going to need to do something different if he expects to be able to convince people that he's a Washington outsider, that's for sure.
18
Doesn't matter who is running or what party they are from. They all are interested in the same things. They are not about the people at all. They feather their own nests and those of their keepers.
31
I have no time or sympathy for the Bush family, their ideas or politics. However, I would feel more comfortable if a similar article investigated the activities of a young person named Chelsea during the last decade or so. I suspect that what is described here is the behavior of political would-be dynasties. As we get into the silly election season of reporting, the NY Times would do its readers a service with some objective investigation and analysis.
37
Hey Jack,
When or if Chelsea runs for office, I'm sure the Times will be there to investigate her and let us know. You and your Tea Party friends can relax for now because she's not running for anything right now. I beleive she is taking care of her recently born child.
When or if Chelsea runs for office, I'm sure the Times will be there to investigate her and let us know. You and your Tea Party friends can relax for now because she's not running for anything right now. I beleive she is taking care of her recently born child.
2
Thank you Jack, yes. We see the obvious political motions in Jeb but I too encourage and request the NYT to show us the behaviors of the last decade of dynasty offspring.
Thanks.
VH
Thanks.
VH
1
Difference is that Chelsea isn't running for anything and Jeb has spent his life campaigning for office. You don't seem to grasp that he feels that he was the "heir apparent" to GHWB just as Prince Charles is heir apparent to Queen Elizabeth. We live in a democracy whereas Great Britain is a monarchy so it's OK for the Prince of Wales to think that he should and will be the next monarch.
9
Ditto for Hillary.
23
It is all about power and influence, no matter which party they run for. They get their money from the same places, essentially. These prominent families who have derived their fortunes from industry, energy or winning elections are all in a soup together. It's not a partisan issue. Look up who owns the debates, for instance. The two corporations that are the Democrat Party and the Republican party own it, determine what questions will be asked, and who is allowed to participate. It is not put on the the League of Women Voters anymore.
14
Please. Find me the article where Hillary surrogates, including family members, are imploring people to believe that she will be nothing like her husband.
Like intelligence reports from 2002, the Bush people are cherry picking what parts of the family history is useful to them, and hoping nobody bothers to report the rest of it.
Like intelligence reports from 2002, the Bush people are cherry picking what parts of the family history is useful to them, and hoping nobody bothers to report the rest of it.
2
Exactly right. Why doesn't ny times do same kind of article for her? This strikes me as not at all out of the ordinary.
4
Imagining a Bush v Clinton Presidential campaign is enough to make a person want to . . . .
32
I doubt if it will happen, The New York Times doing the same article on Hillary Clinton. Jeb Bush used his political connections to assist his friends. Shocking! They are both the same.
24
I am sorry, does both being the same make such naked nepotism OK? Because being a republican first trumps the national interest, right? America, what is wrong with you?
41
Yes, for instance no mention of the Clinton Foundation's massive donations by HBSC "customers".
2
Yes, for instance no mention of the Clinton Foundation's massive donations by HBSC "customers".
2
Like it or not, he will be the next president. His wife was stopped by Customs lying about the worth of designer clothes, his daughter an addict, and his son in other trouble, so they will fit in just fine.
35
She was more than stopped- She was arrested- she tried to avoid charges on
$16,000 in purchases because she was afraid of telling Jebbie just how much she spent.
$16,000 in purchases because she was afraid of telling Jebbie just how much she spent.
3
I am a Democrat, but I think it's churlish to bring his children's issues into this - even though I'm confident Republicans would pounce on a Democrat's kids.
3
If people went after FDR's dog I'm not surprised that family members of potential presidential candidates will be targets. It kind of sickens me though.
1
Excellent investigative reporting and data gathering by the NYT. Almost like old times. Unfortunately the Times and their friends in the industry did not expend 10% this many resources attempting to locate and provide such a history of contacts and communications to assist voters during the campaigns of Obama. Why?
24
The Times was too busy providing air cover for Obama, which is what it does for democrats during campaigns.
Jeb Bush has released his e-mails while governor in the interest of "transparency." Letting the media have its field day, as he knew it would. He's smart enough to understand the media handles republicans and democrats differently.
Jeb Bush has released his e-mails while governor in the interest of "transparency." Letting the media have its field day, as he knew it would. He's smart enough to understand the media handles republicans and democrats differently.
12
Because he did not have a remotely similar background. Save your thoughts for when Sasha, Malia or Mrs. Obama or office.
So put down the NYTs (literally and figuratively as well) and pick FAMILY OF SECRETS: The Bush Dynasty, the Powerful Forces That Put It in the White House, and What Their Influence Means for America by non-Times award-winning investigative journalist Russ Baker. Shamelessly “working a room” in politics is one think - destructively and self-aggrandiazingly working a great nation is quite something else again - and that’s the Bush dynasty lwe could be on the cusp of restoring -
2
His role in the Terry Schiavo debacle and in the 2000 election debacle make him unfit for the office, IMHO.
214
The jokes on you! I just saw Terry laughing while bungee jumping.
