I question whether Jeb has a real problem with Iraq hypotheticals in the eyes of people who are not already opposed to him, or to anyone named "Bush" generally. And even those people must see it's a phony issue. As much as journalists might like him to take a cheap shot against his brother, I hope Jeb refrains from doing that. The intel was bad at the time that W, assisted by Hillary, authorized the invasion so the pertinent question now is not, What would you have done in 2002, Jeb; but What can we do moving forward to upgrade our ability to gather reliable intelligence? The thing is, of course, the press might not like the answer to that one: For starters, do more spying.
well, despite the evidence indicating the Bush administration manufactured non existent information leading to a war forever, which is responsible for the ongoing wars all over the world this Bush declares that "he would go to war if he had been president then". thought hindsight was supposed to be an aid in gaining wisdom, that is, if you're not stuck in a war minded quagmire.
4
Kamau: there is no evidence that Bush administration manufactured any information. It was the standard intelligence which was wrong, and which was believe by most of the countries and the democrats in Congress. The decision to go to war was national decision. The claim that Bush did it, as if alone, is the fabrication by the left.
Yes, Jeb said he would have ordered that war then if he knew what was known then, as would have Kerry, Hilary, Reid, Pelosi and host of other liberals. Speculation what would have been done had things been different is mere specualation, not wisdom.
Yes, Jeb said he would have ordered that war then if he knew what was known then, as would have Kerry, Hilary, Reid, Pelosi and host of other liberals. Speculation what would have been done had things been different is mere specualation, not wisdom.
2
Remantas,
Talk to the CIA analysts who told the administration over and over that there were no weapons of mass destruction, only to fall on deaf ears. The administration didn't want to hear that so they kept sending the analysts back til they gave Bush the answer he wanted.
Remember Joe Wilson's fate when he offered intelligence to Bush and Co.
Talk to the CIA analysts who told the administration over and over that there were no weapons of mass destruction, only to fall on deaf ears. The administration didn't want to hear that so they kept sending the analysts back til they gave Bush the answer he wanted.
Remember Joe Wilson's fate when he offered intelligence to Bush and Co.
7
Jeb Bush's campaign bus was coming around a corner and smashed into the family tree. This is a warning to us all: more such trouble ahead.
As his brother, G.W., tried to extend his father's invasion of Iraq, we can expect that Jeb would try, if he got the chance, to prove both of them were right. This nation should not be a toy with which a family can show their support of each other. That our national course might turn on such issues is sickening.
Doug Terry
As his brother, G.W., tried to extend his father's invasion of Iraq, we can expect that Jeb would try, if he got the chance, to prove both of them were right. This nation should not be a toy with which a family can show their support of each other. That our national course might turn on such issues is sickening.
Doug Terry
5
Please, no more Bushes! Not in or anywhere near the White House.
Jeb Bush's stumbles have lit a fire under his likely Republican/Tea Party opponents, many of whom have happily proclaimed that they would not have authorized the Iraq invasion under those conditions. Many conservative leaders and pundits are also lacerating JB as appearing unprepared to address an obvious topic and are casting him as a tone-deaf relic of the party elite.
The dispute also highlights JB's vulnerabilities, including his lack of familiarity with the digital pace of modern politics and his difficulties in clearly defining himself apart from his family name.
That name helped JB become one of the immediate front-runners in the presidential race, trouncing most of his would-be opponents in fundraising and building a massive network of advisers with loyalty to his family. He has consistently declared that he is his “own man,” but he has also taken pains to praise W.
We already had an idiot Bush as president. We don't need another one.
Jeb Bush's stumbles have lit a fire under his likely Republican/Tea Party opponents, many of whom have happily proclaimed that they would not have authorized the Iraq invasion under those conditions. Many conservative leaders and pundits are also lacerating JB as appearing unprepared to address an obvious topic and are casting him as a tone-deaf relic of the party elite.
The dispute also highlights JB's vulnerabilities, including his lack of familiarity with the digital pace of modern politics and his difficulties in clearly defining himself apart from his family name.
That name helped JB become one of the immediate front-runners in the presidential race, trouncing most of his would-be opponents in fundraising and building a massive network of advisers with loyalty to his family. He has consistently declared that he is his “own man,” but he has also taken pains to praise W.
We already had an idiot Bush as president. We don't need another one.
13
You have to see this for what it is; he wasn't prepared because he thought he was talking to his base, a base that wants a good ole boy, one who looks the other way while preselected cronies do their dirty work. As for seeking advice from GW, what better role model to follow than a big bother who received his training in Texas and successfully took the country into war on false pretenses to avenge his father and grab some oil.
7
Problem understanding English . I've neever heard his supposed Spanish , like his brothers?
Don't forget the governor who stuck his nose in the Schiavo case.
Don't forget the governor who stuck his nose in the Schiavo case.
4
Only a fool listens to a fool. We have already had one village idiot as president, we don't need his twin.
16
Jeb Bush's desire to waltz around his brother's legacy as the worst president in living memory reminds me of Ted Kennedy's run for the Democratic nomination. He was only too eager to capitalize on the family name, donors and 'tradition', but frustrated, angered and ultimately undone by the constant questions about an issue he thought he'd buried - Chappaquiddick.
Jeb's highly suspect handling of the Florida recount handed his brother the presidency, despite the fact that GW didn't win the popular vote. He used his White House connections to enrich himself during his brother's presidency, used his brother to try to push his religious beliefs into national legislation in the Terri Schiavo case and supported his brother's agenda.
To me, the overriding issue in this election is the likely two Supreme Court appointments to be made in the next presidential term. Bush Senior gave us Clarence Thomas; GW inflicted Roberts and Alito. With a track record like that, I can't possibly even consider another Bush with nominating power.
Jeb's highly suspect handling of the Florida recount handed his brother the presidency, despite the fact that GW didn't win the popular vote. He used his White House connections to enrich himself during his brother's presidency, used his brother to try to push his religious beliefs into national legislation in the Terri Schiavo case and supported his brother's agenda.
To me, the overriding issue in this election is the likely two Supreme Court appointments to be made in the next presidential term. Bush Senior gave us Clarence Thomas; GW inflicted Roberts and Alito. With a track record like that, I can't possibly even consider another Bush with nominating power.
14
‘He’s my brother, I love my brother, but this is how my presidency would look differently,’ At last, somebody uses the adverbial form. Of course, it was incorrect, but hey.
1
At this rate, "Jeb" will flame out. He has come across as clueless as the rest of his family, and any serious investigation of his record will the final nail in the coffin. I can only hope that this will bring the end of the Bush family as a political force.
8
All of this derives from a very simple calculus:
The Republican Party, battered almost to death in 2008 by the failures of George W. Bush as President, decided to pretend they did nothing wrong and to go on the attack against any and all parts of President Obama's agenda. It worked in the short term. They picked up seats in the Legislative branch.
In the long term, they have yet to acknowledge what the American people know well. That their party brought on two $1 Trillion wars, tanked the entire global economy through deregulation, and almost lost one of America's great cities due to neglect after Katrina.
Someone needs to acknowledge this failure and apologize, so the Republican Party can move on in a different direction. Otherwise we get Jeb, unsure as to what to say about W, and Dick Cheney on TV trying to blame Obama for the strengthening of Iran and ISIS.
We're not that dumb.
The Republican Party, battered almost to death in 2008 by the failures of George W. Bush as President, decided to pretend they did nothing wrong and to go on the attack against any and all parts of President Obama's agenda. It worked in the short term. They picked up seats in the Legislative branch.
In the long term, they have yet to acknowledge what the American people know well. That their party brought on two $1 Trillion wars, tanked the entire global economy through deregulation, and almost lost one of America's great cities due to neglect after Katrina.
Someone needs to acknowledge this failure and apologize, so the Republican Party can move on in a different direction. Otherwise we get Jeb, unsure as to what to say about W, and Dick Cheney on TV trying to blame Obama for the strengthening of Iran and ISIS.
We're not that dumb.
19
I'm afraid we might be.
8
Jeb Bush "draws wisdom and counsel from his brother?" Sounds like lowering a bucket into a bone-dry well.
12
JEB: No amount of weight loss or identifying with Latinos or "softening" on gay marriage will dilute the fact you are the brother and candle bearer of an election stealing war criminal that most likely created and then perpetuated a war for personal and others professional enrichment. How you sleep is beyond most of us in the country. So, good luck with the race and have fun setting the $1bn it's going to take to lose on fire. Another BRILLANT Bush family decision.
16
Jeb Bush is either ignorant or clueless of his brother's contribution to the current nightmare in Middle East. Who would be stupid enough to vote for a person whose most important advisor is George W. I admire Bush the elder he made a very smart decision not going to Bagdad to capture Sadam Hussein in 1991. George W his main advisor on Middle East? Jeb Bush must be completely tone deaf.
10
His having Paul Wolfowitz as a foreign policy advisor is a sign that Bush is going to be EXACTLY like his brother -- idiotic mistakes and all. He doesn't seem to care. He gives every impression of an attitude of "let me be myself and let the chips fall where they may." I heartily applaud -- as I would have for us to possibly elect someone who is being fake. He is being genuine, to his credit. I would add that he is genuinely being a poor excuse for a presidential candidate.
6
I want to know why anyone would think "Jeb Bush for President." Really. Vice President Bush had Ronald Reagan when he ran. Reagan was immensely popular, even at the end of his tenure, and Vice President Bush rode those coattails. W had a much different take because he'd served two terms in Texas and improved the educational standards and outcomes in the state.
What has Jeb done? Really. I don't think he's accomplished anything in a way that either previous Bush had at the time they ran.
What has Jeb done? Really. I don't think he's accomplished anything in a way that either previous Bush had at the time they ran.
4
"Addressing a sizable crowd in a community center’s gymnasium, Mr. Bush began by saying, “First and foremost, I am proud to be George W.’s brother.”
He added, “I can’t deny the fact that I love my family.”
"And now I will spend the next 30 minutes telling you why I will be nothing like him."
He added, “I can’t deny the fact that I love my family.”
"And now I will spend the next 30 minutes telling you why I will be nothing like him."
5
Don't hide behind respect for the families of fallen soldiers, Jeb. Your brother sent them there, and his VP's friends made a packet on the deal. The families are suffering, but I can't see that your family has suffered so much as a prick of conscience. Remember your brother's fake search for WMDs at the Correspondents' Dinner? High-larious, eh? As for whether the intel was good - sitting at my kitchen table, I could tell it was bogus. Your brother wanted invade Iraq. Period. Full stop.
14
Thank you. I have friends and family who were injured in Iraq and hearing people like you speak up means a lot to me.
4
George W. Bush's executive thinking rested on his beliefs that he was right to assume instead of investigating, that his "gut" was more reliable than any evidence, and that "in the long ruin, we are all dead." The greatest tragedy of our era happened on his watch and by his hand because he thought this way (and because this is the Times, one must credit as well this paper's bloc of pundits such as David Brooks who treated Bush as a prince and his thinking as beyond question.)
It is just and fair that if Jeb Bush can't repudiate his brother's arrogance and errors, then he should pay his share for them. May every soul and every dollar squandered in George Bush's awful folly weigh on Jeb now.
It is just and fair that if Jeb Bush can't repudiate his brother's arrogance and errors, then he should pay his share for them. May every soul and every dollar squandered in George Bush's awful folly weigh on Jeb now.
9
Someone who served one term as governor, then lost his next election, MIGHT be an attractive candidate for the nomination. But when he's had ZERO public role or leadership in the many years since and is still your leading mainstream candidate? That's pretty damning about the leadership of your party.
3
It's especially alarming that Mr J Bush is one of the deeper thinkers of the Republican chickenhawks. Not good. Keep their hands off the levers of power.
6
I think Barbara Bush said it most clearly and succinctly when she said the country has "had enough Bushes".
6
Jeb Bush won Florida gubernatorial races in 1998 and 2002. Both off year elections with no presidential election, As is well known, voter turnout declines significantly in off years. And the drop off is greater for Democratic identified voters than it is for Republican ones.
Jen Bush has shown he can raise money. Getting votes to win the Republican nomination, much less the White House is another matter entirely.
Jen Bush has shown he can raise money. Getting votes to win the Republican nomination, much less the White House is another matter entirely.
2
I can't imagine little George will cause him too much trouble, given the nature of the people it would presumably cause trouble with.
Jeb Bush's problem is just a more clearly defined version of the deadly problem that will plague the GOP into the future: The GOP "Base" that somehow currently controls the choice of candidates in the Republican Party lives in a different reality from the rest of the nation including moderate Republicans, Independents and Democrats of all stripes and prejudices.
This extremist control may work in getting elected to Congress and State legislatures where the fine art of gerrymandering and suppression has been honed to an art of misrepresentation but it will not work in a national election when more than 50% of our registered electorate somehow are motivated to get up and occasionally vote.
Bush, by his very name, focusses the structural GOP problem more clearly on himself thus making it even harder for him. The rest of the field will eventually have to face the same reality.
The Republican Base within the GOP currently represents a coalition of minorities, albeit a powerful one and well financed, made up of:
1. the numerical majority of the minority of America's richest 5-10%;
2. the most activist of the Christian Evangelical Movement which are a minority of the general population of the "Christian majority."
3. the more racially biased and threatened among the ever shrinking racially white majority of this country, including a large proportion, if not a majority, of the oldest white Americans.
Bush's problem is his problem but America really needs a new GOP or new party.
This extremist control may work in getting elected to Congress and State legislatures where the fine art of gerrymandering and suppression has been honed to an art of misrepresentation but it will not work in a national election when more than 50% of our registered electorate somehow are motivated to get up and occasionally vote.
Bush, by his very name, focusses the structural GOP problem more clearly on himself thus making it even harder for him. The rest of the field will eventually have to face the same reality.
The Republican Base within the GOP currently represents a coalition of minorities, albeit a powerful one and well financed, made up of:
1. the numerical majority of the minority of America's richest 5-10%;
2. the most activist of the Christian Evangelical Movement which are a minority of the general population of the "Christian majority."
3. the more racially biased and threatened among the ever shrinking racially white majority of this country, including a large proportion, if not a majority, of the oldest white Americans.
Bush's problem is his problem but America really needs a new GOP or new party.
3
If he looks to his brother for anything but the time of day or the weather that should be enough for us to question his sanity.
5
There is no question that the Tea Party Republicans would gladly have seen the US economy fall into depression 2008. The too big to fail and absolute disregard for moral hazard in the greedy non sense that nearly sank the economy was disgusting. Certainly President Obama has done his fair share to help the people who led the country into that terrible recession in 2008. But George Bush's stewardship of the economy was truly appalling. Much of the blame for the disaster rests at his door. But the war in Iraq was an act of criminality which President Bush has walked scot free from. Now his brother wants to use the same advisors that his brother did to map the USs national security and foreign policy. The 2000 election debacle in Florida was also Jeb Bush's responsibility with the wrongfully disenfranchising blacks in the state. George Bush is one of the worst presidencies in the countries history. For Jeb to try to use his brother without any apparent rehabilitation of him seems foolish.
7
Most stunning aspect of this article is that 81% of any sample electorate have a favorable opinion of George W. Bush.
6
It is sooooo heart warming to hear Jeb's expression of brotherly love.
Now, can we please find someone to elect whose concern is the poor and middle class?
Now, can we please find someone to elect whose concern is the poor and middle class?
7
So we are going to be treated to 17 months of Jeb flip-flopping on all topics relating to G.W. Bush! Jeb can't make up his mind on who he really is!
3
Another "It's MY turn!" candidate from the minor leagues of career clowns that have to be told what they think by a team of consultants, advisors, "fluffers" and most importantly, the scratch of a pen on a checkbook. Jeb seemed to think that he would be welcomed as the savior of the GOP and a shoo-in as the "anointed one." Not so fast, Jeb!
7
I had always thought Jeb was the smarter brother. Now it's obvious that neither has much in the way grey matter; personable, yes, but intelligent enough to make the right decisions for America, NO.
9
He keeps saying that he is his own man. Well, that may be so, but unfortunately that man just happens to agree with everything his brother did, and even with the benefit of hindsight, would do it all over again.
The fact that he is the most competent candidate the GOP can find simply proves that it is long past time for the GOP to join the Whigs on the scrapheap of history. And for the entire Bush family to fade into well deserved obscurity.
The fact that he is the most competent candidate the GOP can find simply proves that it is long past time for the GOP to join the Whigs on the scrapheap of history. And for the entire Bush family to fade into well deserved obscurity.
7
People forget how unconscionable Jeb is. The Terry Schiavo debacle reveals his level of mean-spiritedness in that he pursued Schiavo's husband for domestic abuse charges even after she had died. The police had long ruled out that Mr. Schiavo bore any responsibility for the medical crisis that led to her vegetational state.
5
I wish people, including the press, would start asking tough questions about Jeb's role in Florida vote count when his brother ran against Al Gore.
11
Jeb's smug and petulant tone reminds me exactly of how his brother reacted whenever anyone had the audacity to question his actions. Which also reminds me of his father's dismissive tone when answering questions about the economy in the 1992 campaign.
We don't need any more "leadership" from a smug, entitled family whose reckless, insane decisions have been among the worst in our nation's history. We as Americans will be dealing with George W. Bush's disasters for years to come. If Jeb is too sensitive to reconcile with that fact, he shouldn't be running. Especially when his advisers and positions seem to be a replay of his brother's failures.
We don't need any more "leadership" from a smug, entitled family whose reckless, insane decisions have been among the worst in our nation's history. We as Americans will be dealing with George W. Bush's disasters for years to come. If Jeb is too sensitive to reconcile with that fact, he shouldn't be running. Especially when his advisers and positions seem to be a replay of his brother's failures.
10
"A Quinnipiac University survey this month showed George W. Bush’s favorability at 81 percent among likely Republican caucusgoers in Iowa."
This is perhaps the most frightening example yet of Iowa being a ridiculous place to hold such an outsize role in Republican politics.
This is perhaps the most frightening example yet of Iowa being a ridiculous place to hold such an outsize role in Republican politics.
6
I have believed for a long time that George W. Bush used the US Military as his personal hit squad because "that man [Saddam Hussein] tried to kill my daddy [George H.W. Bush]."
Now Jeb wants to ask for my support for the Iraq War, because his brother started it?
Jeb, please run, so I can vote for "whoever runs agains Jeb Bush".
Now Jeb wants to ask for my support for the Iraq War, because his brother started it?
Jeb, please run, so I can vote for "whoever runs agains Jeb Bush".
4
"On Wednesday, he said such hypotheticals were insensitive to the families of fallen soldiers in the war."
Many of us think Jeb's recent comments, public and otherwise, on both the decision to wage the Iraq War and the war itself have been insensitive to the families of fallen soliders. No Republican presidential candidate should be able to dismiss questions about 2002-03 actions involving Iraq, least of all the younger brother of the self-proclaimed "Decider."
Jeb may not be his brother, but he's far from his own man. His megadonors will make sure of that.
Many of us think Jeb's recent comments, public and otherwise, on both the decision to wage the Iraq War and the war itself have been insensitive to the families of fallen soliders. No Republican presidential candidate should be able to dismiss questions about 2002-03 actions involving Iraq, least of all the younger brother of the self-proclaimed "Decider."
Jeb may not be his brother, but he's far from his own man. His megadonors will make sure of that.
7
So much for a "presentable" GOP presidential candidate. He will have all the chance of winning as that ice cube that went to Hades. GW Bush could call on animus toward marriage rights to gin up turnout, but that is over now. TO not distance him from the failed wars is tone deaf and wrong.
Still Demos will have to work to turn out very disaffected voters. And cynicism has always worked in the GOP's favor.
Still Demos will have to work to turn out very disaffected voters. And cynicism has always worked in the GOP's favor.
4
You would think............the only problem is, as the article points out, 81% per cent of Republicans have a favorable view of (George) Bush. Why would Jeb run away from that bandwagon?
This issue is not going away as conservatives see their only path to the White House is to scare the Americaan people by claiming President Obama's foreign policy has endangered the republic. Krauthammer and Fox News will lead the parade of misinformation that things were fine until Obama comes along. We still need to relitigate this abomination of our grossly overreactive response to 9/11.
4
Ms Z, the 19 year old college student has effectively punctured JEB's facade of inevitability. For this reason: Remember W's carefully vetted and scripted campaign rallies? Where he never really had to face any of the ire, frustration, and despair he had aroused? Never had to face inconvenient questions? Only was shown in ceremonious rituals, reminiscent of military/ religious pagentry?
Well....that's not gonna happen with poor hapless jeb... The footstep-follower, claiming to be his "own man."
Ms. Z has far more going for her, intellectually and in term of sheer guts, than the listless, muddled jeb, whose arranged marriage with the American voter seems doomed to failure.
Ms. Z, you have won the hearts of many. And the gratitude of History! BRAVO!
Well....that's not gonna happen with poor hapless jeb... The footstep-follower, claiming to be his "own man."
Ms. Z has far more going for her, intellectually and in term of sheer guts, than the listless, muddled jeb, whose arranged marriage with the American voter seems doomed to failure.
Ms. Z, you have won the hearts of many. And the gratitude of History! BRAVO!
8
We need a constitutional amendment to limit dynastic succession.
3
Such a law would have prevented FDR from following Teddy.
It is not dynastic succession, because we as Americans have choices and it is up to us to vote and pick the best candidates.
Will Rogers famously said that no man is worse than the ones that elected him.
Succession is altogether the wrong word for what happens in American electoral politics. individuals choose to run and must fashion a way of getting votes.
Should we prevent cops having other family members be cops? Should plumbing be off limits to anyone related to a plumber?
Should lawyer's kids be kept away from the law?
Should Jane and Peter Fonda have been prevented from following Henry into acting?
It is not dynastic succession, because we as Americans have choices and it is up to us to vote and pick the best candidates.
Will Rogers famously said that no man is worse than the ones that elected him.
Succession is altogether the wrong word for what happens in American electoral politics. individuals choose to run and must fashion a way of getting votes.
Should we prevent cops having other family members be cops? Should plumbing be off limits to anyone related to a plumber?
Should lawyer's kids be kept away from the law?
Should Jane and Peter Fonda have been prevented from following Henry into acting?
1
Over throw Citizens United today.
1
Amazing that someone can run for president for months without official announcement, raising big money not governed by campaign finance laws along the way.
4
Stop the Hillary attacks, she finally announced.
