Jeb takes a step closer to running for president
MIAMI – Coming from a family that already boasts two former presidents, Jeb Bush knows politics – and how to play the game.
Bush announced via Twitter: “I am excited to announce I will actively explore the possibility of running for President of the United States.” Through this quick message he linked his followers to Facebook where he was a bit more explicit.
In a longer message that appeared on Facebook he mentioned his family, Thanksgiving, football, good food and a host of other feel good things. He included: “As a result of these conversations [with the family] and thoughtful consideration of the kind of strong leadership I think America needs, I have decided to actively explore the possibility of running for President of the United States.
“In January, I also plan to establish a Leadership PAC that will help me facilitate conversations with citizens across America to discuss the most critical challenges facing our exceptional nation. The PAC’s purpose will be to support leaders, ideas and policies that will expand opportunity and prosperity for all Americans.
“In the coming months, I hope to visit with many of you and have a conversation about restoring the promise of America.”
As for playing the game and extending the speculation where he manages to keep his name among the possibilities and in the front pages of newspapers, it is important to note that Bush did not say he was forming an exploratory committee, but rather that he will form a leadership PAC. The difference is notable, although it ups the ante on whether he will (or will not) seek the presidency in 2016. Others who have already launched leadership PAC’s include fellow Floridian Sen. Marco Rubio, and Senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz. Also in the mix is 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney and New Jersey Gov. Chris Cristie, who has yet to form any type of committee.
Bush’s announcement, in my opinion, should draw attention to his potential run and take away from the others.
Right after the announcement of the Bush’s leadership PAC, The New York Times asked: “The question that looms over yet another Bush candidacy, though, is if he can appeal to actual Republican primary voters as much as he does the party’s wealthy bundlers. Many of Mr. Bush’s would-be rivals are skeptical. So for them, Mr. Bush making such an early move is not entirely bad news. If it turns out that he cannot appeal to the party base or backs away from a run entirely, there will be time for them to make their move.
“For now, though, it is Mr. Bush who is the market-mover.”
It is interesting to speculate on why Bush, a true professional in this sport, chose today to announce the January establishment of his PAC. Over the past few months, polls have shown him creeping to the top of candidates favored by republicans. A new McClathcy-Marist poll just released has Mitt Romney still leading the GOP field with 19%, but Bush closing in with 14%. The two frontrunners are then followed by Chris Cristie with9%, Mike Huckabee with 9%, Ben Carson with 8%, Rand Paul with 5%, Ted Cruz and Rick Perry with 4%. Marco Rubio registered a 3%.
Finally, the polls also ventured into “if the election were held today” question. In a head to head battle with Hillary Clinton, the former First Lady and U.S. senator registered a resounding 53%-41% against Romney, and a 53%-40% thrashing of Jeb Bush.
2016 seems far away. It is not. More and more it looks like Jeb will be in the group who will chase the highest political prize in the land.
The question to also ask – other than the right one asked by The New York Times as to a possibility of Jeb surviving a primary that may be dominated by the extreme right of the Republican Party – is whether Jeb Bush can also distance himself from his brother’s presidency and all that it entailed, especially after the torture disclosures of last week.
(Jeb Bush photo from Facebook)