1
Third.coast, well of course it is if you are a one-issue voter.
1
It's one thing to understand that all politicians engage in various seamy behaviors to greater or lesser degree. It cannot be avoided.
It's quite another to confront the various seamy behaviors of the latest Bush scion, widely marketed as a conservative Christian family values man (aren't they all?)
At least the Democrats aren't brazen hypocrites about their various seamy behaviors. I'd much rather have a scoundrel who embraces his inner rascal than a pious, seamy hypocrite.
It's quite another to confront the various seamy behaviors of the latest Bush scion, widely marketed as a conservative Christian family values man (aren't they all?)
At least the Democrats aren't brazen hypocrites about their various seamy behaviors. I'd much rather have a scoundrel who embraces his inner rascal than a pious, seamy hypocrite.
64
Jebbie isn't a Christian- he's a Catholic- he switched so his wife would marry him- so no, he's not really into religion. Some consider Catholics and Christians the same- right wing "christians"- not so much.
5
>>"a pious, seamy hypocrite."
Would pious, seamy hypocrisy include claiming we had "a postwar boom with 91% tax rates" ... when we actually had five recessions in only 16 years, and fell from the only remaining industrial base on earth to what Kennedy described as "among the worst in economic growth?" (1961 SOTU)
http://www.nber.org/cycles/cyclesmain.html
Would pious, seamy hypocrisy include claiming we had "a postwar boom with 91% tax rates" ... when we actually had five recessions in only 16 years, and fell from the only remaining industrial base on earth to what Kennedy described as "among the worst in economic growth?" (1961 SOTU)
http://www.nber.org/cycles/cyclesmain.html
Why not let's elect him the next president? That way he would not have as much trouble granting political and personal favors, he would be authorizing them himself. I think this makes him very fitting for the job.
6
Every politician that ever existed from the lowest position tothe highest was elected to serve his constituents. They make requests for citizens and businesses all the time. It's part of their job. So BUsh encouraged his dad to meet with MOtorola. COnsidering how inept his father was at understanding technology, that was probably a good thing.
Well, like Mama always said "It's not what you know, it's who you know."
One thing no one can ever take away from Jeb and W - they were true to their father. A question might be for the future - would Jeb take it so far, though, as to lay a war on the country for the sake of dear old dad?
(nice inside pix of AF1 - thinking they don't charge for little bags of pretzels)
One thing no one can ever take away from Jeb and W - they were true to their father. A question might be for the future - would Jeb take it so far, though, as to lay a war on the country for the sake of dear old dad?
(nice inside pix of AF1 - thinking they don't charge for little bags of pretzels)
12
Crony capitalism is alive and well in American politics.
What amazes me is that when the conservatives attack crony capitalism, they like to dwell on licensed and regulated taxi drivers.
What amazes me is that when the conservatives attack crony capitalism, they like to dwell on licensed and regulated taxi drivers.
101
He also won over his father's staff and worked tirelessly to extend the family's political network. Unlike the Clinton's, however, he didn't leave a trail of scandals and assaulted females.
How terrible.
How terrible.
32
Assaulted females: no.
Scandals?
You must be joking.
Jeb handed Florida to Shrub.
Scandals?
You must be joking.
Jeb handed Florida to Shrub.
42
Corrupting an election while Governor is certainly a scandal. Disenfranchising legitimate Florida voters and interfering in the vote count was criminal.
Because of those actions Bush family retainers on the Supremes had the opportunity to appoint his dimwitted, supremely unqualified brother as the worst President in US history, a war criminal and the most disastrous Commander in Chief since Reagan.
Fiddling while the thieves of Wall Street burned 40% of US household wealth was merely his high point act of incompetence.
Because of those actions Bush family retainers on the Supremes had the opportunity to appoint his dimwitted, supremely unqualified brother as the worst President in US history, a war criminal and the most disastrous Commander in Chief since Reagan.
Fiddling while the thieves of Wall Street burned 40% of US household wealth was merely his high point act of incompetence.
41
and none of the Bush's ever lost to a community organizer.
5
The Bush family's political sensitivity died when they moved out of Connecticut. That George II could be considered a serious candidate simply because of his father's tenuous political merits says a lot about the vagaries of the political world. Now, Jeb is presenting himself as the successor of a politically dubious family, having wrung, as did his brother, all of his connections to further his career. What bothers me is that this clan should go in history as having had the most US presidents, an honor that they hardly merit.
285
George W. was a serious candidate and eventually President, not so much due to his name but because he faced an Al Gore and a John Kerry. The "vagaries" of the political world as you refer to, are alive and well within the voting citizenry (The American Voter: Stupid and Ignorant). You refer to the Bush's as politically "tenuous," and politically "dubious." Seriously? I think they have fared quite well in politics. You criticize Jeb for his current ambitions and his political connections, but there is not a politician alive in the same position who would not do as Jeb has done and will do. You think Hillary isn't mining all the ties and connections which Bill set up in over 20 years in politics? bama didn't rise to power solely on rainbow speeches. Your wish to get a partisan shot in at the Bush family makes your response dubious and tenuous as an intelligent use of your time.