1
Prescott Bush, was convicted and paid a fine for collaborating with the enemy (you know Adolf and his crew) in WW2 (also known as Treason)
George Bush Sr. was head of the CIA on November 22, 1963. We all know what happened that day.
And as for Jr. enough said.
Never elect another Bush again, not even for dog catcher.
George Bush Sr. was head of the CIA on November 22, 1963. We all know what happened that day.
And as for Jr. enough said.
Never elect another Bush again, not even for dog catcher.
3
The only way Jeb could be a viable candidate was to bluntly admit that I am a new Bush, very different than my bungling brother. If his brother had only been mildly competent he would have had chance, especially with the field he is up against, but, instead he is saddled with a brother who was truly way above his pay grade.
1
The last Republican Bush Administration ended in a near depression; (The Great Recession!). The previous Bush Administration ended in a recession! There were more jobs created in the 8 years of Democrat Bill Clinton's Administration, than in the 20 years of Republican Administrations of Ronald Reagan, Bush 1 and Bush 2! There were more jobs created in the first 4 years of the Obama Administration, than in the 8 years of the last Bush Administration. Why would anyone vote Republican in 2016, especially for a Republican named Bush !!
Facts:
Job creation by president (from the Wall Street Journal's Real Time Economics):
3 million. jobs created during G. W. Bush (Son-Republican) 8 years in office.
2.5 million. jobs created during G. H.W. Bush (Father-Republican) 4 years in office.
10.5 Million jobs created during Jimmy Carters (Democrat) 4 years in office, almost twice as many jobs created in 4 years then during the 12 Bush family years.
3.6 Million jobs created during JFK’s (Democrat) 3 years in office, ½ million more than G. W. Bush (Son-Republican) 8 years in office.
16 Million jobs created during Ronald Reagan’s (Republican) 8 years in office. (Really Good!)
23.1 Million jobs created during Bill Clinton’s (Democrat) 8 years in office; almost 2 million more jobs than the 20 year Reagan , Bush, father and son combined.
The Wall Street Journal article called the G. W. Bush (Son-Republican) 8 years in office, “ The Worst Track Record On Record
Facts:
Job creation by president (from the Wall Street Journal's Real Time Economics):
3 million. jobs created during G. W. Bush (Son-Republican) 8 years in office.
2.5 million. jobs created during G. H.W. Bush (Father-Republican) 4 years in office.
10.5 Million jobs created during Jimmy Carters (Democrat) 4 years in office, almost twice as many jobs created in 4 years then during the 12 Bush family years.
3.6 Million jobs created during JFK’s (Democrat) 3 years in office, ½ million more than G. W. Bush (Son-Republican) 8 years in office.
16 Million jobs created during Ronald Reagan’s (Republican) 8 years in office. (Really Good!)
23.1 Million jobs created during Bill Clinton’s (Democrat) 8 years in office; almost 2 million more jobs than the 20 year Reagan , Bush, father and son combined.
The Wall Street Journal article called the G. W. Bush (Son-Republican) 8 years in office, “ The Worst Track Record On Record
4
As far as I'm concerned Bush, Cheney and all the other neocons involved with the wars in Irag should be tried for War Crimes and profiteering. None of them should ever be consulted again on any aspect of foreign policy. Nor t's hold they ever be allowed anywhere near an elected official.
7
@niemeyer2: "As far as I'm concerned Bush, Cheney and all the other neocons involved with the wars in Irag should be tried for War Crimes and profiteering."
That's not going to happen, so what are you going to do in the real world?
That's not going to happen, so what are you going to do in the real world?
"Mr. Bush is being confronted with a distressing realization: He may now need to lean on his brother to survive the Republican primary, despite the damage that could do to Mr. Bush in a general election." Just like Hillary Clinton has to figure out how to balance her husband's popularity in some quarters against energizing those who view him as a serial liar and philanderer. As the saying goes, "Cry me a river." Neither J Bush or H Clinton would be where they are today without shamelessly riding the coattails of a far more accomplished person bearing the same last name. In fact, they'd be....nowhere. Which is exactly where each of them should return to. Dynastic monarchies fail from inbreeding, and so do political dynasties. As they should!
4
When I go to the polls, I will not forget that this man's brother hung the United States with a 2 trillion dollar war, thousands of American casualties and a Middle East in complete and total disarray. It has given us Supreme Court justices little removed from outright political toadies who, in turn, have turned the democracy over to a small cabal of the rich and powerful. Even worse, the American electorate, as a result of Bush family shenanigans, is so bitterly divided that one wonders if it will ever be able to be civil in its politics.
I wish any politician with Bush for a last name would just go away. This family, starting with Prescott Bush himself, is tainted with scandal.
I wish any politician with Bush for a last name would just go away. This family, starting with Prescott Bush himself, is tainted with scandal.
8
An 81% favorability rating for George W. Bush among GOP "caucus goers"? Just goes to show you: put no stock in these caucus'. The Iowa straw poll or South Carolina. These are the 75 to 85 year old ill informed, church going seniors who get their news from ultra-conservative sources, and represent perhaps 10% of the country. This Bush, Jeb (the smart one ... wink, wink) is self destructing faster than anyone would have ever imagined. Foot in mouth disease is clearly a family trait.
6
The die has already been cast on this one. If America is stupid enough to elect another Bush--God help us. Ditto for Clinton. We are a politically bankrupt people who keep bringing back the Clinton's and Bush's like leftovers from some terrible meal--the taste of which is still in our mouths.
And here is the real tragedy. We can't do any better than this. American exceptionalism? Go sell crazy some place else...
And here is the real tragedy. We can't do any better than this. American exceptionalism? Go sell crazy some place else...
3
ISIS emerged after we prematurely pulled out of Iraq, without any clear security plan. That is not entirely President Obama's fault, although his lack of diplomatic skills is partly to blame.
There was two years of relative calm in Iraq. Then we pulled out prematurely and without a clear security plan.
ISIS first emerged in Syria, then moved into Iraq.
Can we at least get our facts straight. Do the liberals still think the War on Terror was concocted by right wing defense contractors? Seriously?
There was two years of relative calm in Iraq. Then we pulled out prematurely and without a clear security plan.
ISIS first emerged in Syria, then moved into Iraq.
Can we at least get our facts straight. Do the liberals still think the War on Terror was concocted by right wing defense contractors? Seriously?
All that said, I would trade Obama for GWB in a flash.
3
Then you must be making money as a defense contractor and the deaths and injuries of thousands of Americans doesn't bother you. Not exactly something to brag about.
2
@DR - how dare you impugn my morality based on my political preferences. I would support GWB, a true leader, over the cowardly Obama any day of the week, and yes I'm proud of it. I would put the morality of conservative beliefs against that of liberals any day of the week.
1
It's not just his defense of his brother or his brother's policies. It is that he has taken over 20 of that administration's advisors and staff.
That's a deal killer.
That's a deal killer.
4
We've been warned. (Again.)
4
Jeb can't escape his last name,nor can he escape how BOTH previous Presidents Bush are associated with us being at war with Iraq.To try to is like being trapped in quicksand,the harder tries,the deeper in he gets.Resulting in Jeb saying dumb things like his " interpreted the question wrong " remark.No wonder he's already sounding weary so early in this long,long campaign.
It's not just that " mistakes were made " in Iraq,by the time Iraq War II began lies were told,including by big brother.Had the surge been a success,there wouldn't be ISIS in Iraq.
It's not just that " mistakes were made " in Iraq,by the time Iraq War II began lies were told,including by big brother.Had the surge been a success,there wouldn't be ISIS in Iraq.
1
Career war criminals. Thats the truth about the Bush crime family.
6
Who in their right mind could possibly vote for another Bush? Bush 1 brought us recession and economic misery. Bush 2 invaded Iraq under false intelligence and created ISIS. In addition W Bush brought us the Great Recession and an unstable world economy teetering on collapse. The unemployment rate was around 9% when W left office and the economy was losing 800,000 jobs per month. Jeb Bush, do the country a favor and bow out of this race. Your family as presidents have done nothing but hurt this nation. If Jeb Bush really loved America, he'd give up his egoic presidential ambitions.
4
@Robert: "Jeb Bush, do the country a favor and bow out of this race."
Mr. Bush is not yet officially in the race, but assuming he does what you ask, who are you going to endorse? Here is a list:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/us/elections/2016-presidential-c...
Mr. Bush is not yet officially in the race, but assuming he does what you ask, who are you going to endorse? Here is a list:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/us/elections/2016-presidential-c...
The most important thing which a president does is make decisions reflecting judgments of people and information according to stable principles and values. Thus, the importance of advisers cannot be underestimated. Jeb Bush is already exposing himself as a man of infinitely flawed judgment. By recycling his brother's neo-con advisors as his own, Jeb is showing that he does not know enough to make good judgments in foreign affairs. By dodging the simple questions about who knew what when on Iraq, and hiding behind a claim that "hypotheticals" would be "insensitive to the families of fallen soldiers," he is hiding behind the trumpery of "family values" and showing a lack of resolution to address tough issues. By revealing himself as indecisive, avoiding tough issues, and denying the facts, Jeb looks to make any number of politically expedient but nationally unwise decisions about important policies and legislation. Not being a scientist will be the least of his excuses, and affection for family members will satisfy no one.
3
Jeb answered the student's inquiry logically and calmly, and correctly. As reported in this article, it was more of a smear than an intellectual question, but Bush gave the student the benefit of the doubt.
We saw here a tantrum by a student brainswashed by left wing agenda, essentially programmed to parrot the liberal faith. We also saw here an admirable politician give a calm and reasoned answer. Would Hilary be capable of such rebuttal if an extreme right student challenged her like this? I doubt it.
We saw here a tantrum by a student brainswashed by left wing agenda, essentially programmed to parrot the liberal faith. We also saw here an admirable politician give a calm and reasoned answer. Would Hilary be capable of such rebuttal if an extreme right student challenged her like this? I doubt it.
Why is it that any time a conservative is presented with facts they scream about being smeared or bullied?
2
@rimantas: "We saw here a tantrum by a student brainswashed by left wing agenda, essentially programmed to parrot the liberal faith."
What we "saw here" is a 19-year old political science major. What you say is pure speculation.
What we "saw here" is a 19-year old political science major. What you say is pure speculation.
DR: what facts? It was Obama's withdrawal from Iraq which allowed ISIS to grow into a serious threat. No conservatives are screaming - sounded more like the liberal student was. You see, conservatives are used to such attacks by fantasies of the left; what you haven't addressed was how Hilary would have handled such challenge.
Steve: The student's claim that his brother caused ISIS must be liberal faith since it is not based on facts. Don't political science department teach students to ask questions politely, instead of spouting statements?
Steve: The student's claim that his brother caused ISIS must be liberal faith since it is not based on facts. Don't political science department teach students to ask questions politely, instead of spouting statements?
I believe Jeb Bush should understand that Christian conservatives, those who wish to control the lives of everyone, will cause the demise of the GOP. This country never was and never will kneel down and become a theocracy. The vast majority of Americans live in the 21st. century and will not be shoved back in time. Pandering to the ultra right wing zealots is not the way to win a national election.
3
As Governor of Florida Jeb Bush supported and signed the law for which there had been little popular movement in Florida but was designed by ALEC and sold at the start by whichever state had the most pliant state legislature: Stand Your Ground. He supported the hysteria over the Terry Schiavo case as some sort of right-to-life issue. He is a willing corporate shill and a hypocrite as an advocate of small government. I somehow think he will do fine as the successor to Mitt Romney as leader of the GOP Presidential ticket. He's got the right stuff. I miss the Republican Party that used to have some class, but then, I'm 66 years old and can remember such history
6
Jeb Bush is not as bright as some folks want everyone to believe. Just as his brother W. Only the father seemed to have a modicum of intelligence and he was amoral.
This is what happens many times with offspring of the "privileged", they aren't as smart as we expect.
He won't win, his brothers legacy as President is so sullied and recent Americans will vote against Jeb as if he were W.....
This is what happens many times with offspring of the "privileged", they aren't as smart as we expect.
He won't win, his brothers legacy as President is so sullied and recent Americans will vote against Jeb as if he were W.....
3
How does one speak objectively about a family member's political legacy? It's a catch-22. You'd be crazy to associate your political campaign with George W. Bush. You'd also be crazy to dismiss a close family member as wrong despite "wrongness" being part of historical record.
J. Bush should have been better prepared for this obvious conundrum. Honestly though, I don't think the founding fathers anticipated fatriarchal legacy in US politics. They just got rid of a king; why worry about brothers fighting for the same throne?
J. Bush should have been better prepared for this obvious conundrum. Honestly though, I don't think the founding fathers anticipated fatriarchal legacy in US politics. They just got rid of a king; why worry about brothers fighting for the same throne?
4
Why in the world do evangelicals, people seemingly devoted to the lessons of the Great Sermon on the Mount, continue to support Bush, Jr? Certainly he talked Christian talk, but in his actions he mirrored the behaviors of the Old Testament Yahweh.
I believe many evangelicals remain at a level of moral development in which they need an authority to validate decidedly immoral beliefs and behaviors. Bush, Jr., still serves so well as that kind of authority. Greed? Great. An eye for an eye? Of course. Disdain for the poor? It's their own fault. Second-class citizenship for women, children, immigrants, and blacks? Got you covered.
I believe many evangelicals remain at a level of moral development in which they need an authority to validate decidedly immoral beliefs and behaviors. Bush, Jr., still serves so well as that kind of authority. Greed? Great. An eye for an eye? Of course. Disdain for the poor? It's their own fault. Second-class citizenship for women, children, immigrants, and blacks? Got you covered.
17
What else to expectwhen one sees Bush pandering to the neocon's, conservatives, and Adelson. Let's kill more Americans so that the 1% prospers and the rest of us are left to carry their tax breaks and sacrifice our children for their wars. I hope his brothers legacy hangs around his neck like the albatross that it is. The Bush legacy is one of death and incompetance.
21
Jeb Bush is beginning to sound like a student who neglected to study for his examination, and is planning to crib from his brother's Presidency, mistakes and all failures. Will he need his own Cheney to manage such a job? - He is demonstrating his unpreparedness before even starting out the gate.
19
If you get Jeb Bush as your next president, you also get his entire family, up to and including George W, and all the financial power brokers and neocon advisors who go along with it. Jeb will say almost anything to get the presidency, but if he gets it, make no mistake, the family and Wall Street will rule. Please don't lose sight of the fact that his brother's presidency was a total disaster; so much so that we don't even have a complete summation of all the destructive fallout that is still occurring. If it were not for Jeb Bush's manipulation of the Florida vote, we never would have had George W as president in the first place. We are stuck with candidates like Jeb Bush because of all the money that goes into their candidacy and then, of course, all the favors that must be paid back after a victory. If we had some kind of sane campaign reform, we might just get some very qualified, intelligent candidates for president who don't have all that heavy weight following them as part of the complete package.
23
Wally - great comment. What a package of family, neocons, weird governing in FL and all the insider trading boys. We desperately need real campaign finance reform so that talent and enthusiasm can beat out the shills.
2
If he wasn't a Bush he would just be a non-impressive guy who misinterprets crucial questions on interviews evidencing his lack of qualification for the presidency.
Sadly, that leaves us with the other Republican candidates.
Sadly, that leaves us with the other Republican candidates.
12
Take heart! There are candidates who are not Republicans.
Poor Jeb Bush. He was born with a conjoined brother he can't get separated from. Whether he wants to or not he's going to have to take the heat that W has avoided by soaking in his bathtub and painting pictures of his feet. A great many people want a piece of W and they aren't going gentle and the night is not good. At least for Jeb. He should expect these hot questions and be prepared to cool down the inquisitors. But he's not sharp nor quick of tongue despite his reputation as "the smart one" in the Bush Clan. Beware the Clinton's gift of verbiage should there ever be a debate. Jeb will be hung with W's ornaments like a Christmas tree when that one's over.
13
No wonder Evangelicals like the Bush Crime Family so much: Faith requires belief in the absence of proof or facts, and that algorithm certainly applies to any acceptance of the legitimacy of another Member of that Family.
And don't forget: Bush 41 and Bush 43 put 3 out of the 4 RATS on the SCOTUS. The next President could appoint as many as 3 new Justices to the SCOTUS. I personally don't want another Bush putting more legal vermin on the SCOTUS, do you?
And don't forget: Bush 41 and Bush 43 put 3 out of the 4 RATS on the SCOTUS. The next President could appoint as many as 3 new Justices to the SCOTUS. I personally don't want another Bush putting more legal vermin on the SCOTUS, do you?
20
I know the nytimes has to put out articles like these as we ramp up for a USA presidential election But here is the thing:
Jeb is the only viable candidate the Repubs have that has a chance of winning: the other candidates are fruit-loops right out of the gate.
Jeb on the other hand is bland bland bland : that has won elections for USA president before. Heck, see his brother GWB. The GOP is counting on that blandness to win.
5
That UNR college student was obnoxious and ignorant, but I wish Jeb had parried her grandstanding with a bit more savvy.
She was smart, aware and assertive. I wish the reporters were more like her.
Vigorous, assertive women will certainly be called "obnoxious" by the fearful, but the only ignorant person in the conversation was Jeb Bush.
2
Could you be more specific about what he could have done differently?
1
There's some not-so-sweet potential irony here: We got an incompetent George W. who ends up doing significant, and long-lasting national and international damage in part because he was wrestling with his relationship with his father; now we may get saddled with yet another Bush who is working out his dysfunctional relationship w/ his older brother. Haven't we had enough of the Bush family and their "issues?"
14
The disfunctionality of the Bush siblings is just an indicator of the disfunctionality of the Republican Party. Republicans really want a good ole boy in charge, not a thinker. They seek a candidate that looks the other way while the appointed cronies do the work. With that in mind, the Bush brothers are the best.
1
Very well said.
"while behind the scenes, he has assured skeptical conservatives that he draws wisdom and important counsel from the former president."
He also draws blood from turnips.
He also draws blood from turnips.
7
Slice and dice any way you like, Jeb Bush committed political suicide. The fact that his camp was not prepared for this is a second arrow in the heart of his campaign. It's over and he was the only contender that may have passed the smell test. All the rest are lying fools. If the media were not handling the GOP contenders with kid gloves they would be in a mass grave as we speak.
8
To put it mildly - neither of the former Bush presidents were exceptional in any way whatsoever. Is Jeb supposed to be "third time's the charm"? Admittedly, there isn't serious competition to Jeb in the current GOP lineup! Jeb's involvement in the Terry Schiavo case in Florida doesn't bode well for his qualifications for President.
9
Anyone who has to "lean" on "W" for anything other than remembering to take out the garbage on Thursday morning isn't someone I want near the White House. Jeb needs to learn that you cannot blow an uncertain trumpet.
8
You have to see this for what it is, a base that wants a good ole boy, one who looks the other way while preselected cronies do their dirty work. What better role model to follow than big bothers who received his training in Texas.
I want a president who wants to be president because he/she has the burning desire to make this country a better country; someone who has the visions for how to do it and the political clout and savvyness to get at least some of it done.
I have no idea as to why Jeb Bush wants to be a president, except perhaps to put it on his list of personal accomplishments. I want more than that. Does Jeb Bush know why he wants to be president?
I have no idea as to why Jeb Bush wants to be a president, except perhaps to put it on his list of personal accomplishments. I want more than that. Does Jeb Bush know why he wants to be president?
8
@x: "... the political clout and savvyness to get at least some of it done."
What candidate has that "political clout and savvyness"?
What candidate has that "political clout and savvyness"?
Of course he has to deal with his brothers Presidency. His connection to his brother, to his father, to the Bush name is all he has. Otherwise people like me wouldn't even know who he is. That's the reality, deal with it or drop out and enjoy the other, I'm sure plentiful, perks of being a "Bush". Many of the rest of us are a bit dumbfounded we have another Bush to even think about, but so goes the cronyism in our political system.
10
Why is everyone so surprised? Like his brother, Jeb Bush wants to be president because his father was. That’s it. But, his father seems to be too feeble now to offer much good advice. And the bottom line is: his father wasn’t re-elected to a second term; and his brother (who also entered the presidency with zero experience or interest in foreign affairs) was.
His current dilemma is the best example yet of what those who saw ‘the people’ selecting presidential candidates via primaries as far better than leaving it to all those ‘faceless back-room politicians” never anticipated: the splintering and craziness we have now.
Jeb can still win the nomination, and even the presidency. But only if he declares officially as soon as possible, and starts spending all that money he’s raised on ads that attack his opponents – and get voters to overlook what he says. And, what he is.
His current dilemma is the best example yet of what those who saw ‘the people’ selecting presidential candidates via primaries as far better than leaving it to all those ‘faceless back-room politicians” never anticipated: the splintering and craziness we have now.
Jeb can still win the nomination, and even the presidency. But only if he declares officially as soon as possible, and starts spending all that money he’s raised on ads that attack his opponents – and get voters to overlook what he says. And, what he is.
9
Intelligence failures? The iraq war was an opportunity seized upon to attempt to create a muslim client state in the middle east, facts be damned. Jeb is committed to the same "resolve"as the rest of his neoconservative cronies.
10
Life is tough when you have an unrepentant war criminal in the family.
20
Not as tough as it is for the victims of that war criminal.
Reality is with us. No matter what side of the isle your on. When you see Hillary day in a day out you think of Bill. When you see Jeb , however less often, you think of George, ( W ), not Bush senior.
1
Except Bill Clinton presided over a robust economy, prevailed over republican obstruction and the white water witch hunt. On the other hand, George w. Bush is a failure that invaded a country under false pretenses, bungled the capture of Osama bin laden and destroyed the economy. Big difference.
Jeb Bush will be the next president of the United States, and these r the reasons. First, Bush has what the last Joseph Conrad would call, a "prepossessing physiognomy. "Like Obama, who looks, dresses and walks as though he just stepped out of the pages OF GQ or Esquire, Bush has "it,", i.e., good looks, a full head of hair, and likeability.He is the quintessential wasp, but nonetheless able to communicate with those who have not had the same advantages in life. Years ago I was the U.S. interpreter for a French far left politician, Jean Pierre Chevenement in a tete a tete with RONALD REAGAN, at a time when Reagan was contemplating a presidential run. JPC was ideologically opposed to everything that the center right Reagan stood for, yet he emerged from the meeting like a man who had undergone an religious conversion. Bush has the same effect on people. You just like him, even though you may not share his ideas. When he answers your questions, it is as though he were focusing only on you, and you feel flattered. He is what the French call,"bien dans sa peau(comfortable in his skin)," and that is manifest to anyone who has had even fleeting contact with him.
