When talk began in earnest about a Jeb Bush presidential candidacy for 2016, former First Lady Barbara Bush was noticeably cool about the idea. Alas, she eventually changed her mind. But as veteran test takers know, it is usually wise to trust your first instinct when deciding a question.
Tonight we will examine the myriad weaknesses of another Bush run at the White House. A spotty electoral record, weakness in coalition building, the lingering suspicion about the Bush penchant for international adventurism, a closed and inbred circle of political advisors, an often tone-deaf approach to communications and identity politics, a detached bubble of family affluence- all of these translate into a damaged political brand that would be very problematic in a presidential race.
The Bushes are a distiguished political family with a commendable record of public service. But the times are not suited for yet another President Bush. The Republican goal for this election should be to win the White House, not provide a comfortable security blanket for the GOP establishment.
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