4
Since moving out of Connecticut, the Bush family produced one senator, two governors and two presidents.
2
The point is, "Who will oversee the Florida Presidential elections?"
I lived in FL during Bush's two terms. The budget increased by 300%, the public schools were under constant attack by this bozo who has declared that he is an educational expert while never has had training in education, and who fostered charter schools which never had a student or a campus but paid millions to his cronies who set them up. He is a PHONY from the beginning of his life.
605
As a fellow Floridian, I agree with your comment completely.
9
Spending rose 27% under Jeb Bush. Google it.
3
These charter schools have been the source of media profiles in recent years, for being unaccountable to any agency.
8
Thurd Bush also took $75K from Miguel Recarey of International Medical Center (IMC) to intercede with Margaret Heckler, Secretary of HHS.
Recarey was later indicted for a vast Medicare/Medicaid fraud and is, these twenty years later, still, a fugitive from justice.
Recarey was later indicted for a vast Medicare/Medicaid fraud and is, these twenty years later, still, a fugitive from justice.
213
Jeb Bush unveils plan to bring Americans back from 'edge of economic ruin'
His brother sets the whole world on fire - and now the savior has arrived.
Only in America...................
His brother sets the whole world on fire - and now the savior has arrived.
Only in America...................
5
The Bush family is a lamentable political dynasty that has done huge damage to America. The damage created by the current Supreme Court is the direct result of Bush nominees. The Clintons are a married couple, not a dynasty. It seems ridiculous to imagine that Hillary Clinton with all of her shortcomings is somehow similar to Jeb Bush. There is a huge difference in the politics and policies of the Bushes and the Clintons. I fear giving Jeb Bush the opportunity to nominate the next justice to the Supreme Court.
473
How are they so different? The Clintons' were "flat broke" upon leaving the White House (so much so they had to steal the furniture, as I recall), but what are they worth now, $100 million, or more? Not much poorer than Mitt Romney, who the NYT editorialized as a person that would be out of the mainstream of American presidents if elected because he was vastly more wealthy than any before him, and ordinary Americans. Irony is both Bush and the Clintons probably weigh in around the same on that front. Face it, the 2016 election is shaping up as a coronation of the 0.01%, a sign of the times.
9
It's a great Supreme Court. No complaints here.
1
But, the Clintons are under the influence of BIG money and always have been. We will will take an even sharper decline in the middle class if either of those two (Bush or Clinton) are elected. We the people have stopped spending, as anyone remembers the absurd policy: "...borrow money and keep spending" from Bush 1.
The corporations would have felt our cutting back had they paid their taxes, which I believe was some sort of under the table loan from the Government. This off shore tax evasion is down right terrorism to the highest degree, and would have been dealt with harshly in 50's-70's. Right now our economy is working on borrowed money and time. Eventually the Corp.s will have to pay back taxes. Won't they? While the middle class just keeps NOT spending.
POP goes the bubble.
The corporations would have felt our cutting back had they paid their taxes, which I believe was some sort of under the table loan from the Government. This off shore tax evasion is down right terrorism to the highest degree, and would have been dealt with harshly in 50's-70's. Right now our economy is working on borrowed money and time. Eventually the Corp.s will have to pay back taxes. Won't they? While the middle class just keeps NOT spending.
POP goes the bubble.
2
Jeb Bush discussed politics with his father, at a time when Dad could not be at the family dinner table. Shocking.
18
He discussed politics? Looks a little more like he was harassing him for personal favors.
45
"Jeb Bush discussed politics with his father, at a time when Dad could not be at the family dinner table. Shocking."
Did you read this article and the documents therein? He's blatantly abusing his position by calling in favors for any and every one who would later go on to support him in his bids for higher office.
Did you read this article and the documents therein? He's blatantly abusing his position by calling in favors for any and every one who would later go on to support him in his bids for higher office.
2
The writers describe such harassing, but the actual quotes are not that clear at all, which I kept looking for as I read. And it is of course always wrong to ascribe motives to anyone. That would include both Jeb Bush and Barack Obama.
1
If Jeb's name was John E. Smith instead of John E. Bush, we would not be having this conversation. For one American family to feel that they have to govern as a semi-monarchy makes me ill. The Bush Family's disappointing record as Congressman, Ambassador, VP, President and Governor do not tend to lend one confidence that the next One will do any better. And Jeb has his son in the minor leagues of Texas warming up as Texas Railroad Commissioner. Only they could be planning for the 2020s.
195
Jeb is riding on the coat tails of his famiy, but what about Hillary? Bill wouldn't have been president without her, but on her own right, she'd never be in the picture. Even now, with her personality, she's a long shot.
9
al gore, chris dodd, mario cuomo, and the list goes on
5
Don't forget CIA Director.
2
This article filled with specific facts and historical documents is very much appreciated and the type of political reporting I hope we can routinely expect from The Times going forward, instead of the last Jeb Bush profile that was nothing but heavily scented air. Hopefully we can learn more about The Carlyle Group Next, then the ties to Blackwater, the fiendish mercenaries of W's regime of terror.