1
He receives standing ovations from liberal NYC audiences and consistently receives high marks from powerful democrats who meet with him, so I would say you are right on the money with this observation.
1
Sorry, pal. I met Jeb once and was underwhelmed. He has nowhere near the presence or charisma of Obama. Of course, he is white.
2
I hope to God you are wrong in your assesment, what we DO NOT NEED in the White House is another CLINTON or BUSH.
Jeb's stubborn loyalty to brother GWB will undermine forever George P. Bush (Jeb's son) political prospects. Jeb is either extremely short sighted or an unloving father.
2
“Your brother created ISIS,” the young woman told Jeb Bush. That was Ivy Ziedrich, a 19-year-old college student.
Astonishing it has taken a 19-year-old!
NYT, WP, even the Guardian haven't said this with any clarity. Perhaps, in a decade or two.
Nixon, Kissinger created the Khmer Rouge and are complicit in the great catastrophe that happened in Cambodia.
I think Edward Kennedy said something like this four decades ago.
Yet, Kissinger is not taken to account for this. And Samantha Power, author of America and the Age of Genocide, our Ambassador to the UN, and surely aware of the events that precipitated the Cambodian genocide, recently discussed affectionately her encounters with "Henry".
Discouraging, indeed.
Astonishing it has taken a 19-year-old!
NYT, WP, even the Guardian haven't said this with any clarity. Perhaps, in a decade or two.
Nixon, Kissinger created the Khmer Rouge and are complicit in the great catastrophe that happened in Cambodia.
I think Edward Kennedy said something like this four decades ago.
Yet, Kissinger is not taken to account for this. And Samantha Power, author of America and the Age of Genocide, our Ambassador to the UN, and surely aware of the events that precipitated the Cambodian genocide, recently discussed affectionately her encounters with "Henry".
Discouraging, indeed.
8
Total ignorance to make a statement on Iraq 2 war like that.
1-not PC, ie...most Americans now see the war as a disaster,
2-Even many of his own right wing now are against the war because it was not winnable..not because it was wrong..
3-A good number of other Americans are now against it because it was pound for pound the biggest foreign policy blunder in our history.
4-Turned his brother into a war criminal..
There is no fool like an old fool..
1-not PC, ie...most Americans now see the war as a disaster,
2-Even many of his own right wing now are against the war because it was not winnable..not because it was wrong..
3-A good number of other Americans are now against it because it was pound for pound the biggest foreign policy blunder in our history.
4-Turned his brother into a war criminal..
There is no fool like an old fool..
8
Where have all the good guys gone? We are left with a pack of children screaming at the top of their lungs to get attention politically. Jeb is getting just that. The lethargy of our Government makes it almost painful to vote, sans Obama. He made US feel that we could have a voice. That we could be heard over the crushing Corporate lobby influence. I wonder where this country would be if Obama had not come along. Still in Afghanistan, Iraq, and probably in Iran, which have pulled in Pakistan. Shudder. Let's borrow that mantra NY'ers have used, "...we will never forget..." and hold it against all those who would be a detriment to our country.
5
Absolutely!! Where would we be without President Obama. We are so lucky to have had him for 8 years. I love him, and am very proud of him, an excellent leader...... and our nation is better because of him. He'll be very hard to replace.
Bernie Sanders really listens to people. He's fought hard for the poor and middle class and for our men and women in the military.
I am really grateful that the three martini lunches and cocktails at five that were so popular during the Bush boys' gestation period are no longer in fashion.
4
It's great to see that another major Republican candidate probably cannot win the general election. It's also reassuring to think that we won't be faced with another warmongering, crony-enriching Bush in the White House.
8
"Some of Mr. Bush’s allies complain that he is in a no-win situation: Just as he will be faulted for embracing his brother, if he distanced himself from the former president, he could be called disingenuous."
Yeah, he is. Because he's _another_ Bush. And thankfully, a majority of right-thinking individuals in this country agree on moving on. Why and who in the world needs yet _another_ Bush presidency?
Yeah, he is. Because he's _another_ Bush. And thankfully, a majority of right-thinking individuals in this country agree on moving on. Why and who in the world needs yet _another_ Bush presidency?
9
He's toast. His brother had a disastrous presidency and was incompetent in so many ways. Jeb was supposed to be different, but now he's proving to be more of the same.
13
I'm a Democrat, and no fan of George or Jeb Bush. But I think the piling on that occurs when any candidate mispeaks is a glaring example of the juvenile, pack mentality journalism surrounding the excruciatingly long campaign process.
4
I think you are right. But, the piling on began during the Bush Campaign in 2000 and continues this day on Fox News. They have been piling on President Obama's Presidency since day one; there isn't anything that he, or Michelle Obama can do right. And we know that is absolutely wrong.
Mr. Park, elections are like football, in order to score you have to move away from your goal toward their goal. Piling on is essential to stop an unwanted advance by the other side. In politics as in football you have to score early and often. Sit back and enjoy the game.
So W has a 81% favorability among republican primary voters. A perfect illustration of the perception problems conservatives have; unwilling to admit that the guy they elected was demonstrably the worst POTUS in at least the last one hundred years. That sort of denial is scary for the rest of us stuck here in a reality based world.
11
I agree. Rebellious denial and a low level of consciousness are dominant traits in those identifying as conservatives or republicans. With a low level of consciousness and the characteristic narcissism of Republicans, there is no empathy or compassion in these people. They regularly engage in magical thinking and when they dont like certain aspects of reality, they wrongfully believe they can make up their own reality as they go along. These are soulless, psycho spiritually sick people. Republicanism in the USA is nothing but codified and politicized soullessness.
It's terrifying. If they don't care about the lives of our service members, one would think they would at least care about their own financial well being.
I will not vote for any Republican in this country given the state of the GOP. They support laws to discriminate against the LGBT community. They prefer to pretend that abstinence only education works to prevent intercourse and pregnancy in teens. They want to ignore climate change, don't care about our environment, and don't care about us. They have characterized a large segment of the population as moochers, lazy good for nothings, and are traitors. After seeing 47 GOP senators sign a letter to Iran while there were diplomatic negotiations underway because they wanted to undermine Obama, I believe that they have shown that they are not fit to run this country. After watching them stand by while 2 governors either signed or were going to sign laws that allowed pre-emptive discrimination against gays, lesbians, transgender and bisexual citizens I wouldn't trust them with the job of dog catcher.
Jeb Bush is one Bush too many. We don't need anyone else from that family or party in the White House now. The GOP, starting with Saint Ronnie in the 80s, has destroyed the American middle class. They did it with our blessing but we don't have to allow it to continue. If we do, shame on us.
Jeb Bush is one Bush too many. We don't need anyone else from that family or party in the White House now. The GOP, starting with Saint Ronnie in the 80s, has destroyed the American middle class. They did it with our blessing but we don't have to allow it to continue. If we do, shame on us.
8
US involvement in the military adventure with Iraq started in 1990 under HW Bush and continued with hs son. It was a seventeen year long operation when George W. left office. It gave Iran far greater power and territorial control in the Mideast and eliminated Iran's no. 1 enemy.
3
It is not surprising that those who are considered "well heeled" and "well educated" are a big problem for America. We tend to defer to those who are considered "elite", although they are just as fallible; often more so. It is integrity, morality, and social reasoning that's lacking...
The so called "privileged" class has taken America into a downward spiral. When you're inured from the reality of the average person, the purview of understanding becomes obfuscated....
The so called "privileged" class has taken America into a downward spiral. When you're inured from the reality of the average person, the purview of understanding becomes obfuscated....
4
Exactly. Have you noticed that all these "Ivy League rs", with all their education at fancy political schools of international affairs have lead us into a 50 year war with Cuba and a 30 year war with Iran. They have accomplished absolutely nothing.
What a country, more than 10 people look at the last 10 years and think of George W favorably? I guess all cowboy hats, bible thumping, and cuttin' brush got some mileage.
11
It seems it is a norm nowadays for a politician to craft his/her message to the audience in order to win their support. If they are lucky, they need only to appeal to one large group with enough weight to sway the electionresult. If not, as Jeb Bush finds himself now, he is faced with multiple groups that take him in opposing directions. Jeb's conundrum shows clearly that politicians' words are meaningless, like a chameleon that changes color with its surrounding.
5
I think Jeb has a long road ahead of him. Even if he somehow gets the Republican nomination and goes head-to-head with Hillary, there appears to be very little that Mr. Bush could say that would resonate with the general election electorate without alienating his base.
According to some polls people are ready to hear a populist message, one that would be difficult for Mr. Bush to deliver. And as far as foreign affairs or national defense is concerned-two stalwarts of the Republican party-people have had their fill of the middle east, and I think it would be difficult to smear Ms. Clinton given the President's track record with national defense (oh wait, I forgot-Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi!).
All in all, I just don't think Mr. Bush will get much traction in the general election, and it will come down to voter turnout. And of course the Republicans will do their best to try to suppress Democrats from voting.
According to some polls people are ready to hear a populist message, one that would be difficult for Mr. Bush to deliver. And as far as foreign affairs or national defense is concerned-two stalwarts of the Republican party-people have had their fill of the middle east, and I think it would be difficult to smear Ms. Clinton given the President's track record with national defense (oh wait, I forgot-Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi!).
All in all, I just don't think Mr. Bush will get much traction in the general election, and it will come down to voter turnout. And of course the Republicans will do their best to try to suppress Democrats from voting.
4
I could probably vote for Jeb Bush if he clearly demonstrated who he is and what he thinks. I will never vote for him if he says one thing to win the Republicans' trust, and a different one to win the rest of the electorate. This, once again, is flip-flopping at its prime. When are politicians going to understand that voters value integrity, and not changing according to the tide?
2
Ah yes, the Clinton-Gore conundrum. Al ran away from Bill, and even though Gore didn't really lose the 2000 election, his shabby treatment of Bill probably did cost him votes and maybe cost him the election.
But not to worry. Republicans now believe the George W. Bush was the best president in US history. After all, Bush won the peace in Afghanistan and Iraq...until Barack Obama, the worst president in all of US history messed things up.
Or least so goes the Republican narrative, which most Americans are stupidest enough to believe.
But not to worry. Republicans now believe the George W. Bush was the best president in US history. After all, Bush won the peace in Afghanistan and Iraq...until Barack Obama, the worst president in all of US history messed things up.
Or least so goes the Republican narrative, which most Americans are stupidest enough to believe.
4
I don't think anyone is looking for him to disown his family. But, given the fact that his entire adult life revolves around one asset, that his last name is "Bush", it certainly is fair to ask about the Bushes that have preceded him. He cannot have it both ways.
67
Post WW1 french cartographers created ISIS. Splitting the tribes down the middle, so that a reunion would mean a defacto invasion of one country into another. Bush unleashed the coiled serpent sooner than it would have been sprung naturally. Before it had become entrenched into hearts and minds. Now we must destroy it. Blood and treasure screened by bread and circus. No use blaming W. If there ever was a just war, this is it. Operation Eager Lion!
3
I recently visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum. The first thing I did was watch a 15 minute film. I was rather expecting interviews with first responders or victims/victims' families but what I got was an interview with GWB and his advisors seemingly patting themselves on the back. It was horrific and embarrassing.
Being the brother of this President, Jeb Bush cannot sweep the invasion of Iraq under the rug no matter what was done in subsequent years.
Being the brother of this President, Jeb Bush cannot sweep the invasion of Iraq under the rug no matter what was done in subsequent years.
5
When GW first announced his candidacy in 1998, I laughed. When I saw him give a speech, I laughed and thought there was no way on earth that our country would elect someone so simple and intellectually challenged. Then, when GW "won" the election I was terrified. My apprehension turned fears were More than validated by the worst president in two generations iif not ever. Well, I'm not laughing at Jeb, but I feel even more skeptical that he will become president than I was when his silly-but-dangerously-stupid big brother ran for office. Jeb is not authentic, he doesn't think on his feet and he's more fat headed than anyone thought. This can't happen, can it?
9
The Republicans are their own worst enemy. They just don't get it that George W. really messed up the whole country. Even though a majority of the voters in the U.S. in 2000 did not buy the homey attitude of the faux cowboy from Texas he won the office with the help of 5 Supreme Court Justices. The Republicans might control Congress because of their gerrymandering efforts, but I highly doubt that the voters of this country will anoint one on the parade of candidates. Of course the people have to get out and vote, and voter suppression is another tactic of the Republicans in which they have been successful in the past.
5
The military initiatives by the George Bush Junior Administration qualify as gross war crimes from any perspective. Not a single member of that Administration, aside from the factotum to Richard Cheney, has been held the least responsible for the deliberate lies that they continue to repeat even now and much worse the massive destruction and death that they unleashed on various parts of the world, in particular Iraq and Afghanistan.
Not only that, but he cost to the USA citizenry will run into the trillions of USA dollars for those escapades, while a Bush Administration economist at the time of the attack on Iraq was summarily fired by Administration officials when he stated that the invasion would cost at least $100 billion. At the time of course, the fantasy pitched by Administration officials was that the invasion "would pay for itself" and USA invading troops would be greeted with flowers as "liberators" by the Iraqis.
This Mr. Bush is too dishonest to acknowledge reality. Worse he has surrounded himself with the exact same "advisors" who initiated that destruction during his brother's Administration.
Not only that, but he cost to the USA citizenry will run into the trillions of USA dollars for those escapades, while a Bush Administration economist at the time of the attack on Iraq was summarily fired by Administration officials when he stated that the invasion would cost at least $100 billion. At the time of course, the fantasy pitched by Administration officials was that the invasion "would pay for itself" and USA invading troops would be greeted with flowers as "liberators" by the Iraqis.
This Mr. Bush is too dishonest to acknowledge reality. Worse he has surrounded himself with the exact same "advisors" who initiated that destruction during his brother's Administration.
7
Jeb's nomination could provide the USA a great opportunity to see an election stolen yet again, this time thanks to Texas.
1
How is an election going to be "stolen" by Texas?
George Herbert Walker Bush had this order of priorities: First came his family. Then came his social class, and thirdly came the interests of the American People. The saving grace of HW Bush was that in his hierarchy of priorities, the American People at least held the bronze position, and our welfare was considered in the decision making process. This was apparently not so for George W. His father knew what the likely outcome of regime change in Iraq by an American Invasion would lead to, and understood the strain it would place upon the American People. So he settled for containing a defeated Saddam Hussein, and he left him in place to serve as a future surrogate in America's impending conflict with Iran and her Shia Cousins.
W on the other hand, as an inveterate wise guy and dedicated oil man, decided to atone for his father Iraq "mistake" by giving the gang at Exxonmobil, and Chevron/Texaco a run at easy riches in the pristine oil reserves of Iraq by taking down Saddam to clear the way for a fossil fuel dominated New American Century. WMD were the pretext for the invasion, and when none were found, Donald Rumsfeld discovered that this had been about freedom and democracy all along. Oil? Did someone say oil? Never even considered!
What caused HW to balk at driving to victory and regime change happened. Civil War, the alignment of Iraq with Iran, and the full on destabilization of the oil patch became a reality, and now Jeb wants to double down on W's ignorance. Help!
W on the other hand, as an inveterate wise guy and dedicated oil man, decided to atone for his father Iraq "mistake" by giving the gang at Exxonmobil, and Chevron/Texaco a run at easy riches in the pristine oil reserves of Iraq by taking down Saddam to clear the way for a fossil fuel dominated New American Century. WMD were the pretext for the invasion, and when none were found, Donald Rumsfeld discovered that this had been about freedom and democracy all along. Oil? Did someone say oil? Never even considered!
What caused HW to balk at driving to victory and regime change happened. Civil War, the alignment of Iraq with Iran, and the full on destabilization of the oil patch became a reality, and now Jeb wants to double down on W's ignorance. Help!
6
I think Americans should keep criticizing those who say voting is broken, that it doesn't work, because look at all these AMAZING choices we're being given. Even Bernie Sanders is running within the corporate structure of the Democratic party. If Hillary wins, Wall Street will celebrate big, and if a Republican wins, they'll party even harder. These choices sure are amazing, so this is where people who know very little will criciticize anyone saying how flawed the entire voting system, with all the privately-owned ballet box companies and the electoral college system, you should all shout down those people correctly pointing out how unrepresentative this system has become, and who would change it for the better. Lets all tell them to just shut up, cause gosh, these terrible choices we're being given keep continuing to shine.
1
In my opinion, Jeb Bush will not seek the nomination, primarily because of the concerns raised. He is George's brother, and there is no running away from the Iraq question. Only history will confirm the invasion of Iraq as one of the worst decisions made by a sitting president. Although there is no proof, how can one deny that thirteen years of conflict in the Middle East just might have sown the seeds for ISIS? If you were a young person today growing up with the conflicts throughout the region, might you ask yourself if the United States is responsible? I think so.
59
John, sadly for the same reasons you do not think J Bush will run, I think he will. He is George's brother. While he cannot run away from the Iraq question, he can and I beleive will, if given the chance, face the question head on and be just as stupidly ignorant/arrogant as his brother was. Just look at who he has as advisors: the very group of ideologues who inflenced GW and used 911 to fear monger te American People to take its eyes off Bin Laden and one up Daddy Bush regarding Sadam Hussein. Will he go for it again to one up his brother and try to vindicate the now tarnished Bush name in the eyes of his Daddy?
You betcha, it's in his genes and that trumps logic and his view of reality. Which is why we must not elect him. Don't read his lips, look at his genes. His priorities are not about America as much as they are about getting more Shrubbery at the White House.
You betcha, it's in his genes and that trumps logic and his view of reality. Which is why we must not elect him. Don't read his lips, look at his genes. His priorities are not about America as much as they are about getting more Shrubbery at the White House.
G.W. Bush: Tweedle-dum. Jeb Bush: Tweedle-dee.
14
You know what's tricky for Acronym Bush? Facts and consequences. That he cannot instantly recognize that his moronic brother invaded Iraq for no good reason causing the death of 4,700 American kids, wounding and maiming 50,000 more, not to mention the death and destruction that he needlessly rained down on Iraq and its people and caused ISIS to come into being tells me that he's running on name-recognition alone and nothing more, a vanity candidacy of opportunity. He makes me sick!
16
"A Quinnipiac University survey this month showed George W. Bush’s favorability at 81 percent among likely Republican caucusgoers in Iowa."
I would have to think hard to come up with a more discouraging statistic. I see little hope for the country in the long term.
I would have to think hard to come up with a more discouraging statistic. I see little hope for the country in the long term.
15
Both Bush AND Clinton are insane. We American voters will be voting for neither of them. We are done with the 'old rule' and want someone new and fresh. How Jeb Bush or Carl Rove could even think of running the Bush name again, just shows how out of touch with Americans they are.
Personally, I like Marco Rubio. He's a person to watch and take notice of.
Personally, I like Marco Rubio. He's a person to watch and take notice of.
2
Rubio is just a younger version of Jeb.
Speak for yourself. This American voter is voting for Hillary Clinton if she's the nominee.
1
"if" she's the nominee. At the rate Hillary is going, that looks more and more doubtful every day. Start thinking about another candidate as a back up.
19 year old U. of Nevada political science major Ivy Ziedrich asked Jeb the question about the origin of ISIS in Iraq everyone wanted to hear him answer - and the response was dishonest. Insisting he take her question seriously was a gutsy move on Ms. Ziedrich's part and we're in her debt. No member of the media would have asked him that.
149
Your right, No member of the Media would have asked a Bush how the Islamic State in SYRIA, an outgrowth of the Syrian Civil war which devolved from President Obama's Arab Spring, would have taken such force in Iraq. It would have pointed out the failure of the Obama administration in the Middle East.
1
When was the last time a member of the media asked ANY POLITICIAN a hard answer? Please.
1
"No member of the media would have asked him that."
Incredibly true and very worth stating.
1
One more time George Carlin comes to mind when I read about Jeb Bush running. Even Barbara Bush said "no" but was overridden by popular demand for more Bush. And as George Carln would say "why are there endless strip malls and paved parking lots and ugly signage and cheap lousy fast food everywhere? Beeeecauuse, Americans LIKE IT!". This is just like plastic junk washing up on our shores. Yuk.
5
"A Quinnipiac University survey this month showed George W. Bush’s favorability at 81 percent among likely Republican caucusgoers in Iowa." All I can say is WOW. Where has Iowa been these last two decades? Are they somehow disconnected from the rest of the planet? Do they only receive Fox News broadcasts there? That's just a stunning piece of info. I am continuously amazed by the human race's capability to live in total, blissful denial of the facts.
11
Republicans in iowa, where I live, are disconnected from the facts about the world. From a ridiculous governor who wants to protect farmers from clean water laws and championed dove hunting an important source of job creation, to senator s who cry out about death panels and openly support outsourcing of jobs, to strange representatives who belong on reality tv, the do not care about evidence of any kind. Not everyone in the state is thid way, but it dominates the gop.
There is nothing 'tricky" about this situation. Jeb has just admitted in front of the ENTIRE world, that the bonds of filial loyalty are more important than character traits such competence, judgment, intelligence, and genuine leadership. Apparently Jeb's version of the "vision thing" is some kind of bizarre "Back to the Future" reference to the most disastrous administration in modern times. He has done American voters a tremendous favor.
6
Bush has done much more harm to our country than Al Qaeda and ISIS combined.
11
“If [JEB] runs, it will be 2016, not 2000.” It sounds as though Jeb, if elected, will be hell-bent to turn the clock back at least sixteen years. But take heart! That's much less regression than the 300 years preferred by the rest of the GOP.
Speaking of history, let me channel my hero, Ben Carson. Today's GOP is the worst things that's happened to America since slavery, a prominent feature of our national landscape 300 years ago.
Speaking of history, let me channel my hero, Ben Carson. Today's GOP is the worst things that's happened to America since slavery, a prominent feature of our national landscape 300 years ago.
5
There is ultimately no escaping important events in the past, and they can still matter today.
The Bill of Rights matters.
Republican president Lincoln’s comments about not fooling all the people all the time matter
Republican president Theodore Roosevelt’s decrying malefactors of great wealth matters.
Republican president Eisenhower’s warnings about the military industrial complex matter.
Republican Secretary of State Powell’s warning (before he became Sec of St), about getting into foreign quagmires without a viable exit strategy, matters.
