George W. Suggests Jeb Bush for the White House

On the day that the United States pays homage to veterans of all wars, former President George W. Bush presented his book, “41: A Portrait of My Father,” dedicated to his father, George H.W. Bush. The presentation took place at the George Bush Presidential Library at Texas’s A&E University, at College Station. Usually, books like this come out post mortem. The 41st president of the United States, however, is alive and spry (he is 90). The son of Senator Prescott Bush, he comes from one of the most influential East Coast families among the financial aristocracy. After Pearl Harbor, George H.W. Bush enlisted and became, at only 18 years of age, the youngest pilot in the U.S. Marines. He wore a uniform until the end of World War II, when he enrolled at Yale University. Upon graduation, he moved to Texas with his family, beginning a career as an industrialist in the oil sector. And thanks also to his father’s connections, he became a millionaire at the age of 40.

George H.W. Bush dedicated himself to politics starting in 1964, with his first candidacy for the Senate, which did not go well. Two year later, however, he was elected to the House of Representatives, and from thereon, he enjoyed a lengthy period of prestigious duties, from U.N. ambassador (1971-1973) to head of the diplomatic office in China, followed by the directorship of the CIA. Finally, there came the first round of primaries for the White House, where he lost to Ronald Reagan, but then became his vice president, and in 1988, election to the presidency. Four years later, he failed to win a second because of the economic crisis and his failed promise not to raise taxes, (something that was thrown in his face ad infinitum in Democratic electoral campaign ads, watch the video), and the appearance of billionaire Ross Perot on the field, who garnered 19 percent of the vote and siphoned vital support from the Republicans, thus promoting Bill Clinton’s success.

In his book, George W. does not only speak of his father but also about himself, his family and presidential dynamics. “Jeb would make a really good president,” he writes. With this phrase, George W. recommends his brother’s entry into the field for the 2016 presidential election. “It would be great if Jeb ran, but it’s his choice that he is evaluating,” says George W. And regarding the possibility that his brother could find Hillary Clinton as a competitor for the seat, he adds that it would be a challenge “between two highly qualified people.” A race against the former first lady could disturb those who do not support the idea that another person (the third) with the Bush name could become president. The former Florida governor still has not loosened his reserve; he will before the end of the year. Another Bush would shift the Republican Party’s political gravity to the center (without much joy for the Tea Party) and focus on the needs of the Hispanic minority, two factors that could be decisive in winning the White House. Surely, then, contacts with people who matter (read: financing) and who have organizational capacity are not lacking for the Bush family. In order to beat a Bush, therefore, a very heavyweight candidate will be necessary and not just any name.