What a criminally corrupt family, top to bottom, born on home plate with silver spoons in their mouths, fed by servants, knowing they were meant to be our rulers. Connecticut's blue bloods pretending to be cowboys and palm-greasers for political and financial gain. No More Shrubs.
What a criminally corrupt family, top to bottom, born on home plate with silver spoons in their mouths, fed by servants, knowing they were meant to be our rulers. Connecticut's blue bloods pretending to be cowboys and palm-greasers for political and financial gain. No More Shrubs.
527
[[What a criminally corrupt family, top to bottom, born on home plate]]
It's "born on third base, grew up thinking he hit a triple."
It's "born on third base, grew up thinking he hit a triple."
1
I'd like also to know more about Marvin Bush's ties to the World Trade Towers, and Neal Bush's ties to educational firms—and the ties between the Bush and Bin Laden families please.
3
It's good to see the Times finally reporting something other than a promotional piece on this candidate.
However, there is still nothing on the botched rollout of his eCampaign this week; releasing the Social Security numbers of hundreds of people who trusted him with their personal information.
At least the Healthcare.gov website was fixed well before it was able to do any damage to people. You can't say the same about this.
However, there is still nothing on the botched rollout of his eCampaign this week; releasing the Social Security numbers of hundreds of people who trusted him with their personal information.
At least the Healthcare.gov website was fixed well before it was able to do any damage to people. You can't say the same about this.
66
We know enough about Bush Dynasty.
Their ancestors were engaged in trade with the 3rd Reich during the Second World War.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/sep/25/usa.secondworldwar
Let's imagine for a minute that Jeb Bush has became our president:
1) America will be flooded with huge number of illegal immigrants, which (As Jeb Bush truly believes) should be used to reduce the costs of organizing "cheap work".
2) U.S. oil dependence will increase many times, oil tycoons will be allowed to pump hydrocarbon reserves.
3) Jeb Bush will support Obamacare because he has shares from the sale of the federal program and he is on the Board of one of the largest companies that profit from Obamacare.
4) Has extensive interests in investment, oil, banking, medical industry in the USA. He is not 'with the people'.
I don't want JEB BUSH for presidency!
Their ancestors were engaged in trade with the 3rd Reich during the Second World War.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/sep/25/usa.secondworldwar
Let's imagine for a minute that Jeb Bush has became our president:
1) America will be flooded with huge number of illegal immigrants, which (As Jeb Bush truly believes) should be used to reduce the costs of organizing "cheap work".
2) U.S. oil dependence will increase many times, oil tycoons will be allowed to pump hydrocarbon reserves.
3) Jeb Bush will support Obamacare because he has shares from the sale of the federal program and he is on the Board of one of the largest companies that profit from Obamacare.
4) Has extensive interests in investment, oil, banking, medical industry in the USA. He is not 'with the people'.
I don't want JEB BUSH for presidency!
56
And, don't forget, he gave the job of President to his brother. And we all know how that turned out. Heckuva Job, Jebbie!
176
From your link on the Bush/Nazi connection:
"While there is no suggestion that Prescott Bush was sympathetic to the Nazi cause, the documents reveal that the firm he worked for, Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH), acted as a US base for the German industrialist, Fritz Thyssen, who helped finance Hitler in the 1930s before falling out with him at the end of the decade."
.."the end of the decade" (1930s) was prior to Pearl Harbor, thus not "during the Second World War."
In other words, there is not a shred of evidence that Prescott has even the slightest sympathy to the Third Reich ... but his his employer did.
"While there is no suggestion that Prescott Bush was sympathetic to the Nazi cause, the documents reveal that the firm he worked for, Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH), acted as a US base for the German industrialist, Fritz Thyssen, who helped finance Hitler in the 1930s before falling out with him at the end of the decade."
.."the end of the decade" (1930s) was prior to Pearl Harbor, thus not "during the Second World War."
In other words, there is not a shred of evidence that Prescott has even the slightest sympathy to the Third Reich ... but his his employer did.
8
Prescott was a partner in BBH, and as such was his own employer. Financial ties to the Reich were close.
17
This is the real problem: mediocrity in every respect. He does not even speak Spanish terribly well: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RMHLn7SuSR4 . And he refuses to say that he believes in evolution. Both parties trade in political favours. No surprise there. But this guy was an amateur, as the record shows. He really should stick to his rather unimpressive business career.
77
Bush and his wife are Catholics? they don't have a position on evolution, unless you mean does he think God made Man in his image? Catholics are not fundamentalist, they leave the bible to interpretation of scholars.
1
People like the Bushes thrive and prosper because they are well-connected and not because they are smart, talented or gifted. But, of course, that is not what they tell themselves.