The warnings about Al Qaeda in 2001 (and how they were ignored or downplayed by the White House) matter.
The unwillingness of 2016 Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush and his family, in 2000, to try to halt the presidential candidacy of family member George W., whose gross incompetence in the White House can indeed be said to have “caused ISIS”, matters. Brother Jeb cannot wish away this colossal error by denying or evading it.
The Bill of Rights matters.
Republican president Lincoln’s comments about not fooling all the people all the time matter
Republican president Theodore Roosevelt’s decrying malefactors of great wealth matters.
Republican president Eisenhower’s warnings about the military industrial complex matter.
Republican Secretary of State Powell’s warning (before he became Sec of St), about getting into foreign quagmires without a viable exit strategy, matters.
The warnings about Al Qaeda in 2001 (and how they were ignored or downplayed by the White House) matter.
The unwillingness of 2016 Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush and his family, in 2000, to try to halt the presidential candidacy of family member George W., whose gross incompetence in the White House can indeed be said to have “caused ISIS”, matters. Brother Jeb cannot wish away this colossal error by denying or evading it.
8
I disagree that the Republican base thinks George W. Bush is a hero. If that was the case, why was his name not even mentioned at the 2012 GOP convention? "W" was a liability then, and he is a liability now. Jeb, if you are your own man, stop defending your brother and quit taking advice from his advisors. Most of the country now thinks the Iraq War was a mistake and a disaster in terms of lives lost, taxpayer dollars spent and the resulting unraveling of the Middle East. And Jeb, you are running for office in 2015, in case no one told what year it is.
5
Jeb Bush feels entitled to be president. He's been a 'legacy' to every meaningful accomplishment in his life: admission to Andover (father & brother attended), wealth inherited from grandfather Prescott Bush's fortune, set up in a cushy banking job after college by his father's rich buddy James Baker, elected Governor because his father was U.N. Ambassador, C.I.A. Director, Congressman, Vice President and President before Jeb ever entered politics.
Jeb Bush suppressed the African American vote in Florida so Supreme Court justices appointed by his father could select his brother to be president. Jeb's only able to run now because family connections to big money donors permit him to raise enough money to run - just like his unqualified brother.
No candidate running in the GOP pool is less deserving of being president than Jeb. There are candidates who are less qualified than Jeb but no one less deserving. Jeb's had everything in life handed to him - money, access, power. He's accomplished nothing on his own indicating he has character or wisdom and much that doesn't (the Florida recount, Terry Schiavo, his bad advisors from W's administration).
The fact he's repeatedly flubbed and backspun his comments about his brother's advice and the Iraq War, which he's had years to consider, speaks volumes about his assumption the nomination would be handed to him, that he wouldn't have to fight for it because .... his father and brother were president.
Nice to see he's wrong.
Jeb Bush suppressed the African American vote in Florida so Supreme Court justices appointed by his father could select his brother to be president. Jeb's only able to run now because family connections to big money donors permit him to raise enough money to run - just like his unqualified brother.
No candidate running in the GOP pool is less deserving of being president than Jeb. There are candidates who are less qualified than Jeb but no one less deserving. Jeb's had everything in life handed to him - money, access, power. He's accomplished nothing on his own indicating he has character or wisdom and much that doesn't (the Florida recount, Terry Schiavo, his bad advisors from W's administration).
The fact he's repeatedly flubbed and backspun his comments about his brother's advice and the Iraq War, which he's had years to consider, speaks volumes about his assumption the nomination would be handed to him, that he wouldn't have to fight for it because .... his father and brother were president.
Nice to see he's wrong.
17
I wish I could recommend your comment more than once.
It's also a sad state of affairs when a 19 year old college student is asking the tough questions and demanding answers. So far, the mainstream media has given JEB a free pass.
It's also a sad state of affairs when a 19 year old college student is asking the tough questions and demanding answers. So far, the mainstream media has given JEB a free pass.
1
Bush cannot get elected if he is shown to be too close to George W.
Hillary cannot get elected unless she is shown to be an extension of Bill. She absolutely cannot win other than as Bill's wife.
And you know I tell the truth.
Hillary cannot get elected unless she is shown to be an extension of Bill. She absolutely cannot win other than as Bill's wife.
And you know I tell the truth.
2
Wisdom from W.? What wisdom? Thousands died for NO reason! Wisdom my rear!
10
As usual, the Bushes write their own revisionist history and like cooked pasta, hope it sticks when they throw it against the wall. The majority of Americans know that the Iraq War was about W's mindless swagger and avenging daddy. There were no WMDs, but Bush and Cheney did not want to be thwarted on their Middle East folly. No attempt to rewrite the near past will work.
14
CHANGE back, just BELIEVE in it, and HOPE for the best. I guess that's the campaign slogan for Jeb. (Or for any Republican candidates, for that matter.)
If and when reporters start researching Jeb's business deals during his brother's time in office, he will be done. He took full advantage of the political and family connection while appearing detached from the administration.
75
Democrats have eliminated dirty dealings as a disqualifier for the presidency. They've lowered the bar so low with Hillary that anything is now acceptable. They will have zero credibility when trying to make Bush too dishonest, corrupt, etc., since their own candidate is all these things and they are openly giving her a pass.
Even the fact that Jeb is brothers with a past president, whom the left vehemently hates, is not a disqualifier, since Hillary is the wife of a past president whom the right equally hates and is equally divineness.
Even the fact that Jeb is brothers with a past president, whom the left vehemently hates, is not a disqualifier, since Hillary is the wife of a past president whom the right equally hates and is equally divineness.
2
Your Right, he will look like a rank amateur up against the Clinton's when it come to corrupting public office for profit. We will stick with the pro's.
3
Politicians that won't answer a hypothetical question are cowards. They avoid saying what they would do if an event occurred then they refuse to answers questions about the past saying it is history and that they won't revisit.
10
Unlike the father, George is going to be an albatross about the neck. Without seriously distancing himself from his brother's administrations Jeb will be toast before getting out of the gate with those who have not forgotten nor forgiven George.
3
everyone please stop calling him jeb bush. that is not his name. his name is john ellis bush. hopefully the gop will put jeb on the ballots and he will then be invalidated when the votes are counted.
3
Maybe Jeb is hungry enough to be President he will force "W" to admit that Cheney was really running things for the first 5 years of his Presidency.
12
So W 's approval rating is above 80% with conservatives in Iowa.....some people never learn.
12
still waiting for evidence that the hyping of jed bush's intelligence, has some basis in fact...he appears to fix his gaze rather than focus, he reads speeches without personal connection and, on his own, he's just empty...his statement in support of on his brother's iraq adventure demonstrated a lack of attention (to the "knowing what we know now..." part of the question) that was astonishing...hard to think of cortex when he projects rolodex.
11
From now on George W. Bush is to be referred to as "The Albatross".
13
The article mentioned "other" GOP candidates besides Rand Paul who have been critical of the Iraq War and I'd be very curious to know who they are? As far as I've been able to see from my limited exposure are candidates whose list of advisers include at least one or more neocons associated with selling or executing that war.
I'm not a Republican, but given the divisions in this country acknowledge that it's possible the next president could be. Consequently, I am scrutinizing their statements and supporters, as well. To that end, I was encouraged to see James Baker on Bush's list, but sadly, not surprised when his comments provoked hysteria from the usual bullies who demand genuflection regarding checking off every box on the party line.
I'm not a Republican, but given the divisions in this country acknowledge that it's possible the next president could be. Consequently, I am scrutinizing their statements and supporters, as well. To that end, I was encouraged to see James Baker on Bush's list, but sadly, not surprised when his comments provoked hysteria from the usual bullies who demand genuflection regarding checking off every box on the party line.
5
Bring back the draft. W would have been a one term president, guaranteed. Upper and middle class parents wouldnt have allowed their children to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, EVER. I know, because I am one of them. We would have been in the streets protesting. Send my boys to war for a president who couldnt speak coherently: no way. Now his brother is running for president. Give me a break. Theyre both dumber than doorknobs as my father would say. We need candidates with values and leadership qualities. That means standing up for whats right even if its unpopular. I havent seen a candidate like that in a long, long time.
22
Her names Elizabeth Warren. Why she won't run is beyond me
Another war or two and it might come to that. Thousands of our troops were injured in Iraq and Afghanistan and we might not have enough volunteers to replace them.
bobo - I agree with you. Looks like Bernie Sanders is the closest candidate who is "standing up for whats right even if its unpopular!"
Jeb Bush's poor judgment is already evident: Any sensible brother of
such a bad president as W would know better than to try to carry the
tainted name to any political campaign, let alone the presidency!
such a bad president as W would know better than to try to carry the
tainted name to any political campaign, let alone the presidency!
5
Jeb is the most truth-challenged of those Bushs. Seriously, compared to Jeb, George W. Bush is known in his family as "Honest George."
2
Oh geez, cut the guy a break! He IS different than his brother, in just about every way, other than they are both males, share the same parents, and identify as Republicans. It is unrealistic to expect him to openly criticize his brother or defend the past mistakes--mistakes supported by Hilary Clinton (and most of the other Democrats at the time) and nearly everyone (excepting Ron Paul & probably Bernie Sanders) who is potentially running for President. The media and the public destroy and distort every single candidate before they even get started, and obsess continually on issues, just to stir it up--goes for all parties. It is a wonder anybody has the stomach to run for public office, and certainly for President. Politics is corrupt, it is a game, and it brings out the worst in humanity, both in the politicians and in the public (including the press).
16
The issue is "Will Jeb be W 2.0?" W and his war of choice actually did lead to ISIS and Jeb will listen to W about the Middle East? Jeb is thrilled to ride W's coattails in the primaries with the unstated but ever present assumption that if elected, it will be almost as good as having W back in the White House. Either he is much like his brother or he is not. If not, Jeb needs to make that distinction. Unfortunately, the primaries will punish him if he does.
Remember that the question is not what did you think about Iraq then but would you repeat that colossal blunder again. Jeb said yes, which is very telling about his ability to (a) be his own man and (b) learn for past mistakes. When candidates let what they actually think slip out, it is virtually certain that the original question was misunderstood - or so they say.
Remember that the question is not what did you think about Iraq then but would you repeat that colossal blunder again. Jeb said yes, which is very telling about his ability to (a) be his own man and (b) learn for past mistakes. When candidates let what they actually think slip out, it is virtually certain that the original question was misunderstood - or so they say.
2
Politics is largely the reason why the US hasn't seen any true leadership in a very long time. At this point, it doesn't matter who will hold the office - Republican or Democrat or an alien from another galaxy. Politics and a self-serving mindset will kill any sort of real progress that had made this country great.
Do you think that Hillary is anything like Bill?
Despite W's pre-election commitment to invade Iraq and "get" Saddam and his sons, despite the lies and pretense about a relationship between Iraq and Al Qaeda, Jeb will ride on his brother's "reputation". That should be enough to exclude him from the Presidency. It does not in the Republican Party though or among the media outlets. In the meanwhile, Benghazi looms over Hillary? Could it be that there is a conservative bias in the press?
Because no one in the Bush administration has been prosecuted for waging an illegal war, torturing prisoners, and persistently lying to the public and because the criminals on Wall St. have not been prosecuted that our entire national culture has been corrupted.
In context with stories about a decline in "christian" affiliation, we must consider how "Christians" are W's fast friends and how they may support Jeb in Iowa and South Carolina. Who wants to be affiliated with a group, who despite the catastrophe in Iraq, support the perpetrator? Are these Christians in name only? Are they corrupt?
Because no one in the Bush administration has been prosecuted for waging an illegal war, torturing prisoners, and persistently lying to the public and because the criminals on Wall St. have not been prosecuted that our entire national culture has been corrupted.
In context with stories about a decline in "christian" affiliation, we must consider how "Christians" are W's fast friends and how they may support Jeb in Iowa and South Carolina. Who wants to be affiliated with a group, who despite the catastrophe in Iraq, support the perpetrator? Are these Christians in name only? Are they corrupt?
4
Oh, J.E.B completely understood the question. What we witnessed is a POLITICIAN fumbling just HOW he would answer the question in a way that would not compromise his campaign or alienate his potential or current supporters. And as we have seen he completely dropped the ball.
3
Jeb deferring to his brother and father is a lot less dangerous to America than his deferring to Dick Cheney. For the good of our nation, he needs to stay away from Mr. Cheney at all costs.
That is not his only probably. His record as Governor of Florida sucks, His pronouncements already show him catering to the worst elements of the Republican Party ideology
5
In light of Jeb's views on the Iraq war, and noting he'd go ahead even knowing what we do now.....stupid is as stupid does, Jeb.
10
Following the Bush Family's catastrophic run in 200-2008, we need a 50-year moratorium in putting their inconsistent hands back on the rudder of the ship of state.
They'll be OK. They won't starve. They have plenty else to do, like make more money on the interest of their fortune than you and I make in a lifetime.
They'll be OK. They won't starve. They have plenty else to do, like make more money on the interest of their fortune than you and I make in a lifetime.
11
John E. Bush is paying the price for having conspired to have his brother W. appointed to the presidency by fixing the election in Florida. He can only distance himself so much without questions about his culpability.
14
Indeed, this is pure karma in the works here ))
Maybe someday the Democrats will have a candidate that actually engages in public with people or takes unscripted questions; on that day we may see Hillary having to answer question about Clintons past. NAFTA would be a thorny topic right now. Say what you want, the Republicans are out there in the ruff and tumble doing it.
2
Hillary Clinton held dozens of town meetings in past elections. No reason to suspect she won't do the same this time around. Facts are facts. You need to read the companion article to this, about the college student who asked Jeb how he could promote more aggressiveness in the Middle East in light of the situation he brother's actions caused. Is his answer to her question "engaging in public" with people?
Both Clinton and Obama are gifts to Jeb Bush right now. Obama because he is making centrists and disgusted democrats consider republicans, and Jeb is a reasonable candidate. Clinton because she has made democrats stoop so low that they have no moral standing on which to criticize her opponents. Bush simply has to take questions from the media to appear more legitimate than her.
1
Well there's a ringing endorsement. Yes it's true, the Republicans are out there spouting hate speech and idiocy. Not exactly something to brag about.
Jeb is most certainly misunderestimating the impact of his brother's warrior legacy.
In fact, he's doing a heck of a job at it.
But how can you declare mission accomplished if the past is only hypothetical?
The past is hypothetical. Let's add that to the list of those immortal Bush era phrases we'll never forget, starting way back with "Read my lips," moving through hanging chads, feeding tubes, compassionate conservatism, enhanced interrogation, and no child left behind.
Jeb's campaign has the Shakespearean or even Biblical overtones of a slow moving fratricide, while we all wait and see which brother will kill the specter of the other off.
In fact, he's doing a heck of a job at it.
But how can you declare mission accomplished if the past is only hypothetical?
The past is hypothetical. Let's add that to the list of those immortal Bush era phrases we'll never forget, starting way back with "Read my lips," moving through hanging chads, feeding tubes, compassionate conservatism, enhanced interrogation, and no child left behind.
Jeb's campaign has the Shakespearean or even Biblical overtones of a slow moving fratricide, while we all wait and see which brother will kill the specter of the other off.
8
These are not stupid mistakes. W was fulfilling the neocon wish, not just of Perle, Wolfowitz et al but the 'think' tanks and push from AIPAC and, deja vu, Netanyahu who was so positive Sadaam had nukes right now. George H.W. knew better than to invade Iraq, but the others knew they had a live one in W. There was never a plan to stabilize Iraq, the plan was to destabilize the region hence it's been a great success, with Libya & Syria (now Yemen too) into the mix. They'd all do it again in a minute.
This is our MIC economy, neocon + neoliberal, and Jeb isn't required to do much but reiterate certain talking points while the behind the scenes gov't including Wall St maneuver.
Never thought I'd get this cynical, but Hillary probably only one to take this monster on, b/c she knows it intimately.
I'm for Bernie and donating right up to the primary, we need to hear him he tells the truth, but this country is flat-out bought.
The heavyweight battle will begin and not end til Citizens United repealed or election reform instituted. These 'gaffes' don't matter a whit. It's blood sport, to quote Mitch McConnell who should know, and this will be an ugly season. If we have a fully Republican controlled gov't, where can we get on rafts for asylum? Maybe Cuba.
This is our MIC economy, neocon + neoliberal, and Jeb isn't required to do much but reiterate certain talking points while the behind the scenes gov't including Wall St maneuver.
Never thought I'd get this cynical, but Hillary probably only one to take this monster on, b/c she knows it intimately.
I'm for Bernie and donating right up to the primary, we need to hear him he tells the truth, but this country is flat-out bought.
The heavyweight battle will begin and not end til Citizens United repealed or election reform instituted. These 'gaffes' don't matter a whit. It's blood sport, to quote Mitch McConnell who should know, and this will be an ugly season. If we have a fully Republican controlled gov't, where can we get on rafts for asylum? Maybe Cuba.
10
Acting like a rightwing crackpot is not easy if you are not one. Crockpots of all stripe can sniff out a pretender, who is looking for votes only. You have to be the "real thing." Jeb Bush is trying very hard to resemble the "real thing". Maybe he is one?
3
This fellow and his tangled legacy is hailed by almost everyone as the only reasonable Republican nominee. Nothing is a sadder indictment of the current Republican party than the evidence we have here: to get the nomination JEB must endorse his brother's worst mistakes.
Of course no one is questioning Hillary as to whether she endorses Bill's worst mistake.
Of course no one is questioning Hillary as to whether she endorses Bill's worst mistake.
3
Since last fall the NYT has run perhaps a dozen news-less stories about John Ellis Bush: his purported reading, his wife, his diet, etc. In the last week, inadvertently, we've found out more than we ever knew about him, because of a leak and a Fox interview. We find out: (1) that Bush has no courage, (2) puts his family brand above the country, (3) can't speak coherently, and (4) has no ability to learn from the past. As his brother might have said, four strikes and you're out.
19
You're never "out" when you're a Bush.
1
The NY Times has been fawning over JEB. The coverage has been a repeat of the overly positive coverage his GW Bush got in 1999-2000 from the mainstream media.
Well, that didn't take long. The fact that he is too stupid to have a ready answer on the Iraq war is stupefying. Jeb appears to share in his brothers lack of intellectual curiosity and laziness of preparation. Let's not go into brother Neil "savings and loans" Bush. Where do they breed these fools?
17
What person in his right mind would vote for Jeb Bush? Never mind the Iraq war. Take a look at what JEB! did to Florida when he was governor. Bush and Co. brought his parasitic pals with him from Texas to help themselves. They destroyed what few protections that existed now the Environmental Commission is little more than a rubber stamp for runaway developers. Enough about that. JEB! Look at the insurance industry. JEB pushed through changes that cost consumers dearly by letting these vipers keep their actuarial tables to only Florida, which then caused an explosion in hazard insurance rates so bad Florida HAD to create its own insurance company for those unable to get or afford hazard insurance. Enough about that. JEB! trashed tort laws so that many truly people injured in malpractice claims could not file suit due to draconian limits in pain and suffering, a law just last year that was overturned by an appellate court. Hundreds of people injured by the SAME Florida doctors who are allowed to keep their licenses because the so-called Board of Medicine is nothing more than window dressing. Enough about that, let's talk about the Public Service Commission which under the Democrats ACTUALLY had an advocate for the public in its general counsel, now little more than a rubber stamp for outrageous fee increases in utility rates. But enough about that ... . Really, why all the fuss over Iraq? Someone take a look at what JEB did did to Florida.
15
None of Jeb's children served in Iraq, or served their country at all. Erasmus, "War is delightful to those without experience".
18
Same is true of Clinton, Carter, Obama, JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Reagan, W, etc.
However, the children of McCain and Palin are serving. Too bad they weren't elected.
However, the children of McCain and Palin are serving. Too bad they weren't elected.
1
Jeb Bush can't have it both ways: capitalizing on his family's name while avoiding the unpleasant questions about his brother's controversial decisions and administration programs.
Frankly, I don't know why Jeb is even running. It's as if he woke up one day and realized, "hey, I've gotta do something instead of serving on business boards," and decided to run. I see no burning desire except to accumulate money from money. His speeches are dull, he hardly burns with a desire to help this country, and his discomfort with reconciling his Florida legacies with the harsh ideological criteria imposed by the far right make it seem like Jeb really hadn't thought this through.
But I think his poor handling of inevitable questions about the whole Iraq debacle is indicative of a somewhat weak, indecisive candidate who's really unsure of his footing. His dismissive tone with the student who rightfully pointed out how ISIS was a creation born of the needless Iraq war was troubling. It speaks to someone who is unprepared for the tough road ahead.
So much for noblesse oblige and what appears to me more a need to serve his family name than the country.
Frankly, I don't know why Jeb is even running. It's as if he woke up one day and realized, "hey, I've gotta do something instead of serving on business boards," and decided to run. I see no burning desire except to accumulate money from money. His speeches are dull, he hardly burns with a desire to help this country, and his discomfort with reconciling his Florida legacies with the harsh ideological criteria imposed by the far right make it seem like Jeb really hadn't thought this through.
But I think his poor handling of inevitable questions about the whole Iraq debacle is indicative of a somewhat weak, indecisive candidate who's really unsure of his footing. His dismissive tone with the student who rightfully pointed out how ISIS was a creation born of the needless Iraq war was troubling. It speaks to someone who is unprepared for the tough road ahead.
So much for noblesse oblige and what appears to me more a need to serve his family name than the country.
123
I commend Jeb Bush for putting his family ties first when navigating the "politics" of the first Bush presidency. It is the right thing to do, and it should serve him well.
Who would ever respect him for throwing his own brother under the bus? That is what someone like Clinton would do. He is a far better human being. And, of course, the left will excoriate him as it did his brother. That goes with the territory.
I wish him luck with the rest of America. He will have to address these issues if he wants to earn the presidency. He shouldn't hide like Hillary but should tackle these issues like someone willing to address problems and face the public.
Who would ever respect him for throwing his own brother under the bus? That is what someone like Clinton would do. He is a far better human being. And, of course, the left will excoriate him as it did his brother. That goes with the territory.
I wish him luck with the rest of America. He will have to address these issues if he wants to earn the presidency. He shouldn't hide like Hillary but should tackle these issues like someone willing to address problems and face the public.
2
Let him run on his brother's record!
We'll have a constant reminder of the unmitigated disaster that was the GWB presidency.
The only good thing I can remember that came out of that bleak time was Bush's aid to Africa to stop the spread of AIDS there.
We'll have a constant reminder of the unmitigated disaster that was the GWB presidency.
The only good thing I can remember that came out of that bleak time was Bush's aid to Africa to stop the spread of AIDS there.
I would respect him if he recognized that the Iraq war was probably the largest foreign policy blunder in the history of the USA. We went in based upon lies and innuendo and worse yet, we completely bungled the occupation.
We created ISIS and the only winner throughout this entire debacle is Iran. This is entirely the fault of the previous Bush administration and disdain for Obama and Clinton does not alter these facts in any way.
We created ISIS and the only winner throughout this entire debacle is Iran. This is entirely the fault of the previous Bush administration and disdain for Obama and Clinton does not alter these facts in any way.
2
There are numerous reasons why " the left" excoriates his brother. There are consequences to consistently screwing up. You earn a deserved reputation in the process. Conservatives have yet to admit W was a monumental failure as a president. They didn't even invite him to the convention, nor Cheney. Who threw who under the bus?
Clinton must be rubbing her hands in anticipation of Jeb getting the Republican nomination which is probably the most likely outcome because it's going to mean the entire Bush 2 presidency is going to be re-litigated and serve as a constant reminder of just how disastrous was the last Republican presidency. Iraq. The fact that the Republican base think Dubya is a hero is all that needs to be said about the sanity of today's GOP.
24
The Bush presidency can best be characterized as 8 years of mistakes. The news that many people indicate high approval ratings for this series of disasters tells us something abut the tribal nature that persists in our society.
1
I didn’t realize how weak a candidate Jeb Bush would become. He can forget winning the Presidency. There are too many negative issues associated with former President’s GH and GW Bush for him to be elected. He might win the nomination with the name recognition, and the hordes of cash, but no way can he win President against Clinton. Perhaps if there were a third party candidate Democrat version of H Ross Perot as a potential spoiler against Clinton, but that isn’t in the cards this election cycle.
2
In a truly just Country--something most have given up on--Jeb would be visiting his brother in prison for lying to the American people about WMD being in Iraq, torture, and other war crimes. The entire Bush family would be disgraced and Jeb would be a non-entity.
But in America, the political criminals rise to the top, while the whistle blowers are jailed. Jeb is Exhibit A of our failed democracy and justice system.
But in America, the political criminals rise to the top, while the whistle blowers are jailed. Jeb is Exhibit A of our failed democracy and justice system.
28
"He has assured skeptical conservatives that he draws wisdom and important counsel from the former president."
This scares me more than anything else I've read today.
This scares me more than anything else I've read today.
71
It is also scary because it suggests that Hillary Clinton (who voted in the Senate for the blank check to allow George W. to bungle into Iraq under false pretenses, and refused to apologize for that horror for years afterwards) has a good chance of winning if Democrats are spineless enough to crown her in the primaries without a serious challenge.
Think of the Irony! This is the United States of America because we broke away from England and the Mad King George the third, and here we have a new dynasty of Bush's contemplating a political dynasty in post revolutionary America. However in the current royal alignment, it was George the second who may have been mad, and Jeb the aspiring first, who is apparently ready to follow up mad with dumb. Then look to the democratic opposition and it is also an aspiring dynasty which is very hard to judge because they behave according to no known rules. Can you imagine the confusion of Tom Jefferson if he were to appear on the scene today. He would probably think that he had lost his mind.
Gee, here's a guy, who as governor of Florida, put in motion the actions that would lead to his brother's faux election as president. Many, many lethal and bad policies followed that debacle and now he's running for president as part of the clown car of Republican candidates. What a land of opportunity we have...
57
yes, its going to be difficult for anyone to overcome Hillary's forthright honesty or Bernie Sanders charisma...
1
More writerly precision is required when describing Sheldon Adelson as a "staunch supporter of Israel" for it inadvertently implies that Israel's critics are not. He is a supporter of a far right wing, ultra-nationalist version of Israel. Somehow, reporters and editors should account for this.
133
Agree 100 percent. One can be critical of Israel, very critical, and not be anti-semitic (after all, Palestinians are a Semitic people) or against the existence of Israel. Netanyahu and Adelson are very good at throwing a punch but absolutely without understanding of how to take a punch.
1
To Steven: The description of Shelly Adelson as a "staunch supporter of Israel" is accurate and in no way implies critics of Israel's policies are not. I think any reasonably informed person knows that some critics of Israel disagree with the current government of Israel but support Israel's right to exist in secure and recognized boundaries while some critics would favor other outcomes i.e. a "one state solution", return to Israel proper of all or large numbers of Palestinian refugees, unilateral ending of the occupation without a peace agreement between the parties etc.
Exactly. Your sense parallels the situation in this country where anybody daring to question right-wing babble about American "exceptionalism" is labeled as "unpatriotic." Consider, as one example among a legion of others, Rudy Giuliani's blather about President Obama's deficiency of love for his own country.
2
Jeb Bush seems to be just as intelligent as is his brother. He must have hidden his intellectual deficiencies well when he was governor of Florida. Nice to know that the whole Bush family is like that. Anyone who votes for him should have both his head and Bush's head examined.
39
"Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"
It was the question asked of Sen. Joe McCarthy by lawyer Joseph N. Welch, as McCarthy battered Welch's client during the Army-McCarthy hearings.
I would ask Jeb Bush the same question. Have you no decency? Have you no shame? Your brother is responsible for a senseless war, destroyed lives, and the destabilization of the entire Middle East. Yes, he is responsible for ISIS, too.
You, Jeb Bush, are responsible for delivering the state of Florida to your brother, thereby giving us the first president installed by the Supreme Court, our first bloodless coup.
If you had any decency, any self-respect, or respect for the people of our country and what is left of our good name, you would go away, and remain in private life, making money, and enjoying the fruits of your dubious connections.
Instead, you have chosen to run for president.
Just how out of touch are you? How entitled, how blind, and how foolish? What cocoon do you inhabit, that would lead you to believe America needs, or wants, another Bush presidency?
The answer seems to be that you believe your name, and your connections, can simply deliver the nomination, and the White House, despite everything.
Your own man? It would be amusing, if it weren't so frightening.
Brother's past proves "tricky" for Jeb? "Tricky?" What an understatement.
Please, Jeb, at least have the decency to fade away, like McCarthy.
There is blood on your hands, too.
It was the question asked of Sen. Joe McCarthy by lawyer Joseph N. Welch, as McCarthy battered Welch's client during the Army-McCarthy hearings.
I would ask Jeb Bush the same question. Have you no decency? Have you no shame? Your brother is responsible for a senseless war, destroyed lives, and the destabilization of the entire Middle East. Yes, he is responsible for ISIS, too.
You, Jeb Bush, are responsible for delivering the state of Florida to your brother, thereby giving us the first president installed by the Supreme Court, our first bloodless coup.
If you had any decency, any self-respect, or respect for the people of our country and what is left of our good name, you would go away, and remain in private life, making money, and enjoying the fruits of your dubious connections.
Instead, you have chosen to run for president.
Just how out of touch are you? How entitled, how blind, and how foolish? What cocoon do you inhabit, that would lead you to believe America needs, or wants, another Bush presidency?
The answer seems to be that you believe your name, and your connections, can simply deliver the nomination, and the White House, despite everything.
Your own man? It would be amusing, if it weren't so frightening.
Brother's past proves "tricky" for Jeb? "Tricky?" What an understatement.
Please, Jeb, at least have the decency to fade away, like McCarthy.
There is blood on your hands, too.
220
Truly excellent summation for closing arguments in what should have been his brother's war crimes trial.
1
I'm so frustrated that I can't "like" your comment about 100-fold.
1
I'll take another tack. Jeb's running for president is serving an important national purpose: to have a real conversation about the war in Iraq and to hold responsible its architects.
60
Given that the presumptive Democratic nominee was a staunch (if craven) supporter of the Iraq War, I imagine the opposite will happen - both candidates will likely do anything but talk about that failed war.
The people involved , W, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfavitz, Bolton . and Rice belong in jail. I doubt another Bush wilt them there.
If Thurd Bush had not corrupted the 2000 election while Governor, disenfranchising tens of thousands of legitimate voters and interfering in the actual note count, Bush family retainers on the Supremes could never have appointed his supremely unqualified brother as the worst President in US history.
75
A repeat of the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" But the fate of the country cannot be played out as if it was a movie set.
13
The Times paints a picture of Bush having difficulty being honest about the Iraq War debacle, because if he were honest in criticizing the war he'd alienate family values conservatives who want to see loyalty and love for his family (George W. Bush) and he'd alienate neo-conservatives who supported his brother.
But Jeb doesn't have a problem with being dishonest. Nor did his brother, of course. The Bush boys are cunning, if nothing else. And I personally would put the emphasis on: if nothing else. Will he take a right turn in the primaries to satisfy the lunatic Republican base, of course he would? What, did you think he was Lincoln Chaffee or something?
From George W. Bush's use of gay marriage as a wedge issue to Jeb Bush's negotiation of the Scylla and Caribdus of the Iraq War you see electoral cunning, not honesty. Honesty is dead in its coffin.
Then again there is someone honest and intelligent in this country and she's not running. Her name is Elizabeth Warren. Hearing her defend her criticism of the free trade agreement was a breath of fresh air. And most importantly there is Bill di Blasio, showing the nation what the true issues facing this nation is. While a slew of Republican mayors emptied NYC of poor and middle class people or housed them in closets, Bill's out there trying to build.
Republicans have focused the US on non-issues for 40 years. Let's learn from Elizabeth and Bill, while Republicans talk about nothing.
But Jeb doesn't have a problem with being dishonest. Nor did his brother, of course. The Bush boys are cunning, if nothing else. And I personally would put the emphasis on: if nothing else. Will he take a right turn in the primaries to satisfy the lunatic Republican base, of course he would? What, did you think he was Lincoln Chaffee or something?
From George W. Bush's use of gay marriage as a wedge issue to Jeb Bush's negotiation of the Scylla and Caribdus of the Iraq War you see electoral cunning, not honesty. Honesty is dead in its coffin.
Then again there is someone honest and intelligent in this country and she's not running. Her name is Elizabeth Warren. Hearing her defend her criticism of the free trade agreement was a breath of fresh air. And most importantly there is Bill di Blasio, showing the nation what the true issues facing this nation is. While a slew of Republican mayors emptied NYC of poor and middle class people or housed them in closets, Bill's out there trying to build.
Republicans have focused the US on non-issues for 40 years. Let's learn from Elizabeth and Bill, while Republicans talk about nothing.
48
"Intelligence failures"? What "intelligence failures"? The intelligence was all doctored to fit the administration's desires.
69
>> "Intelligence failures"? What "intelligence failures"?
People named Bush fail to be intelligent.
People named Bush fail to be intelligent.
38
No brothers. No wives.
Let's give someone else a chance.
A breath of fresh air so to speak.
Let's give someone else a chance.
A breath of fresh air so to speak.
19
Who else is there who's remotely qualified? And don't say "Walker, Scott, Rubio, Christie, Paul, Huckabie" 'cause they aren't qualified either.
Totally agree. Right and Left need to rethink the family issues. You don't get to be president because your husband was or your brother. It's just not your turn.
2
Does that include no having another Clinton in the White House?
2
Questioning Jeb about his sibling reflects how, in the six years after his brother's presidency ended, the country still hungers for answers to questions about political and propaganda machine that duped into supporting Iraqi War.
Instead of Jeb, W should be compelled to provide answers about his presidency; to provide answers that are not in book form - from which he monetarily profits.
Instead of Jeb, W should be compelled to provide answers about his presidency; to provide answers that are not in book form - from which he monetarily profits.
21
Unfortunately, no one was "duped" into that war. Americans enthusiastically ran headlong into it. Americans who did not serve in the military continue to enthusiastically support those who did. Americans have short-term memories, unless, of course, it's bashing a democrat, in which case, bring it.
3
"... [Jeb Bush] has assured skeptical conservatives that he draws wisdom and important counsel from the former president."
Seriously? Wisdom? From George W Bush, one of the least-qualified presidential office-holders in recent memory?
Here's some wisdom for Jeb: my son served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan with the US Marines. While enlisted he never argued politics with me (I was against the Iraq invasion from Day 1), saying he was just "doing his job." Now, five years later, he openly expresses his view that the invasion was a wasted effort and he feels like a fool believing it was a patriotic post-9/11 mission to make the world safer.
I daresay American voters would be twice as foolish to vote for yet another unwise Bush -- but it's happened before.
Seriously? Wisdom? From George W Bush, one of the least-qualified presidential office-holders in recent memory?
Here's some wisdom for Jeb: my son served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan with the US Marines. While enlisted he never argued politics with me (I was against the Iraq invasion from Day 1), saying he was just "doing his job." Now, five years later, he openly expresses his view that the invasion was a wasted effort and he feels like a fool believing it was a patriotic post-9/11 mission to make the world safer.
I daresay American voters would be twice as foolish to vote for yet another unwise Bush -- but it's happened before.
72
Demetroula
It could happen again and a lot depends on Americans now when it comes to the choices we make. A presidential candidate who declares that feeling a fool for past beliefs, perhaps does not engender in a voter a feeling of optimism and confidence in the above candidate who may be taking us on the road to folly and at our expense.
It could happen again and a lot depends on Americans now when it comes to the choices we make. A presidential candidate who declares that feeling a fool for past beliefs, perhaps does not engender in a voter a feeling of optimism and confidence in the above candidate who may be taking us on the road to folly and at our expense.
I hope Americans will take the upcoming election to end the political family royalty we have created. Vote not for a Bush nor a Clinton. I also hope Americans will vote not for a Republican nor a Democrat. The time has come to expand the ideologies to include those of us in the middle, those who would keep a secular nation, and those who want a smaller less intrusive government. To me those are the big issues that Americans should care about and vote accordingly.
6
We should be voting for Bernie Sanders.
1
How in the world could Jeb have thought his run for the GOP nomination would not be entangled with the Bush legacies, GW's chief among them. If Jeb didn't see this problem coming he is even dumber than his brother.
37
Our country has suffered enough....no more Bushes !
38
The easiest way through this whole Republican presidential candidate clown-car show is to realize that they have a huge, but weak roster of potential candidates. Some of them are merely showboating, others hope to gain national stature for their pet issues, and yet others are simply nuts, or dreaming. Jeb Bush is the only candidate among the Republican field who has a chance to mount a credible run against Hillary Clinton, and he will do so, despite his recent setbacks and flubs. He's got the name and the money, as does she.
He will ultimately lose to Ms Clinton, but it will be a very close race by November 7, 2016. It always is. Americans love a good horse race, if it is easy to understand, and this one is. It's last call for two old political dynasties with enough differences between them to make choosing relatively easy. Do you want to elect the first female president, even if she IS a dragon lady, or do you want the squishy, also-ran Bush whose own wife doesn't want him running? Hillary by a nose in this one.
15
Making a living on predicting the outcome of horse races can lead to bankruptcy and by more than a nose. Never mind if Mrs. Clinton is a woman and appears to be hard-boiled. To this American, she can be tough as nails and no nonsense, with a heavy background of highly developed political experience both on the Country's domestic issues and its Foreign Policy; graver matters than ever for the future of America. If we want a 'Text-Book' president which we can refer to, Mr. Jeb Bush is the man for us to elect as our Commander-in-Chief.
Gender is not a factor in my decision to vote or not vote for a candidate. Nor is race. Too many are voting for "firsts" and not for character and leadership skills. There are more than enough categories of people to vote our country into the ground using "firsts" as a deciding factor.
1
Clinton seems to be the shoe in on the Dem side but what did she actually accomplish as SOS?
1
There are many bridges to cross for Jebbie. Iraq-GW Florida Recount-his involvement in Florida as Gov. when GW was Gov. Of Texas, of the development of what became the No Child Left Behind scheme.. Read The New Yorker/The Education of Jeb Bush. He will have problems with a new generation of voters who have come of age under the carnage of our education system, the push to privatize and the cost of a college education.
16
Let's not omit the equally disastrous Terry Schiavo matter. Jeb garnered the forces of the governor's office, the Florida courts and the US congress to intrude in the Schiavo family's personal decisions - and this from from the "limited government" supporters.
A recent front-page article in the NY Times dealing with Jeb's faith (why was this necessary?) quoted Jeb as saying he loved the "absolute values" of the Catholic Church. Do we want this absolutism in the oval office? Haven't we had enough of fundamentalist destruction and interference in our lives and religion and bodies, while hypocritically denying the most needy among us a helping hand!
A recent front-page article in the NY Times dealing with Jeb's faith (why was this necessary?) quoted Jeb as saying he loved the "absolute values" of the Catholic Church. Do we want this absolutism in the oval office? Haven't we had enough of fundamentalist destruction and interference in our lives and religion and bodies, while hypocritically denying the most needy among us a helping hand!
1
"He later said he had misunderstood an interviewer’s question, but refused to answer it, saying it was a “hypothetical.” On Wednesday, he said such hypotheticals were insensitive to the families of fallen soldiers in the war." He refuses to answer the question? He should be hounded by the press until he does. However I am not holding my breath that any memeber of the mainstream press would be so "impolite" tominsist that he indeed answer that question.
20
"insensitive to the families of fallen soldiers in the war" OMG, that's rich. W and Cheney belong in jail for war profiteering and crimes against humanity. They should be presented with the tab to reimburse the American people for the costs in lives and treasure. Jeb had his hand in it with his role as governor of Florida during 'W's "election".
1
JEB's (wise-guy) "oh, brother" wasted a surplus on a trumped-up profiteering war, when it could have been spent on infrastructure, which would have prevented a train crash!
The memory of bushco, all the lies, the thievery of that surplus to feed cronies, the masquerading of govt as organized crime, the death and destruction, the torture, the legacy of spying, the slow decline of this nation these past 15 years as a consequence...
Thanks for the memories, JEB! Thanks to a 19 year old!
The memory of bushco, all the lies, the thievery of that surplus to feed cronies, the masquerading of govt as organized crime, the death and destruction, the torture, the legacy of spying, the slow decline of this nation these past 15 years as a consequence...
Thanks for the memories, JEB! Thanks to a 19 year old!
31
Jeb has already proven that he has not and probably cannot break the mental ties with America's most tragic president, his brother.
His "misunderstanding" of the question "Knowing what we know now..." proves to me he is not what we need calling the shots from the high pressure hot seat. George W. misunderstood too and that's why in great part the world is in the mess its in. Decisions of the world's most powerful office holder have long and far reaching consequences. We should not let Jeb anywhere close to the presidency.
His "misunderstanding" of the question "Knowing what we know now..." proves to me he is not what we need calling the shots from the high pressure hot seat. George W. misunderstood too and that's why in great part the world is in the mess its in. Decisions of the world's most powerful office holder have long and far reaching consequences. We should not let Jeb anywhere close to the presidency.
23
He completely understood the question. What we witnessed is a POLITICIAN fumbling just HOW he would answer the question it in a way that would not compromise his campaign or alienate his potential or real supporters. And he completely dropped the ball.
1
I read the title to this article and wondered: what master of the obvious came up with this one?
7
Jeb, you guys are no Kennedies. Just go away.
21
One so connected to the umbilical cord of their clan can never be one's own person.
11
Jeb's refusal to provide a definitive NO to the "Would you have invaded IRAQ knowing what we know now?" should be dispositive of any future in the public sphere. But his quixotic campaign to rehab W is right on track.
Without his family, Bush would be an ex-governor who was only noticed for Terry Schiavo, Elian Gonzalez and helping his brother become president by throwing 50,000 likely Democratic voters off the rolls just before the election.
30
Of course, without his father and grandfather's political power, Jeb would just be some anonymous Houston oil man or maybe some Hartford insurance man. He never had the talents to be a political leader. If he actually was the "smart one", perhaps he would run the family office, while his older brother partied.
I am hoping the challenges Governor Bush will face as he contests for the Republican Presdential nomination will focus more on legacicies of political ideology as opposed to fraternity. Governor Bush tries to make superficial distinctions between himself and predominate conservative Republican thought. I fail to appreciate how attempting to leverage his brother's former Republican administration would maintain the distinction.
But when you look at his campaign team, advisors and delve below the surface of Governor Bush's comments I am reminded of the bibilical admonition regarding the dangers of putting "new wine" into old wine skins.
And while Governor Bush's "family ties" might prove helpful in the Republican primaries, the advantage would quickly morph into a crushing liability in the general election.
But when you look at his campaign team, advisors and delve below the surface of Governor Bush's comments I am reminded of the bibilical admonition regarding the dangers of putting "new wine" into old wine skins.
And while Governor Bush's "family ties" might prove helpful in the Republican primaries, the advantage would quickly morph into a crushing liability in the general election.
6
The Bushies are counting on the ignorance of the typical republican voter to win back the Presidential election.That and the Mafia money that supported his bungling, blundering oaf of a brother.Education reform anyone?The bought and paid for Media is also a big plus.
> a weary-sounding Mr. Bush told reporters, “If I run, it will be 2016, not 2000,” it almost came across as wishful thinking.
I'm glad Jeb Bush is being asked these questions, but all Republican candidates should be asked too.
Jeb Bush is trying to have it both ways. The Bush name gives him fund raising advantages, but it brings along too much negative baggage. Bush 43's disastrous foreign and economic policies wound us up in an unnecessary war in Iraq and landed us in the Great Recession. It took Obama nearly two terms to fix things.
It's magnified for Jeb Bush, but all the Republican candidates will have to answer how their planned policies will be different. The problem is the GOP today is it's ideologically driven: if the modern Republican voter has any complaint about Bush 43, it will be that he wasn't "conservative enough".
Republicans can't play the game that the "pureness of their ideology" is why they should be elected, but then pretend that 2001-2008 didn't happen.
I'm glad Jeb Bush is being asked these questions, but all Republican candidates should be asked too.
Jeb Bush is trying to have it both ways. The Bush name gives him fund raising advantages, but it brings along too much negative baggage. Bush 43's disastrous foreign and economic policies wound us up in an unnecessary war in Iraq and landed us in the Great Recession. It took Obama nearly two terms to fix things.
It's magnified for Jeb Bush, but all the Republican candidates will have to answer how their planned policies will be different. The problem is the GOP today is it's ideologically driven: if the modern Republican voter has any complaint about Bush 43, it will be that he wasn't "conservative enough".