3
While it does not excuse Bush, my first thought was what about the Kennedys. Robert, of course, was appointed Attorney General by JFK. When JFK resigned from the Senate to run for President, he used his influence to arrange for the appointment of a "placeholder" and clear the way for his then-23 year old brother, Ted, to succeed him in a special election the year Ted turned 25. Ted had no relevant experience and a cheating scandal from his Harvard days. I was born a Massachusetts Democrat. I always voted Kennedy. And Robert and Teddy turned out just fine. But as far as nepotism, it doesn't get any worse.
24
The minimum age to serve in the US Senate is set in the Constitution as 30. Ted Kennedy could not have taken office until 1962 since he was born 2/22/1932. Nobody can deny that Ted Kennedy ably represented working people in the US Senate.
66
Nothing in this article compromises Jeb Bush any more than Ted Kennedy is compromised by his dynastic ties and abuse of family influence. Depending on what you know and think about Chappaquiddick, the comparison may well be one-side against Teddy. If you supported Ted and you have any desire to be consistent you must acknowledge that it's just about politics. You agree with Ted and not Jeb, both of whom are/were of dubious character. I admit that, and I'm not ashamed.
13
Right, let's just ignore the fact that he was probably guilty of vehicular or criminally negligent HOMICIDE, leaving the scene of an accident, DWI and a host of other charges related to the cover up of the crime. But, he was a liberal, so all is forgiven...right?
Only in the world of the NY Times!
Only in the world of the NY Times!
3
Jeb, like George, hasn't spent a day of his life subject to the questions, issues, challenges or opportunities that an average person faces in our era. Stripped of his privilege he is a helpless mediocrity, a Dauphin in a Republic.
It is sheer arrogance that he presumes to lead us. His brother's version of that arrogance was catastrophic.
No. No more, ever, from this family. No more of its artificial culture.
It is sheer arrogance that he presumes to lead us. His brother's version of that arrogance was catastrophic.
No. No more, ever, from this family. No more of its artificial culture.
1040
"Jeb, like George, hasn't spent a day of his life subject to the questions, issues, challenges or opportunities that an average person faces in our era"
Governors never get challenged?
Governors never get challenged?
5
Experience governing is exactly what one should have who presumes to be able to lead us.
Jeb Bush was governor of Florida from 1997 to 2007. He may not have personally faced an average individual's problems and challenges but, more importantly, he was actually responsible for addressing them.
What would be "artificial" is to elect someone who has no experience in governing or actually fixing problems but claims to know how to do this because he claims to know what it's like to experience those problems.
Jeb Bush was governor of Florida from 1997 to 2007. He may not have personally faced an average individual's problems and challenges but, more importantly, he was actually responsible for addressing them.
What would be "artificial" is to elect someone who has no experience in governing or actually fixing problems but claims to know how to do this because he claims to know what it's like to experience those problems.
6
*governor of Florida from 1999-2007
2
The irony of all of this Bush Clinton talk is that Bush needs Clinton to be the Democratic nominee and Clinton needs Bush to be the Republican nominee.
The distaste of thee Bushes vs two Clintons will then make the dynasty thing a non issue. That is unless the right Independent comes along to upend establishment politics. I'm all for such a centrist Independent. Could Bush vs Clinton in 2016 be the perfect storm which allows for an Independent to be elected? Unfortunately the Indie candidate would have to be very rich in order to self finance their campaign. Or maybe social media could play a very powerful role.
This could be interesting!
The distaste of thee Bushes vs two Clintons will then make the dynasty thing a non issue. That is unless the right Independent comes along to upend establishment politics. I'm all for such a centrist Independent. Could Bush vs Clinton in 2016 be the perfect storm which allows for an Independent to be elected? Unfortunately the Indie candidate would have to be very rich in order to self finance their campaign. Or maybe social media could play a very powerful role.
This could be interesting!
15
Except only one is a dynasty based on an inheritance. The other is just two incredibly talented politicians who happen to be married. Hillary Rodham earned everything she achieved, not so W or Jeb.
102
sleeve:
Yes, but a talent for what, exactly?
Yes, but a talent for what, exactly?
5
A talent for governing; a talent for trying to improve the lives of average Americans.
9
If your father was VP or president, I'll bet yo would be asking for favors also.
I know I would. I was not a supporter of the Bushes, but being a president kid would be a real advantage to getting ahead.
Most of us can not just meet other world leaders, bankers,and others, it does not surprise me that Jeb Bush also took advantage of his family connections. I may not like it, but that's the way it is.
I know I would. I was not a supporter of the Bushes, but being a president kid would be a real advantage to getting ahead.
Most of us can not just meet other world leaders, bankers,and others, it does not surprise me that Jeb Bush also took advantage of his family connections. I may not like it, but that's the way it is.
13
Right. So let's keep him far away from the levers of power.
3
>
> Most of us can not just meet other world leaders, bankers,and others,
> it does not surprise me that Jeb Bush also took advantage of his family
> connections. I may not like it, but that's the way it is.
>
I'm a nobody & with a bit of luck, an eye for detail, some hard work, & making sure I was standing on the right street corner when the bus went by, I was able to meet & I believe influence a world leader.
Had a story about his influence 50+ years on in this very paper within the past week.
It does not shine well on Bush family that they've raised Bush III to be so pandering.