Republicans can't play the game that the "pureness of their ideology" is why they should be elected, but then pretend that 2001-2008 didn't happen.
6
You can't just airbrush history away, Mr. Bush.
I thought Jeb was supposed to be the smart one.
17
It is pretty rare that I get shocked by the things that politicians say but I must admit, Jeb's comments on "knowing what we know now" in response to a question from a Fox anchor of all people is simply breathtaking.
He heard the question and he understood the question. It was clearly asked and in plain language. And yet, it was as if he never even thought about it.
What was perhaps equally stupid was his comment that Hillary Clinton would have done the same. Well, Jeb, hard to say since Dubya and Cheney fabricated the intel. Anybody for a slice of Nigerian yellowcake?
But even more shocking to me are the polling numbers among Republicans. You know, I accept that these people listen to Rush Limbaugh and force fed enough disinformation and outright lies to choke a horse, but seriously - at what point do you say, "You know, W. was a heckuva President"
There is no aspect of his presidency that one could consider a success. I mean if the American people cannot learn anythinjg from the tragic Presidency of W (including his brother) then we are in some seriously deep long term trouble far beyond what anyone can imagine at this moment.
He heard the question and he understood the question. It was clearly asked and in plain language. And yet, it was as if he never even thought about it.
What was perhaps equally stupid was his comment that Hillary Clinton would have done the same. Well, Jeb, hard to say since Dubya and Cheney fabricated the intel. Anybody for a slice of Nigerian yellowcake?
But even more shocking to me are the polling numbers among Republicans. You know, I accept that these people listen to Rush Limbaugh and force fed enough disinformation and outright lies to choke a horse, but seriously - at what point do you say, "You know, W. was a heckuva President"
There is no aspect of his presidency that one could consider a success. I mean if the American people cannot learn anythinjg from the tragic Presidency of W (including his brother) then we are in some seriously deep long term trouble far beyond what anyone can imagine at this moment.
21
"Knowing what we know now..." If I were to take out a gun and accidentally shoot someone and then were asked, would you do that again knowing what you know now about gun safety and caution, and I were to say, yes I would do that again, then it could not be perceived as an accident--that is called incompetence and murder. You cannot say I would do the same stupid thing again knowing that it turned out badly and be considered an intelligent person capable of contemplating the errors of my thinking. But on the other hand, many people who have had bad marriages say they would do it again because the marriage gave them beautiful children. The problem with Iraq is that there are no beautiful children, nothing to say the mistake was worth it. But again, we are only seeing it myopically. History evolves dialectically. Perhaps in 100 years someone may actually say, "It was worth it. It was worth making this incredible blunder."
What's the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Is anyone expecting different results with Jeb Bush as President in 2016 than what his brother accomplished in the same job? A Bush, by any other name, would act the same.
13
Actually the problem for Jeb Bush may be simpler and, at the same time, more difficult. Voters just may not want another Bush in the White House, no matter where he stands on the issues. And that's healthy for politics in the US.
6
WHY does this man want to be President? Why did his brother and father want the job? None of them ever gave a decent rationale that matches up to those of Eisenhower, Dole or McCain who had served their country, or of Goldwater Ford and Reagan who truly believed in themselves.
They all seem to have father issues like Nixon did, and the same lack of reluctance to deploy American teenagers to fight unjustified wars.
They all seem to have father issues like Nixon did, and the same lack of reluctance to deploy American teenagers to fight unjustified wars.
10
What a sense of entitlement this buffoon must have to run for the highest office in the land on the basis of such an ill-thought through bunch of ideas. A mishmash of fake family values, legacy, and outright stupidity. The fact that Jeb looks to his brother for advice on the Middle East matters (and "wisdom") is actually breath-taking. The foreign policy team he has assembled is a disgraceful throwback to his bother's era so presumably he is being give the same duff advice.
The most heartening thing on the horizon is the news I read in the WAPO today that John Bolton is considering his own nomination for President. That should provide some wonderful insights into the la-la-land thinking of the neocons. Run John, run.
The most heartening thing on the horizon is the news I read in the WAPO today that John Bolton is considering his own nomination for President. That should provide some wonderful insights into the la-la-land thinking of the neocons. Run John, run.
21
No way is he getting the nomination. The G.W. Bush legacy is one of disaster and nobody with the name Bush is going to be elected -- and the GOP knows it. But... if he does get into the race by some gargantuan stupidity on the part of the Republicans, the media is going to be relentless and the Democrats will have a field day with the negative ads.
14
Already one backflip after the other, he has absolutely no idea. Add to that his diabolical hand in foisting us with W and all that followed. Like his unforgettable brother and his legacy of shattered lives here and overseas, Jeb is an open book. If he wants to emulate W perhaps someone in that Bush Rolodex should give him a ranch so he can withdraw from further scrutiny to a life of clearing brush and mountain bike riding.
34
Jeb Bush goes to his brother for wisdom? The one word that will never be used to describe George W. Bush is wise.
63
Correct. George W. made Michelle Bachmann appear smart............
2
"George W. Bush’s favorability is at 81 percent among likely Republican caucusgoers in Iowa."
Let's see: 2 wars not paid for, 800,000 jobs a month being shed in 2008, Wall Street brought to the brink in September 2008, Medicare expansion not paid for, Katrina bungled, Osama Bin Laden "Dead or Alive" until W said he didn't care, torture, tax breaks TWICE for the 1%, Terry Schiavo, Wall Street bailout in 2008 with no questions asked of the bankers.
Wow. What are they smoking in Iowa?
Let's see: 2 wars not paid for, 800,000 jobs a month being shed in 2008, Wall Street brought to the brink in September 2008, Medicare expansion not paid for, Katrina bungled, Osama Bin Laden "Dead or Alive" until W said he didn't care, torture, tax breaks TWICE for the 1%, Terry Schiavo, Wall Street bailout in 2008 with no questions asked of the bankers.
Wow. What are they smoking in Iowa?
120
Just ask a Bush 43 supporter what he did, that had any lasting good, in the 8 years Bush was president. While you're at it ask why Bush's name or face wasn't allowed at the last two GOP national conventions.
5
Asking these W supporters these questions about his presidency I wonder what they could possibly come up with?
Presumably, Jeb Bush would be proud to say he loves his family no matter what his brother, G.W. Bush, had done in Iraq. He's trapped. He's trapped and he doesn't even know it. Iraq leveled by bombs? How could he not back his brother?
There is something that makes me very uncomfortable when I hear Jeb Bush refer to the former president as "my brother", just as G.W. Bush made the nation squirm when he said one of his justifications for invading Iraq was that Saddam Hussein had tried to kill "my father". The United States is not a private party for the Bushes to work out their agreements, disagreements and disappointments, is it? If this Bush's "family values" require him to start from a position of supporting the unsupportable, I want nothing to do with it and neither should the rest of us.
This mini-flap raises very serious questions about whether Jeb Bush has thought through the idea of being president versus the idea of being G.W. Bush's brother. It looks like he hasn't. It looks like he would be a dangerous president determined to try to prove his brother was right, just as his brother tried, unsuccessfully, to expand and extent the actions of his father.
Oh, brother.
Doug Terry
329
Jeb Bush was a signer on the PNAC (Project for New American Century) open letter to Bill Clinton to topple Saddam in the 1990s. The entire Bush family wanted to topple Saddam even before George W. Bush was (handed the election by the Supreme Court decision) in office.
If you want to claim you suddenly have no opinion on the Iraq war, then you might want to hide your association with PNAC. But, Republicans find American voters gullible and easily swayed by Gays, God, Guns, Abortion! I would hope that reporters would ask Jeb how many millions of jobs he'll outsource with another Free Trade Agreement and which countries he'll invade.
If you want to claim you suddenly have no opinion on the Iraq war, then you might want to hide your association with PNAC. But, Republicans find American voters gullible and easily swayed by Gays, God, Guns, Abortion! I would hope that reporters would ask Jeb how many millions of jobs he'll outsource with another Free Trade Agreement and which countries he'll invade.
6
Jeb should have listened to his momma.
1
Very dangerous. It would be a sign that our country is following through on its current path of national suicide.
While I've always been mystified by middle class and wage-earner support for Republican candidates, the fact that George W. Bush has such high approval ratings in states like Iowa, astounds me. Either I'm delusional to think that Dubbya was the worst president ever, or they are for thinking he's a swell guy.
55
In a way SIS is JEB's fault, without the stoppage of the re-count in 2000 his woefully un-prepared brother would have never been elected.
We can "try to re-write history" but I'll leave that to the Bush family who historians are quickly noting could go down fot two of the worst Presidency in our Nation's history. But what the heck lets take a flyer on a third.
We can "try to re-write history" but I'll leave that to the Bush family who historians are quickly noting could go down fot two of the worst Presidency in our Nation's history. But what the heck lets take a flyer on a third.
26
Jeb also threw 50,000 likely Democratic voters off the rolls just before the election. It was never found out at the time but once it was discovered all the GOP controlled states, where this was being done, have been challenged.
3
In a way it is Monica Lewinsky's fault--had she not caused Clinton's disgrace in office, his VP might have had an easier time getting elected. "Causalities" are very hard to pin down.
I don't believe that Jeb Bush heard the question wrong. I believe he actually thought that the rest of the Republican candidates would have to back him up on this. There is a neocon-Republican establishment effort for the Iraq War that has never stopped. A couple months ago, the Republican National Committee was offering a "Dick Cheney Cowboy Hat" for donating. In regards to what Jeb Bush said about Hillary Clinton, her repudiation of the Iraq War was very, very quiet so Bush just didn't know about it.
This controversy might be the best thing that could have happened for the Republican Party's chances of winning the White House. The other candidates had an opportunity to repudiate the Iraq War and George W. Bush and they went for it. It was an albatross around their necks. They needed a way to assure voters that they were not warmongers like Bush and Cheney. None of the other candidates want anything to do with George W. Bush and Dick Cheney and now they've gotten that out there in public.
This controversy might be the best thing that could have happened for the Republican Party's chances of winning the White House. The other candidates had an opportunity to repudiate the Iraq War and George W. Bush and they went for it. It was an albatross around their necks. They needed a way to assure voters that they were not warmongers like Bush and Cheney. None of the other candidates want anything to do with George W. Bush and Dick Cheney and now they've gotten that out there in public.
19
I could be wrong, of course, but I think Jeb's out of his mind. The Republican doesn't go for him and they never will. Common Core, alone, is a deal breaker with these folks and that's just one issue. Plus I think "mistakes were made' is rather chevalier given the two trillion dollars wasted added to the around 4500 Americans killed and hundreds of thousands who'd probably be alive today were it not for W. Whatever his ideas, for good or ill, Jeb is a great big reminder of the Iraq fiasco and he always will be. Another Bush as commander-in-chief? Never gonna happen.
39
God let's hope not. And that 4500 Americans killed doesn't include private contractors - no one seems to know how many of them died.
12
Or how many Iraqi citizens have been killed, maimed, displaced, and turned into refugees.
18
Not only did Jeb Bush fumble the question of whether or not he would have invaded Iraq "knowing what we know now", so did the press, much as it did in 2003. The Bushes (and the press to a large degree) seem to lay blame of the Iraq tragedy on faulty intelligence. Nonsense! George W. Bush and Dick Cheney sold that war to Americans by manipulating and distorting intelligence.
They took great liberties with the truth. Somebody should ask Jeb what he thinks about that.
They took great liberties with the truth. Somebody should ask Jeb what he thinks about that.
52
Yea, there was plenty of good intelligence, which the bush administration chose to ignore.
21
Well, without Jeb, we wouldn't have W to kick around. By disenfranchising "suspected felons," he handed Florida to his brother. How many of you recall that when, at one point in the longest election evening ever, Florida was being declared for Gore, W said something like, "That's not possible. My brother guaranteed me Florida." Which, indeed, Jeb had, although it wasn't as easy as planned. What this article is about is only ironic in that light.
46
And I blame the USSCt for its hack job, giving the election to George W. Sandra Day O'Connor wrote the Court opinion and later left the Court. Any connection?
1
Well, when it looked as if the election was going for Gore, she is said to have remarked that it looked as if she wasn't going to be able to leave the court.
They forgot the ‘hanging chads’ that were questionable when “W” was given the FL primary (Gov. Jeb’s state) over Al Gore’s popular vote win. And how they refused to have a re-vote. Why was this was questioned? Or was it, but the NYT decided not mention too many questionable family errors.
I don’t know much about Jeb as a decision maker, but knowing that the Bush’s have done business with the bin Laden family and the Twin Towers came down shortly after the above “W” win, I really would hate to see another Bush in the White House.
I still think if Gore had been (rightfully) inaugurated, those towers would have been standing today. People need to dig deep into the Bush/bin Laden business relationships (if you can find it now), read what I did, and then decide for yourselves.
That is all I will say and I will not address any rude comments. I use logic and common sense, and won’t play the partisan games of name calling, diverting the focus, or sandbox insults.
I don’t know much about Jeb as a decision maker, but knowing that the Bush’s have done business with the bin Laden family and the Twin Towers came down shortly after the above “W” win, I really would hate to see another Bush in the White House.
I still think if Gore had been (rightfully) inaugurated, those towers would have been standing today. People need to dig deep into the Bush/bin Laden business relationships (if you can find it now), read what I did, and then decide for yourselves.
That is all I will say and I will not address any rude comments. I use logic and common sense, and won’t play the partisan games of name calling, diverting the focus, or sandbox insults.
35
Jeb Bush goes through his parents' and his brother's Rolodex of big $$ donors, but he is "his own man". He has signed up many of his brother's foreign policy advisers, but he is his own man. And when he expresses unqualified support for his brother's middle east policy, and people on the left and right express shock, he claims he misunderstood the perfectly clear question. So he's his own man when it furthers his political goals, but not when he needs campaign cash or it's unpopular. What an empty suit.
60
Is Jeb vindicating his brother George W. the way George W. vindicated his father George H.W. ? Tune in next year folks to see how this soap opera plays out on the national stage.
20
Ari Fleischer says Jeb's brother is a "tremendous asset". Yikes, that's beyond spin. That's bizarro world talk. His brother is more like a tremendous albatross around Jeb's neck that is going to drag him down, and hopefully out of the race.
It is sickening to me to even be reminded of how his brother ruined this country for so many years. I'm surprised Jeb doesn't feel ashamed to admit he's even related to the guy...
It is sickening to me to even be reminded of how his brother ruined this country for so many years. I'm surprised Jeb doesn't feel ashamed to admit he's even related to the guy...
56
Ari Fleischer is not exactly credible. Perhaps his gushing has a purpose: to score a job.
4
The most positive comment I have about Jeb Bush is that he's less bad than his sorry, calamitous brother, who is an unindicted war criminal in my humble opinion. Jeb is less mired in fantasy than Random Paul and less obviously a Koch brothers puppet than Scott Walker. Still, to contemplate still another Bush as president would sink me in deep despair, so I refuse to do so.
33
The fact that he's running and that it isn't being treated as an absurd joke by the entire sane media is a good indication that the US is done.
119
Post of the year.
15
Probably not "done", yet, but if the Republicans were to nominate him, people would have good cause to wonder.
Best post ever !
1
the dude had made two verbal missteps in as many days -- the iraq war thing and unintentionally declaring his candidacy -- and now a 19-year-old college student cleaned his clock.
I say the guy is going to flame out early. This nation has far too many royal families as it is -- and yes, I include the Clintons -- and I have no idea why the Bush gang of losers became one.
Really, GOP, this is the best you can do? To tell us "Hey, trust us, Jeb is the thoughtful one."
Tell that to the the 19-year-old, who has a far better grasp of the situation in the middle east than this guy who needs Sean Hannity to feed him softballs to set the record straight.
I say the guy is going to flame out early. This nation has far too many royal families as it is -- and yes, I include the Clintons -- and I have no idea why the Bush gang of losers became one.
Really, GOP, this is the best you can do? To tell us "Hey, trust us, Jeb is the thoughtful one."
Tell that to the the 19-year-old, who has a far better grasp of the situation in the middle east than this guy who needs Sean Hannity to feed him softballs to set the record straight.
40
It's astounding to me that we're even having this conversation. It is nothing short of egomanical of him to run.
But heck, maybe he'll win the primary, get elected by the RNC as 2016's candidate and shrivel up when the Democrats side right past him back into 1600 Pennsylvania.
But, of course, the Democratic party is riding the Hillary train and maybe the headlines will read "Clinton v. Bush". Then I say each party has a 50/50 shot as we'll all be preoccupied with tying to figure out how we landed back in 1992.
Regardless, neither of these look good:
- Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama, Bush
- Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama, Clinton
The GOP needs to abandon Bush and the Dems need to find a way to do better. Why Elizabeth Warren... why!?!
But heck, maybe he'll win the primary, get elected by the RNC as 2016's candidate and shrivel up when the Democrats side right past him back into 1600 Pennsylvania.
But, of course, the Democratic party is riding the Hillary train and maybe the headlines will read "Clinton v. Bush". Then I say each party has a 50/50 shot as we'll all be preoccupied with tying to figure out how we landed back in 1992.
Regardless, neither of these look good:
- Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama, Bush
- Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama, Clinton
The GOP needs to abandon Bush and the Dems need to find a way to do better. Why Elizabeth Warren... why!?!
13
Heather
¨The GOP needs to abandon Bush and the Dems need to find a way to do better. Why Elizabeth Warren... why!?!¨
You can∞t fault Elizabeth Warren for not wanting to be president. She has a very clear idea of what she wants to achieve: better financial regulations and a lighter fiscal burden on the middle class. She is well-placed to advance her goals in the Senate. If Democrats take the Senate and the White House, she will be able to craft a progressive tide of legislation the likes of which hasn∞t been seen since LBJ.
If Elizabeth Warren has no desire to be Commander-in-Chief or lacks the near-pathological ambition that seems to drive most presidential aspirants, she is to be applauded, not criticized.
¨The GOP needs to abandon Bush and the Dems need to find a way to do better. Why Elizabeth Warren... why!?!¨
You can∞t fault Elizabeth Warren for not wanting to be president. She has a very clear idea of what she wants to achieve: better financial regulations and a lighter fiscal burden on the middle class. She is well-placed to advance her goals in the Senate. If Democrats take the Senate and the White House, she will be able to craft a progressive tide of legislation the likes of which hasn∞t been seen since LBJ.
If Elizabeth Warren has no desire to be Commander-in-Chief or lacks the near-pathological ambition that seems to drive most presidential aspirants, she is to be applauded, not criticized.
24
Sorry AH but you're wrong, political power is about service to your Country or at least it should, and Ms. Warren is being tapped by the most important power group in a democracy, the People.
Time to heed the call.
Time to heed the call.
4
Heather and all, I think Elizabeth is an excellent candidate also but you ask why she will not run? A.H. is right - Warren is smart enough to realize that the country taken overall is middle-right. She is middle-left and would be unelectable as President. She is better placed in the Senate with her arms in the engine bay getting important bills passed.
1
It is the height of arrogance, greedy entitlement that Jeb Bush is running to be president of the US. The memories of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have not been forgotten by Americans. These memories are like festering wounds that are too fresh to heal as horrible news of ISIS, Syria, Yemen and else where from the Middle East continue to steam into Americans' living rooms. Much has been written and reported about the Iraq war and most Americans, except the Republican primary voters cited in the article, knew about the lies that led the nation into a war of choice that is responsible for the continued killing and destruction in the Middle East today.
If Jeb Bush were a man of character, he would have answered the question about the Iraq war differently. Thus, Jeb Bush's true measure as a man and as a leader is revealed. Americans deserve better.
If Jeb Bush were a man of character, he would have answered the question about the Iraq war differently. Thus, Jeb Bush's true measure as a man and as a leader is revealed. Americans deserve better.
66
Thank Goodness, Dick Cheney is not advising him! (He isn't, is he?)
The only way Jeb could have a chance would be if he denounced the actions of past family presidencies - and that is not going to happen. Instead he'll backtrack on issues and play the vague card as much as possible to win enough favor to get through the primaries. Clinton will likely do the same but for different reasons. Neither are the right choices for the leadership this country needs,
22
Jeb Bush will never be president because of two people: His brother and Terry Schiavo.
The fact that he loaded his nascent campaign with 'Bushie' retreads tells any thinking voter all they need to know about the veracity of his statement that he is his own man.
I bet he didn't think the leash would be so tight.
The fact that he loaded his nascent campaign with 'Bushie' retreads tells any thinking voter all they need to know about the veracity of his statement that he is his own man.
I bet he didn't think the leash would be so tight.
38
Regarding Jeb Bush's attitude toward the war in Iraq:
I was against starting the War in Iraq from the beginning because it blatantly violated the Just War Tradition, long forgotten in America. This tradition essentially extrapolates the universally recognized ethical precept that to unnecessarily kill a single human being is murder. Unnecessary war, which is what a “war of choice” is, is murder, the culpability for which lies with those who ordered it, not soldiers under orders. If Jeb Bush would face that, and admit it, I would find that so refreshing & hopeful, I would consider voting for him just for having said that! But he won't of course & so I will not vote for him.
"There were not sufficient reasons to unleash a war against Iraq. ……It was right to resist the war.” Pope Benedict XVI
“It is essential not to lose sight of the moral dimension of war. ……..The War in Iraq did not even come close to satisfying the requirements of a just war.” Ron Paul
I was against starting the War in Iraq from the beginning because it blatantly violated the Just War Tradition, long forgotten in America. This tradition essentially extrapolates the universally recognized ethical precept that to unnecessarily kill a single human being is murder. Unnecessary war, which is what a “war of choice” is, is murder, the culpability for which lies with those who ordered it, not soldiers under orders. If Jeb Bush would face that, and admit it, I would find that so refreshing & hopeful, I would consider voting for him just for having said that! But he won't of course & so I will not vote for him.
"There were not sufficient reasons to unleash a war against Iraq. ……It was right to resist the war.” Pope Benedict XVI
“It is essential not to lose sight of the moral dimension of war. ……..The War in Iraq did not even come close to satisfying the requirements of a just war.” Ron Paul
123
Sorry, but the soldiers who fought the war have to take their share of the blame too. (although the lions share goes to Jr.)
The "Nuremberg" defense didn't work after WW2, and it doesn't work now.
The "Nuremberg" defense didn't work after WW2, and it doesn't work now.
If I were a candidate, i certainly wouldn't associate myself with a war criminal and expect to be taken seriously.
52
After trillions wasted and thousands of Americans dead..(and millions of Iraqis dead in the aftermath--an obscure footnote to history never mentioned in US mainstream media), do we still know what was the REAL cause of the war? Of course all public statements about the war by Bush family and W's administration are simply hogwash--never really VIGOROUSLY challenged by the gullible media. But the country deserves the truth. It's sad to see, instead of accountability/ heads rolling, the herd is moving to drink the kool-aid again.
34
He's not as bright or on top of his game as I thought he was. The way he responded to Megan Kelly about whether he would invade Iraq if he had the same info his brother had and then his claim he'd misunderstood the question when his answer bombed - was revealing.
And why surround yourself with the old neocon team who brought us the now endless disaster in the Middle East? Because they were completely wrong, dishonest, and hundreds of thousands are dead as a result? Why would you go back and pick those fools as your advisors? Lazy? Not capable of original thinking on the subject? Thumbs down.
And why surround yourself with the old neocon team who brought us the now endless disaster in the Middle East? Because they were completely wrong, dishonest, and hundreds of thousands are dead as a result? Why would you go back and pick those fools as your advisors? Lazy? Not capable of original thinking on the subject? Thumbs down.
45
Jeb Bush is giving a perfect portrayal of a bowl of opportunistic Jello as he slithers from one abandoned position to another in search of approval while a huge albatross (named George W. Bush) sits on his shoulder and can't be brushed off or ignored. Jeb seems to think that loving his family means shutting his eyes and closing his mind on the dishonesties and misjudgments that George W. and his associates were responsible for that killed and made refugees of millions of innocent people In Iraq and around the world. If Jeb can't face up to his family's monstrous record of blundering, it is difficult to see how he can think he's qualified to lead the nation out of the world of death and destruction that his kin are responsible for.
45
It's so sad about Jeb Bush. He is a Bush and thus has so many "burdens" to carry in life, such as it's so hard to raise lots of money for his soon-to-be campaign when he's so unknown.
Yes and poor brother George is sad because while the evangelicals love him, the general public thinks he's the worst president in American history. True, Jeb gets the benefit of the evangelical love, so that's a consolation.
Yes, poor Jeb had trouble understanding a simple question (about the Iraq war) that he apparently wasn't prepared to answer because . . . ?
Yes, poor Jeb has to be six or seven different political personalities, depending on which fat-cat group he's trying to charm; and then Jeb has to be an entirely different person for the benefit of the non-fat cat Americans who, nevertheless, vote.
Poor Jeb. It's hard being rich, famous, and well-connected.
Life is hard.
Yes and poor brother George is sad because while the evangelicals love him, the general public thinks he's the worst president in American history. True, Jeb gets the benefit of the evangelical love, so that's a consolation.
Yes, poor Jeb had trouble understanding a simple question (about the Iraq war) that he apparently wasn't prepared to answer because . . . ?
Yes, poor Jeb has to be six or seven different political personalities, depending on which fat-cat group he's trying to charm; and then Jeb has to be an entirely different person for the benefit of the non-fat cat Americans who, nevertheless, vote.
Poor Jeb. It's hard being rich, famous, and well-connected.
Life is hard.
157
The worst thing that he says is that he is not going to answer hypothetical questions because that is insensitive to the families of fallen soldiers. What a dodge!! For us not to ask questions about the past and hypothetical questions about the future would be much more insensitive to families, friends and to everyone. Republicans are just not very good at answering thoughtful questions.
77
Here's a simple question for this intellectually challenged bush: Exactly what have you done to serve our country? Any military service? No. Not even the reserves, like you brother? No. OK. how about the Peace Corps? No. Ok, uh, well, just what have you done? Bueller? Bueller? Anyone?
15
The supposition, though, is incorrect. And that supposition is that Jeb Bush is his brother. Why not compare Jeb to his father? These questions are designed to get a rise out of Jeb Bush, which he does not fall for. Real questions would be, what are you planning to do if you are elected president for X, Y, and Z. Hypotheticals about the past are not really helpful. And just as we should not ask Mrs. Clinton hypotheticals about her husband's tenure, we shouldn't do it for the Bush brothers.
1
I heard a president once said that one sunny Sunday in the South Pacific, December 7th 1941 was "a day that will live in infamy." Hypothetically, if he hadn't moved virtually the entire Pacific Navy to a huddle in a single harbor, there wouldn't have been a strategic and moral blow to the U.S. Hindsight is 20/20 and his address to the United States was a dodge that will unlikely and hopefully never be topped. Hypotheticals cannot be used as a defense or attack in debate. They are hypothetical and not actual. Did you ever want to change something you did? Hypothetical straw man nonsense...
1
As far as I'm concerned Jeb Bush's statement that he still supported the Iraq invasion even though there were "intelligence failures" (i.e., no weapons of mass destruction) disqualifies him from being president.
107
Jeb Bush signed the PNAC (Project for a New American Century) letter to then President Clinton urging him to invade and topple Iraq in the 1990s. The Bush presidency didn't have an "intelligence failure", it had an opportunity to do the family business.
Hoisted on his brother's petard. No rational sane person goes to war absent a direct threat to national security or an unprovoked attack. Swords, spears, ploughshares, pruning hooks and all that for which we were roundly rebuked in thousands of unnecessary lives lost, both Iraqi and American. If Jeb Bush can't face up to his brother's abject failures, then he has a serious problem if he aspires to the presidency.
49
But Big Money loved that war, and they are Jeb's backers, too.
Time to distract with some emotional social issues, plus a little fear and paranoia.
Time to distract with some emotional social issues, plus a little fear and paranoia.
10
Kudos to the student who confronted Jeb!
178
Jeb's waffling on Iraq points to an inability to think on his feet, something necessary in a president. Without it, he isn't qualified for office.
Floridians I know say he was one of its worst governors--until Scott came along.
The record indicates that Jeb was ALWAYS his own man. He was a signatory member of the Project for the New American Century ("PNAC") without any input from his brother or fellow "PNAC" members Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Wolfowitz. When his brother ran for president in 2000, Jeb was governor of Florida, and he and Florida's Secretary of State fanned the unrest of the unclear votes and had the matter pushed to the Supreme Court, which elected his brother.
PNAC's postings online were essentially unread by most Americans, but posited a "Pearl Harbor-like event on the U.S. homeland" as the "trigger" to "create a western-style democracy in the Arab Middle East." In other words, 9/11 was a condition precedent (albeit indirect) to invading Iraq to seize control of its oil. As the Iraq war soured and Al Quaeda became established in Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion, the PNAC postings could be seen as a reason for prosecuting W, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and others at The Hague and was pulled from the Web. Luckily the key postings were saved by Information Clearing House and others.
Where Jeb, Cheney, Rumsfeld, et al., belong is on the defendants' dock at The Hague--not in office.
He'll be lucky to pocket some of the money given to him already and leave the race.
Floridians I know say he was one of its worst governors--until Scott came along.
The record indicates that Jeb was ALWAYS his own man. He was a signatory member of the Project for the New American Century ("PNAC") without any input from his brother or fellow "PNAC" members Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Wolfowitz. When his brother ran for president in 2000, Jeb was governor of Florida, and he and Florida's Secretary of State fanned the unrest of the unclear votes and had the matter pushed to the Supreme Court, which elected his brother.
PNAC's postings online were essentially unread by most Americans, but posited a "Pearl Harbor-like event on the U.S. homeland" as the "trigger" to "create a western-style democracy in the Arab Middle East." In other words, 9/11 was a condition precedent (albeit indirect) to invading Iraq to seize control of its oil. As the Iraq war soured and Al Quaeda became established in Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion, the PNAC postings could be seen as a reason for prosecuting W, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and others at The Hague and was pulled from the Web. Luckily the key postings were saved by Information Clearing House and others.
Where Jeb, Cheney, Rumsfeld, et al., belong is on the defendants' dock at The Hague--not in office.
He'll be lucky to pocket some of the money given to him already and leave the race.
36
When news was released in 2003 that America was going to take care of Saddam Hussein's operation of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, quite a few of us were veered towards Afghanistan, and did not understand why President Bush was planning an invasion of a country that we had trouble pining on the map. It did not make sense, and it makes even less sense now.
Later we heard that Iraq had always been a thorn in America's side, and it was assessed that the time had come to cast it aside. This might not only be called poor judgement but poor timing, and Iraq for those who care, has never been in worse shape since we invaded the country.
Is an acute knowledge of US foreign policy necessary for the next president? More than ever for this American, while we also lean heavily on rebuilding our Nation's Infrastructure and focus our attention on domestic issues.
Most likely Americans will vote for Mr. Jeb Bush despite this serious conflict that he is facing, on the basis that he is personable, in better stead with the people than his brother and we appear to want the presence of a president. who is a Christian, and not a 'Muslim', the latter, who shows far more compassion, understanding and care towards America and its people, than many other leaders in contemporary history
Later we heard that Iraq had always been a thorn in America's side, and it was assessed that the time had come to cast it aside. This might not only be called poor judgement but poor timing, and Iraq for those who care, has never been in worse shape since we invaded the country.
Is an acute knowledge of US foreign policy necessary for the next president? More than ever for this American, while we also lean heavily on rebuilding our Nation's Infrastructure and focus our attention on domestic issues.
Most likely Americans will vote for Mr. Jeb Bush despite this serious conflict that he is facing, on the basis that he is personable, in better stead with the people than his brother and we appear to want the presence of a president. who is a Christian, and not a 'Muslim', the latter, who shows far more compassion, understanding and care towards America and its people, than many other leaders in contemporary history
4
One thing most people forget about George W. - he invaded Iraq for revenge against one man, Saddam Hussein, not for oil or WMDs. Several times in public he referred to Hussein as "the guy who tried to kill my Dad". Once he had an army of his own, Bush did just that - " got his revenge." That is how things are done in Texas.
Unlike Netenyahu there is no walking back for Jeb. He has said it and a nineteen year old has taken him to the woodshed.he is stuck with W's Iraq folly. Those yahoos in Iraq and South Carolina may like his fidelity to his brother but Iraq will hound him at every stop
33
Mr. Jeb is not stuck with anything from Mr G. W. - Iraq folly or not. The 19 year old was entitled to his question, but let's face it, the question was meant to somehow embarrass Mr. Jeb. It is all about the press quote my friend, nothing more and nothing less.
1
We shouldn't forget that Jeb Bush used Florida state troopers to prevent African-Americans from voting in the 2000 presidential election. C-SPAN was the only tv channel to show depositions from voters who were told that their polling stations had already closed or that they needed five forms of ID - the depositions went on all day. I still remember after he was elected Gov. of Florida, a reporter asked him what he planned to do for the African-American community. He shrugged and said, "Nothing." Given the state of race relations in this country, is this really the man anyone but racists wants in the White House?
61
Along with destroying the domestic economy, Iraq, & much of the Middle East while squandering the support of most of the world in the post 9/11 period George Bush also destroyed the reputation of his family name and any chance for another Bush to sit in the White House. There isn't enough distance that Jeb could create between him and his brother short of changing his last name to Smith.
33
Ivy Ziedrich, you rock! And Jeb Bush's "answer" was condescension to the hilt. Look, you can rewrite history all you want... Really Mr. J Bush? You are the one rewriting history here. You father was way smarter than your brother and apparently, than you. He knew enough to leave the cauldron of shape shifting alliances in the ME well alone with a strictly enforced no-fly zone, things while far from ideal were waaaaaayyyyy better than after your brother stomped into the region. Oh no, we are NOT letting you get away with that.
32
Enough of the Bush "dynasty." Haven't they done enough damage to the world? A pox on their house.
100
There has been NO presidential administration in American history more malevolent than that of George W. Bush.
Start to finish -- you name it -- every act and policy of that Bush administration was malevolent.
It was a time of endless lies, unfunded wars, tax-cuts-for-the-rich, exploding debt, and the destruction of the middle class from beginning to end of the George W. Bush presidency
And now -- to demonstrate that he is "his own man" -- Jeb Bush goes to brother George and to George's horrid advisors for advice?
On what?
Which Middle East oil country does Jeb Bush have his mind set on invading? It would have to be an oil country because the Bushes have no interest in "liberating" any people not fortunate enough to have oil underneath their feet.
Can Jeb do Iraq again?
Start to finish -- you name it -- every act and policy of that Bush administration was malevolent.
It was a time of endless lies, unfunded wars, tax-cuts-for-the-rich, exploding debt, and the destruction of the middle class from beginning to end of the George W. Bush presidency
And now -- to demonstrate that he is "his own man" -- Jeb Bush goes to brother George and to George's horrid advisors for advice?
On what?
Which Middle East oil country does Jeb Bush have his mind set on invading? It would have to be an oil country because the Bushes have no interest in "liberating" any people not fortunate enough to have oil underneath their feet.
Can Jeb do Iraq again?
55
I know it's early but, Jebs not sounding too presidential.
20
According to the election cycle over many decades, the election of a Republican President is highly likely and the election of J.E.Bush is the likeliest given history.
J.E.B. is the son of a former C.I.A. Director. The agency is in every facet of their lives.
What that all means is probably a major middle east to south Asia war that will further the endemic hatred and lead to perpetual war.
The Shah of Iran was a western puppet many years ago who was famously deposed by the Iranian radicals who went on to seize power for decades following the American embassy hostage crisis. Ronald Reagan and his veep, Herbert Bush were elected here. In that time was the Iran Contra affair that showed the political shenanigans of the C.I.A. and Military. Public knowledge about that probably created animosity in the middle east.
During the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, the C.I.A. famously nurtured Osama Bin Laden against the Soviets. Bin Laden later became our arch enemy from which current day conflict arose.
After we were attacked Sept 11, 2001 Afghanistan and Iraq were invaded sandwiching Iran. In present day, our conflict with Iran still exists although warming and Republicans continue fanning flames.
A vote for J.E.B. will be a vote to empower the C.I.A. and military. Unlike Doctors and nurses who save lives, they are in the business of killing people and if they are again in power, I anticipate a widespread war.
It's just in their blood. We can't avoid it without voting against
J.E.B. is the son of a former C.I.A. Director. The agency is in every facet of their lives.
What that all means is probably a major middle east to south Asia war that will further the endemic hatred and lead to perpetual war.
The Shah of Iran was a western puppet many years ago who was famously deposed by the Iranian radicals who went on to seize power for decades following the American embassy hostage crisis. Ronald Reagan and his veep, Herbert Bush were elected here. In that time was the Iran Contra affair that showed the political shenanigans of the C.I.A. and Military. Public knowledge about that probably created animosity in the middle east.
During the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, the C.I.A. famously nurtured Osama Bin Laden against the Soviets. Bin Laden later became our arch enemy from which current day conflict arose.
After we were attacked Sept 11, 2001 Afghanistan and Iraq were invaded sandwiching Iran. In present day, our conflict with Iran still exists although warming and Republicans continue fanning flames.
A vote for J.E.B. will be a vote to empower the C.I.A. and military. Unlike Doctors and nurses who save lives, they are in the business of killing people and if they are again in power, I anticipate a widespread war.
It's just in their blood. We can't avoid it without voting against
10
The prolific Francine Klagsbrun wrote Mixed Feelings, in 1982; about siblings, all kinds, including twins. Lots of insight, wisdom, and warm humor.
Between brothers years apart, the warmth and rivalry, support and jealousy.
For brothers and others, see the Adams family for some of the best stuff.
As we probe the nature of things between and among the Bush family members that have served, from Prescott, to GHWB and W, we may want to read up on siblings.
It is never the same - never: the oft mentioned WMD question of Saddam and W is not the comparative religion cum insanity question of Sunni vs. Shia and the Wahhabis spinning Saudi Arabia. Besides, in a year or two, those questions will likely give way to a whole new set.
It has nothing to do with what old Joe Kennedy might have thought about his son Jack Kennedy, or what Bobby might have thought about Teddy Kennedy.
We will consider each man individually - for they may speak with the same accent - and believe in very different problem definitions, and wholly different methods - and solutions.
No question their personalities are as different as night is to day.
Again, this has nothing to do with degrees of left or right. These men are not numbers on a compass.
They are discrete human beings with the unique perspective of an individual.
Meanwhile, Hillary voted for the same action that W and Jeb sought in Iraq.
And the question was misunderstood, some say. I say he was answering the question he sought...
Between brothers years apart, the warmth and rivalry, support and jealousy.
For brothers and others, see the Adams family for some of the best stuff.
As we probe the nature of things between and among the Bush family members that have served, from Prescott, to GHWB and W, we may want to read up on siblings.
It is never the same - never: the oft mentioned WMD question of Saddam and W is not the comparative religion cum insanity question of Sunni vs. Shia and the Wahhabis spinning Saudi Arabia. Besides, in a year or two, those questions will likely give way to a whole new set.
It has nothing to do with what old Joe Kennedy might have thought about his son Jack Kennedy, or what Bobby might have thought about Teddy Kennedy.
We will consider each man individually - for they may speak with the same accent - and believe in very different problem definitions, and wholly different methods - and solutions.
No question their personalities are as different as night is to day.
Again, this has nothing to do with degrees of left or right. These men are not numbers on a compass.
They are discrete human beings with the unique perspective of an individual.
Meanwhile, Hillary voted for the same action that W and Jeb sought in Iraq.
And the question was misunderstood, some say. I say he was answering the question he sought...
1
Vague statements are ultimately meaningless. Understanding the history of the bush family and their associates makes clear their goals and objectives, as well as their proclivities and loyalties. None of which concur with the core values of the United States as defined by the Founders' documents.
Tricky? That's the understatement for the record books. How about "insurmountable"?
9
As his brother once famously said:
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me..........you can't get fooled again!"
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me..........you can't get fooled again!"
23
AWESOME!
In another article earlier today:
" he seemed to go out of his way to absolve his brother, former President George W. Bush, who ordered the invasion: “Mistakes were made, as they always are in life,” Mr. Bush said."
For some basic moral reasoning, I have just over a thimble-full of issue with that statement. Mistakes are made when one puts a check into their savings account by accident instead of their checking account. When you forgot to properly sort out the recyclables last week, when you accidentally undertip the wait service - or even on a stretch when Republicans call for a 400th investigation of Benghazi because they didn’t like the answer to the first 399 investigations.
When a team of megalomaniacs carefully plot for years to invade Iraq even before they get into power, that is not a mistake. Mistakes were also made by continuously placing the blame on what is called the passive voice, meaning that no person or entity is held responsible for an action. Mistakes just happen to be made as they always are in life. How convenient. Imagine that!
Mistakes were also made by a world of journalists with no teeth and by voters who are continually duped into buying the Kool-Aid – as in what Jeb Bush said.
" he seemed to go out of his way to absolve his brother, former President George W. Bush, who ordered the invasion: “Mistakes were made, as they always are in life,” Mr. Bush said."
For some basic moral reasoning, I have just over a thimble-full of issue with that statement. Mistakes are made when one puts a check into their savings account by accident instead of their checking account. When you forgot to properly sort out the recyclables last week, when you accidentally undertip the wait service - or even on a stretch when Republicans call for a 400th investigation of Benghazi because they didn’t like the answer to the first 399 investigations.
When a team of megalomaniacs carefully plot for years to invade Iraq even before they get into power, that is not a mistake. Mistakes were also made by continuously placing the blame on what is called the passive voice, meaning that no person or entity is held responsible for an action. Mistakes just happen to be made as they always are in life. How convenient. Imagine that!
Mistakes were also made by a world of journalists with no teeth and by voters who are continually duped into buying the Kool-Aid – as in what Jeb Bush said.
30
Well said.
1
It was amazing that he has selected his brother as his significant foreign advisor. Never mind what the findings were of the bi-partisan Iraq Study group. Never mind what GW's biographers and his second Press Secretary, Scott McClellan, have said of his intent to invade Iraq - even before elected. Never mind the WMD never found - with the only recognition from GW that the invasion was worth it to get Saddam and his two sons. Worth 5,000 US dead? Worth 200,000 Iraqi dead? Worth 50,000 wounded and maimed? Worth $2T (yes, trillion) of our nation's gold spent? Worth the rejection by the international community - including our allies? Jeb has just sealed his fate: a loser.
538
jeb is not making any of the "selections". He's never made any decisions without the oversight of his "family". His political "career" has been carefully orchestrated and controlled by the bush machine. That he's even seriously considered as a minimally-qualified presidential candidate is the real joke. Behind him is a conglomerate of vast financial resources. These are the people that got his brother elected president, persuading the SCOTUS to accede to their desires. They are the war machine, the planetary empire machine, the pillage-the-raw-materials-of-the-planet machine.
They are to be reviled and feared.
They are to be reviled and feared.
6
Thank you, Pete.
1
I hope you are right! But I am hesitant to over estimate the intelligence of the American Voter. Keep writing and being heard!!
2
"w"created a disgraceful legacy that will leave a stain on the Bush name for many generations. Barbara was right, No More Bushes! Jeb needs to forget the office he will never achieve. Perhaps he can take up junk "art" like his brother and provide tv comedians with more hilarious material.
26
Bush Sr. wisely decided not to depose Saddam Hussein, thus maintaining regional stability. W and his cronies were hell bent on capturing Saddam, to the delight of the Shiites and the Kurds. Its been all downhill from there, as we see daily. Then came ISIS. Who knows what will come next. It won't be anything pro-USA, for sure. Jeb Bush has this albatross around his neck, and it will stick. I doubt he has the political savvy to convince people his Presidency would be a cut above his brothers.
20
"Mr. Bush has sought to inherit his brother’s support among neoconservatives."
Whoever the neocons support - I will oppose.
Whoever the neocons support - I will oppose.
29
Jeb Bush would do well to answer honestly questions about the past involving his brother. I'm certain that George W. Bush, if he had known Iraq did not possess WMD instead of being fooled like many other nations, would not have invaded Iraq. He's continually called stupid but had a higher score on the Military IQ test than John Kerry. He should state plainly if I had the facts as we know them now of course I would not have invaded Iraq and probably Hillary would not have voted to authorize the war. If asked if he supports the Bush Doctrine just say here are my policies. There is no harm or shame in disagreeing with a brother. It happens all the time.
1
My older sibling and I are very different personalities with very different perspectives. We don't think alike. My belief is that Jeb Bush can't be held accountable for his older brother's appalling mistakes. But he can be held accountable for being something equally suspect: a Republican.