> Most of us can not just meet other world leaders, bankers,and others,
> it does not surprise me that Jeb Bush also took advantage of his family
> connections. I may not like it, but that's the way it is.
>
I'm a nobody & with a bit of luck, an eye for detail, some hard work, & making sure I was standing on the right street corner when the bus went by, I was able to meet & I believe influence a world leader.
Had a story about his influence 50+ years on in this very paper within the past week.
It does not shine well on Bush family that they've raised Bush III to be so pandering.
If we learned anything from the 2000 election, its that the Florida Republican Party is synonymous with professionalism and fair-dealing.
50
That's hilarious Stan Continople!
29
LOL
2
You are joking Stan? Right?
I like the diplomatic way Ms. Kenny, special assistant to Mr. Bush’s father when he was vice president, wrote to ask Mr. Bush to route requests for appointments through her instead of contacting an agency or office directly. “That way,” Ms. Kenny wrote, “there will be no chance for misunderstanding.”
I can read between the lines there. I've had to deal with interfering relatives in previous jobs. When you have to send it in writing, as reported here twice, that means the behavior was probably happening frequently and the person was not getting the message in verbal and nonverbal communication.
I was already predisposed to be against Jeb Bush, but reading this article just increases my distaste for him. He seems to be a smarmy type of guy with a sense of entitlement and I get the feeling he could be even worse than Shrub...
I can read between the lines there. I've had to deal with interfering relatives in previous jobs. When you have to send it in writing, as reported here twice, that means the behavior was probably happening frequently and the person was not getting the message in verbal and nonverbal communication.
I was already predisposed to be against Jeb Bush, but reading this article just increases my distaste for him. He seems to be a smarmy type of guy with a sense of entitlement and I get the feeling he could be even worse than Shrub...
255
Smarmy...I like that. I read a book several titled, "Bush on the Couch: Inside the Mind of the President," by Justin A Frank, MD. It is all Barbara's fault and we should listen to her. What did she say? something like..."we've had enough Bushes?"
2
"shrub"
That told me all I needed to know.
That told me all I needed to know.
1
I remember reading about these same qualities in W. Even as a young man he was eager to request favors from his father for his prep school and college friends. Those letters still exist and might make for an interesting comparison. (Of course he claimed a few favors too, his national guard assignment, for instance.) It's the family way. They're affable and good-hearted, at least to those in their circle. The rest of us can settle for the scraps. The increasingly meager scraps, as W's wars and economic policies predictably caused. No thanks Jeb. Not another callow, ego-driven Bushie ever.
331
Jeb Bush is nobody without his family's help. This is not the type of person who has or ever will pull himself up by his bootstraps. I would never support this type of person for president.
104
Crass, self-serving, calculating, lacking both vision and moral compass. This is not an attractive portrait of the always aspiring Jeb Bush.
217
"Crass, self-serving, calculating, lacking both vision and moral compass"
I actually thought you were talking about Hillary until I read your last sentence.
I actually thought you were talking about Hillary until I read your last sentence.
16
Unfortunately, it applies to both.
Warren 2016!
Warren 2016!
2
I would only be logical to apply your Jeb the villain harridan Hillary...no?
Has Jeb Bush ever actually done something apolitical, something productive? Something other than manipulation and using the family name? Seems like another empty head, empty suit, empty Republican agenda inflated by greed and the smell of power. And a bully, by the evidence here.
427
He was a real estate developer/commercial broker for several years in Miami...that's about it.
8
Just what we need: someone with a background in paving over nature and playing games with other people's money.
55
Don't forget that he was an unindicted felon in the Columbia Savings fiasco. He made over $4,000,000 during that deal. His middle name is greed.
44
"Dynasty," the Aaron Spelling-produced TV soap opera, lasted eight years, which was pushing it. But here we are inviting the political equivalent, beginning in 2017, of recurring sequels that could, in the case of the Bushes, reach 20 years or, for the Clintons, 16. Or, put another way, 28 out of 36 years with either a Bush or a Clinton as president.
The more we read (ad nauseam) about Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton -- and how comfortably both of them are in bed with Big Money and how shamelessly they peddle influence -- the less it seems that their priorities bear much resemblance to ours or, for that matter, those of the Founders. Trickle down isn't what they choose to call it, but trickle down is what it is.
But if we willingly elect such people with regularity, aren't we our own worst enemy?
The more we read (ad nauseam) about Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton -- and how comfortably both of them are in bed with Big Money and how shamelessly they peddle influence -- the less it seems that their priorities bear much resemblance to ours or, for that matter, those of the Founders. Trickle down isn't what they choose to call it, but trickle down is what it is.
But if we willingly elect such people with regularity, aren't we our own worst enemy?
51
I'm inclined to be a member of the NBC party for 2016- No Bush or Clinton!!
20
Key here: "But if we willingly elect such people with regularity, aren't we our own worst enemy?"
Remember, we the people, are the government. We only get what we vote for.
Remember, we the people, are the government. We only get what we vote for.
1
I don't think Jeb Bush is a bad guy. Politics is all about rewarding your friends and punishing your enemies. Jeb wasn't so much doing favors for his pals as he was collecting debts that would need to be repaid once he began his own political career. Bush 41 was a good president and in time, history will show that Bush 43 was the right man at the right time. It took decades, but eventually it became apparent that Lincoln too was the right man at the right time. I think Jeb has great potential and would make a fine president - certainly better than Hillary Clinton or Elizabeth Warren.
6
When is it ever the right time for a senseless war or a ruined economy?
Public service is supposed to be about just that, serving the public, not rewarding your friends and punishing your enemies.
Public service is supposed to be about just that, serving the public, not rewarding your friends and punishing your enemies.
187
Right. Try telling that story to anyone vaguely involved in the Iraq/Afghanistan fiasco. My view: 41 OK but not remarkable; 43, a disaster.
198
Some of us still believe, that public service is for the common good. If you think it is just to punish your enemies, I feel for our country.
121
I am sure that Jeb Bush has used his family name to great effect throughout his life. As president, however, that name would not be well recieved around the world. This is not something that would be met with humor, understanding, or any form of acceptance in very many countries. The Bush name has a poisonous reputation after the fiasco that was his brothers term in the White House. I traveled extensively during that time, and participated in several discussions focused on the incredulity that W's second term brought with it. "How could the American people elect that clown to another term?" I believe is an accurate quote from more than one sad and disgusted participant. The United States does not need another Bush.
1065
Why else would there be proposals to rename the White House as Bushingham Palace and the summer place in Maine as Bushmoral Castle?
12
W won because Kerry was a terrible candidate. Kerry just mailed in his campaign.
5
I was also doing a lot of international travel at the time. I had the same discussions. People I met from around the world would all have the same sentiment and ask the same question over and over... " How is it that America re-elected this guy?" They understood how the mistake of the first term could happen but could never wrap their head around how American could give this guy a second term after seeing his performance in the first
30
Groomed for dynastic succession, then his brother had to jump in line first and ruin the family reputation. Poor Jeb. Just about the worst that can happen to a rich kid, really.
129
What it tells us that with a Jeb Bush as President the office will always be an open door to the highest bidder and pretty much the same as electing the Koch Bros with him.
364
Yet another invocation of those all purpose bogeymen, those nefarious Koch Brothers. What would Democratic fundraisers do without them? Extraordinarily silly.
6
HalDaveO: The Koch brothers have budgeted 889 million dollars to spend on the 2016 elections. That makes them not exactly an imaginary threat. "What would Democratic fundraisers do without them?" Well, they'd certainly not to have to work nearly as hard to be anywhere approaching competitive. It's absurd to suggest that the Koch brothers have in anyway benefited Democrats (or, for that matter, America, the human race, or the planet).
79
As Jake correctly points out 889 million is pretty far from an imaginary "bogeyman". But even without them that still makes Jeb Bush an open door to the highest bidders (can I say Sheldon Abelson who makes his money off of gambling and his hundreds of millions?)
31
It is not difficult to envisage the influence of Jeb Bush on national governance. After all, his dad and brother, together, held the highest positions in the government as president and vice president for twenty years. In addition, Jeb seems to be a political animal.
However, it was sickening to read in this article the extent of his influence and motivation behind it. The details of the actual incidents of this plutocracy makes one dumbfounded.
This article does not discuss Jeb Bush's influence during his brother's presidency. I urge NY Times to dig into those details.
Before some misguided people elect this unsavory character as the nation's president - or even a party's nominee - the truth must be out.
However, it was sickening to read in this article the extent of his influence and motivation behind it. The details of the actual incidents of this plutocracy makes one dumbfounded.
This article does not discuss Jeb Bush's influence during his brother's presidency. I urge NY Times to dig into those details.
Before some misguided people elect this unsavory character as the nation's president - or even a party's nominee - the truth must be out.
240
It would be illuminating to see just what the quid pro quo was for his help during that infamous election in 2000. Without Jeb's help, would George ever have gotten to DC?
8
"I urge NY Times to dig into these details"
It's difficult to tell the Shrubs apart but this paragraph shows that Bush 43 also listened to Jeb's advice."
"As governor, Mr. Bush honored Motorola with a Sterling Award, a prestigious honor for Florida businesses. His brother George W. Bush, when he was president, appointed Mr. Galvin to a committee advising him on national security in telecommunications."
What I find most amazing is that these clowns have "Presidential libraries!"
It's difficult to tell the Shrubs apart but this paragraph shows that Bush 43 also listened to Jeb's advice."
"As governor, Mr. Bush honored Motorola with a Sterling Award, a prestigious honor for Florida businesses. His brother George W. Bush, when he was president, appointed Mr. Galvin to a committee advising him on national security in telecommunications."
What I find most amazing is that these clowns have "Presidential libraries!"
4
Reading this article reminds me what a breath of fresh air Obama has been, and why we can never have another Bush in the White House.
637
Fresh air without the competency produces a lot of windswept turmoil. This is about more than feeling good.