16
Except... when Jeb was a member of the PNAC (Project for a New American Century and wrote an open letter to Bill Clinton in the 1990s demanding he invade Iraq.
With that history, it's a little bit more obvious he just makes plans and his connections get it done even if it costs Taxpayers trillions and destroys our economy.
With that history, it's a little bit more obvious he just makes plans and his connections get it done even if it costs Taxpayers trillions and destroys our economy.
1
First point, it is not a hypothetical question. "Knowing what we know now . . . . . ." is not presuming any fact to exist - it is asking him to comment on an existing set of facts. And, he doesn't answer hypothetical questions?? Listen to his speeches and his answers to many questions. He answers hypothetical questions all the time, but maybe none about Iraq and his brother, our nation's worst president ever, not even close. He wants to be sensitive to the families of the fallen?? What is insensitive about acknowledging a mistake, giving an apology and accepting that responsibility lies with a pipsqueak of a president and a group of advisers who together haven't got the guts or moral fiber of even one soldier they sent to his or her doom. And W has approval ratings over 80 percent among Iowa and South Carolina Republicans?? I am going to be laughing and shaking my head about that one all weekend.
230
ggk - You are so right! So much for the credibility and importance of Iowa in the voting scenario! I've never understood why Iowa is touted as some kind of a voting bellweather state!
1
The surge and shrink wrapped pallets of $12 billion dollars in cash helped to calm an insurgency for a period of time.
How that is something to give anyone credit for is truly and profoundly absurd.
How that is something to give anyone credit for is truly and profoundly absurd.
25
Jeb Bush is yesterday’s news. His brother didn’t “bungle” the Iraq war, he deliberately committed the crime of aggressive war against a nation that had not harmed us, killed at the very least tens of thousands of their civilians and left Iraq a failed state teetering on dissolution.
We don’t need a third member of the Bush clan in the White House. We don’t need a repeat of the first decade of the 21st century where trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives were completely squandered. Jeb does not repudiate and condemn and make a clean break with those policies. Far from it; he is in obvious sympathy with them.
How impoverished is our national leadership that Jeb Bush is a serious prospective candidate for the Presidency? I suppose the answer is that the Money Power has anointed him, as they have anointed Hilary Clinton. A Clinton vs. Bush contest for our nation’s highest office would be the ultimate comment on the inability of our national politics to get free of rule by the Money interest.
We don’t need a third member of the Bush clan in the White House. We don’t need a repeat of the first decade of the 21st century where trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives were completely squandered. Jeb does not repudiate and condemn and make a clean break with those policies. Far from it; he is in obvious sympathy with them.
How impoverished is our national leadership that Jeb Bush is a serious prospective candidate for the Presidency? I suppose the answer is that the Money Power has anointed him, as they have anointed Hilary Clinton. A Clinton vs. Bush contest for our nation’s highest office would be the ultimate comment on the inability of our national politics to get free of rule by the Money interest.
148
Indeed. W's administration was plotting ways to get into a war in Iraq even before 9/11. The whole deal was a scam (from draft-dodging W).
1
Reminiscent of Hollywood. No one can create anything new. They can only recycle old ideas.
All a perfect illustration of why the country needs neither another Bush nor another Clinton in the coming presidential election. Too much baggage, too much distraction from what really matters.
9
Perspective
Too much baggage is a burden when running for a presidential election, and while President Obama came with little, we went on a massive and destructive hunt to see if we could find some. It was a distraction, and a disappointment to those who returned empty-handed, and Mrs. Clinton is not going to be stalled in the same way if she can help it.
Too much baggage is a burden when running for a presidential election, and while President Obama came with little, we went on a massive and destructive hunt to see if we could find some. It was a distraction, and a disappointment to those who returned empty-handed, and Mrs. Clinton is not going to be stalled in the same way if she can help it.
Truer words have never been spoken! Why can't we have a president that has never been anywhere near the White House. They couldn't do any worse than those who have been in the White House!
1
Scott
Let us hope that taking up residence at The White House has little to do with the actions of the president who has been elected by the American voter. Our National Infrastructure is already in a mess and there is a growing need for job creation.
Are Americans going to take a more peaceful view as to the state of our Nation in the coming years and develop an attitude that all is best in the best of our Country?
The choice that America and its people make in the coming presidential elections is perhaps the most urgent and decisive one in our hands. While the President is moving forward on all issues, leaning heavily towards saving the Middle Class and urging the need for better education for all our young people, the rest is in our hands as to the next person we elect to the highest office in our Country.
Many Republicans and some Democrats already show signs of wishing to dismantle important programs implemented by the President, with a care to continue to place obstacles in his way, as to any progress that would be a beneficial difference to our lives, our welfare and the future of our children.
Neither Mr. Jeb Bush nor Mrs. Hillary Clinton show signs of being asleep as to the realities we are facing, and it is the latter who is more awake, better informed, experienced and better surrounded by both Democrats and Republicans who have the future of our Country at heart and with added substance.
Let us hope that taking up residence at The White House has little to do with the actions of the president who has been elected by the American voter. Our National Infrastructure is already in a mess and there is a growing need for job creation.
Are Americans going to take a more peaceful view as to the state of our Nation in the coming years and develop an attitude that all is best in the best of our Country?
The choice that America and its people make in the coming presidential elections is perhaps the most urgent and decisive one in our hands. While the President is moving forward on all issues, leaning heavily towards saving the Middle Class and urging the need for better education for all our young people, the rest is in our hands as to the next person we elect to the highest office in our Country.
Many Republicans and some Democrats already show signs of wishing to dismantle important programs implemented by the President, with a care to continue to place obstacles in his way, as to any progress that would be a beneficial difference to our lives, our welfare and the future of our children.
Neither Mr. Jeb Bush nor Mrs. Hillary Clinton show signs of being asleep as to the realities we are facing, and it is the latter who is more awake, better informed, experienced and better surrounded by both Democrats and Republicans who have the future of our Country at heart and with added substance.
1
If Jeb wants to be president, he needs to look at his brother's tenure objectively, not parsing words and spinning answers to protect W.'s ego. It goes to the heart of his character, how he reacts to these serious and appropriate questions. I am surprised he was not more prepared with a perfectly vetted answer to this inevitable question. Jeb's hubris reveals a man unprepared to be the leader of the free world.
288
While I agree in general with your comment, I am really sick of hearing US presidents referred to as "leader of the free world." In my opinion the leaders of many other countries are far more deserving of the title. Perhaps "leader of the world's most capitalist-controlled nation" would be better.
2
@ Eddie: I agree. I think I used it to make it seem more scary if Bush were elected. Maybe "leader of the most massively huge military in the history of planet Earth" would have been better, and more what I wanted to refer to.
3
Clearly the cognitive dysfunction is a strong genetic trait running through the family.
1
Jeb, it's gonna be a long primary, an even longer road to your brother's old digs on Pennsylvania Avenue, especially as you drag along his baggage.
Remember, "hope" is not a strategy. It's only going to get worse and worser.
Remember, "hope" is not a strategy. It's only going to get worse and worser.
11
George W.'s presidency was a failed one in many respects. Bad economy, refusal to raise taxes to pay for the wars (told us to go shopping), made America very tired of hopeless wars. Six years later we are still trying to recover. Just to see Jeb standing with George is frightening. Jeb's advisers are George's advisers. Eliminate Jeb as candidate and the sooner the better we'll be able to sleep at night.
41
Maybe he should just drop out of the race before he embarrasses himself more. He came on like gangbusters a few weeks ago, raising money and threatening those who didn't follow him. He's a bully who lives in the shadow of George W. How pathetic is that?
The GOP seem to have a long list of bozos who are running or announcing that next week they will announce that they are going to announce that they are running. If he is going to announce it then I count him as running.
I know that the family thought this brilliant son was going to be president and not George W. However, I didn't think this was possible but Jeb is even more inept than the former president.
I think the Democrats will win the White House next time thanks to this long list of GOP nuts.
The GOP seem to have a long list of bozos who are running or announcing that next week they will announce that they are going to announce that they are running. If he is going to announce it then I count him as running.
I know that the family thought this brilliant son was going to be president and not George W. However, I didn't think this was possible but Jeb is even more inept than the former president.
I think the Democrats will win the White House next time thanks to this long list of GOP nuts.
31
The fact that this gentleman, as wonderful or not as he might be, is even considered a serious candidate given the chaos and destruction sown by his beloved brother speaks to the breathtaking short sightedness and lack of memory of the American public and of the media (many of whom echoed his brother's drumbeat into Iraq). Never fear, if he doesn't make it, we have awaiting us, his son, the handsome George Prescott Bush out of Texas, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office.
Jeb Bush is a wolf in sheep's clothing who sounds reasonable and tolerant. He also was the Governor of Florida when the right wing stooges on the SCOTUS appointed his brother President. By all accounts, a disaster for our nation.
Does our country really need other "justices" like Thomas, Roberts and Alito? Vote for Jeb Bush and that's likely what we will be stuck with for decades to come. While George W. is painting his heart out in Texas while these men are dismantling our democracy as we know it, selling it to the highest bidders,
At least Hillary (no die hard supporter of her here) can point (by objective measures) to more positives than negatives in Bill Clinton's term in office.
We are indeed a dumb lot if we let ANY Bush anywhere near 1600 Pennnsylvania Avenue again.
Jeb Bush is a wolf in sheep's clothing who sounds reasonable and tolerant. He also was the Governor of Florida when the right wing stooges on the SCOTUS appointed his brother President. By all accounts, a disaster for our nation.
Does our country really need other "justices" like Thomas, Roberts and Alito? Vote for Jeb Bush and that's likely what we will be stuck with for decades to come. While George W. is painting his heart out in Texas while these men are dismantling our democracy as we know it, selling it to the highest bidders,
At least Hillary (no die hard supporter of her here) can point (by objective measures) to more positives than negatives in Bill Clinton's term in office.
We are indeed a dumb lot if we let ANY Bush anywhere near 1600 Pennnsylvania Avenue again.
99
The fact that just the other day the man could not give an informed response to a question about Iraq, a problem that his own brother precipitated, tells you that the man is a lightweight and that his vanity candidacy is nothing more than a candidacy of opportunity built only upon name recognition and nothing of substance.
Me? I don't want to see anyone named "Bush" anywhere near DC. After W I am done with these people.
Me? I don't want to see anyone named "Bush" anywhere near DC. After W I am done with these people.
77
The risky line Jeb Bush must walk regarding his father and especially his brother makes his presidential run a mistake. I actually believe that Jeb would be a different president from the man that's forced to cater to Republican extremists, of which there are too many.
He would be a centrist Chief Executive, but he can't run that way, which means he is not his own man and is too weak-willed to be his own man. This is dishonest and a disservice to the electorate.
Maybe Jeb should just tell the Tea Party radicals to shove it. He might be surprised by how many voters would find this a reason to support him.
He would be a centrist Chief Executive, but he can't run that way, which means he is not his own man and is too weak-willed to be his own man. This is dishonest and a disservice to the electorate.
Maybe Jeb should just tell the Tea Party radicals to shove it. He might be surprised by how many voters would find this a reason to support him.
4
This is the line that worries me most about Jeb Bush:
"Mr. Bush began exploring a presidential run by declaring that he would be his own man."
One thing we don't need is a president out to prove himself as "his own man." With that burden on his shoulders he is bound to make some bad decisions. His judgment will be clouded, wondering how his actions are being perceived in comparison to his brother's. The last Bush was out to prove himself as well, in that case that he was not his father. We all know how that ended.
"Mr. Bush began exploring a presidential run by declaring that he would be his own man."
One thing we don't need is a president out to prove himself as "his own man." With that burden on his shoulders he is bound to make some bad decisions. His judgment will be clouded, wondering how his actions are being perceived in comparison to his brother's. The last Bush was out to prove himself as well, in that case that he was not his father. We all know how that ended.
37
W was the greatest electoral mistake/sham of my lifetime, and it amazes me that Jeb has any supporters at all, just eight short years after the departure of one of the dumbest presidents in US history. That said, the fact that Hillary has been virtually crowned already by the Democrats is no less a scandal. The United States is not a monarchy, but it sure looks like one these past few decades.
19
Someone should explain to Mr Bush that America's memory is short but not that short. He should withdraw gracefully from the primary and allow America to continue to heal from the retched experience of his brother's administration.
39
"On Wednesday, he said such hypotheticals were insensitive to the families of fallen soldiers in the war."
What an appalling remark. Talking about the tragic mistakes of his brother may help us those of us interested in creating fewer of those kinds of families in the future.
What an appalling remark. Talking about the tragic mistakes of his brother may help us those of us interested in creating fewer of those kinds of families in the future.
46
If Jeb wants to get my attention as anything other than 'one Bush too many, and we already were in that position' he's going to have to state clearly and emphatically that George was completely wrong to invade Iraq, that it was a huge mistake that he, Jeb, wouldn't repeat, and then he's going to have to clearly explain how he would avoid it. A hundred years from now when historians are categorizing colossal foreign policy blunders the Iraq invasion will stand out clearly at the top of the list. We still haven't experienced all the consequences of that, neither the full cost nor the impact on America's influence, prestige, and fortunes. Perhaps not having a Cheney in the background pulling strings and manipulating things makes Jeb 'his own man' -- but I don't see the evidence in his positions, his statements, or his actions. Until those differences are clear and readily visible, Jeb has no chance to sway any centrist voters.
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@Jim B: "... he's [JEB] going to have to state clearly and emphatically that ... it was a huge mistake [to invade Irag] that he, Jeb, wouldn't repeat, ..."
Not even the President can travel back in time or predict the future, so what exactly are you asking Mr. Bush to promise not to "repeat"?
Not even the President can travel back in time or predict the future, so what exactly are you asking Mr. Bush to promise not to "repeat"?
In response to Jim B, you are tapping on the wrong nail. Few voters care or know about the Iraq war, and to many of them, the role of Dick Cheney in the conflict is irrelevant to people's everyday concerns. Maybe Saddam Hussein had wmd and maybe he did not. But the fact is that he did have stockpiles of chemical weapons which, thanks to the CIA, were recently found in a storage unit on the outskirts of Baghdad and removed. It is my view that when it comes to attempting to solve problems in the ME, both Presidents Bush and Obama are in over their heads. There are problems there involving religion, tribal rivalries, control of natural resources for which there is no good solution. Our intervention , on the side of Iran,can only make things worse, since the government in Teheran with its hegemonic ambitions, is hated by every Sunni nation in the Gulf. I am reminded of the story of the Arab who, while looking in the mirror at himself, sees an Iranian standing behind him.
"A Quinnipiac University survey this month showed George W. Bush’s favorability at 81 percent among likely Republican caucusgoers in Iowa."
This shows just how irrational these Republicans are. Dubya has been rated as one of the worst presidents in history. He spent the Clinton surplus on the invasion and occupation of Iraq. He is responsible for more than 4400 young Americans getting killed, and over 20,000 injured.
He and his advisers, including Paul Wolfowitz manipulated the intelligence reports to justify the attack on Iraq, and they see him a favorable?
How disgusting can they get? Jeb B does not have the courage to distance himself from this most unsavory event in American history. Just what the country needs, another escapee from the GOP sanitarium for the criminally insane.
The appeal of the GOP is tax cuts, tax cuts ad infinitum. And that appeals to people who do not earn enough to pay any as it is. Low wage white men from the south and places like Iowa, and Kansas. Do these people think, or just get their opinions by osmosis?
This shows just how irrational these Republicans are. Dubya has been rated as one of the worst presidents in history. He spent the Clinton surplus on the invasion and occupation of Iraq. He is responsible for more than 4400 young Americans getting killed, and over 20,000 injured.
He and his advisers, including Paul Wolfowitz manipulated the intelligence reports to justify the attack on Iraq, and they see him a favorable?
How disgusting can they get? Jeb B does not have the courage to distance himself from this most unsavory event in American history. Just what the country needs, another escapee from the GOP sanitarium for the criminally insane.
The appeal of the GOP is tax cuts, tax cuts ad infinitum. And that appeals to people who do not earn enough to pay any as it is. Low wage white men from the south and places like Iowa, and Kansas. Do these people think, or just get their opinions by osmosis?
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Plus responsible for the 100,000+ dead Iraqis & wounded.
Shrub II trashed Iraq & never even said he was sorry.
Shrub II trashed Iraq & never even said he was sorry.
9
GW almost destroyed our economy. What we need now is another member of the family to finish us off.
1
Jeb Bush was one of the original signatories to The Project for the New American Century's "Statement of Principles".
The Project for the New American Century brought us the Iraq War.
He is the Qusay (to W's Uday) of the Bush clan.
The Project for the New American Century brought us the Iraq War.
He is the Qusay (to W's Uday) of the Bush clan.
89
Being related to the worst president since Andrew Johnson is not a disqualification. Embracing some of the same policies will be. Having so many primary candidates trying to outflank you on the right is a gift, because you can run as the "sane general election guy." Along with having to defend his brother's record, he'll also have to defend his own, and his pose of moderation will soon evaporate. When Mitt Romney called himself "severely conservative," he was lying...Bush was, but that's not where the country will be in November 2016.
23
If he has troubles, then I'm happy. May they continue and multiply.
174
How feeble.
There are substantive answers available to the "how would you have handled it 'different' from Dubya?," but only to people of substance.
No room for mis-underestimation here.
A substantive answer:
I wouldn't fight more than one war of choice at a time.
I would direct all my efforts at the clear perpetrator of a treacherous attack and not divide and squander (our own)
I would not succumb to the assymetric warfare trap.
I'll be calling the Bush library in Dallas asking that they talk to Jeb about not even bothering to waste all that "united" money....and our national prospect.
There are substantive answers available to the "how would you have handled it 'different' from Dubya?," but only to people of substance.
No room for mis-underestimation here.
A substantive answer:
I wouldn't fight more than one war of choice at a time.
I would direct all my efforts at the clear perpetrator of a treacherous attack and not divide and squander (our own)
I would not succumb to the assymetric warfare trap.
I'll be calling the Bush library in Dallas asking that they talk to Jeb about not even bothering to waste all that "united" money....and our national prospect.
15
"I wouldn't fight more than one war of choice at a time."
Correction. We should not be fighting any "wars of choice." Anytime.
Correction. We should not be fighting any "wars of choice." Anytime.
10
His brother was dumb, acted the fool, fell captive to manipulative jerks, and deserves every ounce of scorn he gets.
If Jeb cannot stand up to the short shadow of his father and the long, disgraceful shadow of his brother - then he has neither the vision, self-confidence, pride, or toughness to be President.
At that should disqualify him - altogether separate question from why the Bush dynasty should fade away.
If Jeb cannot stand up to the short shadow of his father and the long, disgraceful shadow of his brother - then he has neither the vision, self-confidence, pride, or toughness to be President.
At that should disqualify him - altogether separate question from why the Bush dynasty should fade away.
258
Fade away?
Bush dynasty should be tossed out with morning coffee grounds to be enjoyed by the neighborhood skunks.
Bush dynasty should be tossed out with morning coffee grounds to be enjoyed by the neighborhood skunks.
4
If this guy is the smart brother, heaven help the lot of them - and us.
116
My thought exactly. How is it possible he did not role play this question scenario many times with staff? A POTUS should have at least above average foresight.
7
…let's not forget about S&L criminal Neil Bush who got bailed out by his daddy's (then President) political connections while his associates went to prison for their financial crimes, all on the taxpayer's dime of course…..so let's bring the other Bush brother up too while we are discussing the Bush family.
3
Jeb Bush is "his own man." Unfortunately that man does agree with the W. No matter how he may spin it for the campaign, Jeb, in his heart, believes his brother did the right thing.
Bush blood is thicker than blood of Americans who died in Iraq.
Bush blood is thicker than blood of Americans who died in Iraq.
295
Thicker, perhaps, but not more precious.
1
Voters won't forget that Jeb's father got us into the Middle East. Then his brother invaded the wrong country and set the Middle East aflame? Bad judgment just seems to be in the Bush gene pool.
206
To be fair, his father didn't make those kind of stupid mistakes.
The 1st Gulf War was begun with a clear objective in mind, and ended shortly after it began. Bush Sr. lined up world support, as well as international financial backing, and kept to his original exit strategy.
Bush Jr. was entirely clueless, and didn't even understand that overthrowing Saddam's regime would embolden the Shiite militias. We have him to thank for ISIS and much of the present instability in the Middle East.
The 1st Gulf War was begun with a clear objective in mind, and ended shortly after it began. Bush Sr. lined up world support, as well as international financial backing, and kept to his original exit strategy.
Bush Jr. was entirely clueless, and didn't even understand that overthrowing Saddam's regime would embolden the Shiite militias. We have him to thank for ISIS and much of the present instability in the Middle East.
126
See today's piece about the college student who accused brother George for the rise of ISIS, as Jeb "agreed to disagree".
9
And voters should also not forget that it was Jeb Bush and Florida's secretary of state, Katherine Harris, who were instrumental in getting George W into office in the first place!
16
The questions are policy, policy, policy. What expressly does Mr. Bush stand for? Tell me that and I will know whether I could support the candidacy.
5
People who voted for W do not want to feel responsible for the Iraq War and the subsequent Middle East deadly chaos. Jeb is one of the people who voted for W.
But the Cheney, Bush, fossil fuel lobby and neocons developed a strategy that utilized cherry-picked intelligence to invade Iraq when it was not a threat to the citizens of the United States.
Jeb's decision to love both his family and hire W's neocon advisors should give any prudent voter a case of buyer beware.
But the Cheney, Bush, fossil fuel lobby and neocons developed a strategy that utilized cherry-picked intelligence to invade Iraq when it was not a threat to the citizens of the United States.
Jeb's decision to love both his family and hire W's neocon advisors should give any prudent voter a case of buyer beware.
387
This article shows that the Republican Party has moved so far to the right that the only way Jeb Bush can find natural supporters for his true, heartfelt beliefs, is to seek the nomination of the Democratic Party.... or run on a fusion ticket with Bernie Sanders! LOL! What sweet irony!
16
I'm assuming this is irony, but you seem serious. Sanders wouldn't even talk to Bush unless required to.
2
Leaning on your brother to appease and paying for it later is precisely what should happen when your president's legacy cannot be adequately described in terms of damage to this country and others. And lacking the guts to speak like a man and not a wind up toy is precisely what defines yet one more useless politician. Or maybe Jeb just isn't bright enough to understand his brother's Iraq gambit and this makes him just as dangerous.
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