6
I'd match Obama's accomplishments--and sense of his place in the world--against the pitiful records of George Bush, George Bush and Jeb Bush anytime.
29
As far as I can tell the current admin is not any different from previous admins. I have no doubt that a few years removed from office the Obamas will be as rich as the Clintons are, and that wealth will be based on leveraging connections from their days in politics. I write this as someone who voted for Dems all my life. Politics is for the most part a morass of moving up while appearing to do good (the appearance depends on what your constituents want).
I no longer vote. Before all the comments abt not having a write to speak because I don't vote...
Is not voting any worse than voting against the prez because you think he comes from Kenya or for him because you think he is going to pay off your mortgage?
I no longer vote. Before all the comments abt not having a write to speak because I don't vote...
Is not voting any worse than voting against the prez because you think he comes from Kenya or for him because you think he is going to pay off your mortgage?
3
Jeb Bush pulled every string he could to make sure that Terri Schiavo was kept artificially alive in spite of both science and the wishes of her next of kin. I really hate to think of the strings he would yank if he were to be elected president.
645
Let's not forget Stand Your Ground is one of his gems as well... He's embarrassed Florida on more than one occasion.
26
If Jeb runs, we'll hear the tragic tale of what Jeb Bush did to Terri Schiavo so often that some will think she's his running mate.
5
Good for Jeb.
Just think all it takes is a last name to make you powerful. Intelligence, hard work, ability and character pale in the face of the right last name. And to think we suffered through the American Revolution to end hereditary monarchies. I wonder what the coronation proceedings will cost?
195
@waztec
Will never happen.
Will never happen.
1
Re: another Bush child being coronated...let's all remember Bushism 43:
"There's an old saying in Tennessee," W began.
"I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee that says, 'Fool me once, shame on ... shame on you. Fool me... You can't get fooled again!'"
Let's not get fooled again..eh?
"There's an old saying in Tennessee," W began.
"I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee that says, 'Fool me once, shame on ... shame on you. Fool me... You can't get fooled again!'"
Let's not get fooled again..eh?
6
And just where do you think national politicians come from? The wilderness?!
3
Some of the very best have, indeed, come from the wilderness.
33
Jechols: what, like Carter or W?
1
Jeb is a Bush, not a Lincoln. Surely this country can do better than Bush or Clinton redux.
38
The Clinton's, both of them made themselves. Jeb Bush was born into it.
177
terri:
Chelsea Clinton was "born into it" as well. She landed a $600,000 job as a NBC news correspondent without a drop of experience.
Chelsea Clinton was "born into it" as well. She landed a $600,000 job as a NBC news correspondent without a drop of experience.
2
AACNY,
As usual, the right wing slam. Did Terri say anything about Chelsea? Bill Clinton was the son of a poor single mom. He made it on his own because he was brilliant--whether YOU like it or not. Even his most right-wing detractors admit his political brilliance. And he was, for the most part, of and for the PEOPLE. We can debate the fine points but he didn't get his from his daddy.
As usual, the right wing slam. Did Terri say anything about Chelsea? Bill Clinton was the son of a poor single mom. He made it on his own because he was brilliant--whether YOU like it or not. Even his most right-wing detractors admit his political brilliance. And he was, for the most part, of and for the PEOPLE. We can debate the fine points but he didn't get his from his daddy.
11
It is blatantly un-American to have so much dynastic leadership in the United States.
68
Well, we can firmly see through this and other reporting and research that Jeb Bush was never one to miss an opportunity. What is disquieting if unsurprising is how he doggedly pursued only policy changes and political favors likely to assist a future career in Florida politics and not ideas and recommendations that would actually improve the lives of the other 99% of people who did not engage him with transparently political and/or personal requests. The fact that none of this is illegal or even unusual might be the real scandal. Revealingly, Jeb showed a willingness and at times an eagerness to walk right up to the line, even if we see no evidence here that he crossed it. He used his name to put significant pressure on two administrations (and perhaps three) to help out people who would later, wonder of wonders, become happy to help out his political career. Most people even remotely aware of US politics envision this kind of thing happening all the time, but it is jarring to actually see the evidence. Born into obvious privilege, Jeb not only knew how to continue enjoying it, but he expanded it as well. It's hard to admire someone sticking up or advocating for those people close to him or his interests when you are left with the feeling he is participating in a game rigged for him.
368
Agreed. I don't think America could be well served (or served at all) by another Bush. Recommended reading: Family of Secrets by Russ Baker.
85
matt - Isn't it surprising how we can survey the political landscape and see various aspirants for political office whose families have been here for 100's of years, but can point to no noble judges or barristers, no great authors thinkers humanitarians or educators, no poets scientists inventors or generals, in their past or present lineage ?
Pressing the question - by and large, when comparing such dynastic political aspirants with our self-made aspirants, which ones has the country done better under ?
Pressing the question - by and large, when comparing such dynastic political aspirants with our self-made aspirants, which ones has the country done better under ?
11
Yes--that should be required reading for anyone even thinking of voting in 2016.