Why isn’t President Bush campaigning for McCain?
Click the play button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Of all the differences between Barack Obama and John McCain, here's one that could really make a difference down the home stretch: One has a president to help him and the other one does not. And at first glance, it's not what you might think.
After his appearance with Barack Obama tonight at a rally in Kissimmee, Florida, former president Bill Clinton plans to criss-cross the country on behalf of Obama in the closing days of the campaign. Tonight will mark President Clinton's first joint appearance with Obama on the campaign trail. Despite his lukewarm support at first,President Clinton as well as Hillary Clinton will campaign hard in the next few days to help Obama try to close the deal.
Watch: Cafferty: Cafferty: Bush support McCain?
But what about John McCain? He has a sitting president in his party. President Bush has been dubbed "the invisible man" when it comes to campaigning for his dear friend and fellow Republican, John McCain.
Here’s my question to you: President Clinton is campaigning for Barack Obama. Why isn't President Bush campaigning for John McCain?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Garth writes:
Bush campaigning with McCain and Palin? You can't be serious. This would be a real comedy show– two comedians and one sidekick, McCain. Bush couldn't help a class leader get elected with his pitiful record. Isn't it a real pity that a sitting president cannot be of any help to the candidate from his own party seeking to succeed him?
Kathy writes:
Jack, John McCain doesn't need President Bush by his side as he has "Anchorage Annie" as his VP pick who is even more extremist, right fringe-minded. However, it would be a wonderful October Surprise if the President would call a prime-time news conference to remind all of us of his endorsement of McShame.
Ian from Fairfax, Virginia writes:
Well Jack, simply put, it's Bush. I think the best way Bush can help McCain is staying out of his campaign.
Derek from Toronto, Ontario writes:
Bill Clinton did so much good for the economy and secretly wishes he could have run again. George Bush has done so little for the economy and secretly wishes he could just run away
Nora from Corpus Christi, Texas writes:
I think it is horrible the way McCain has thrown George W. Bush under the bus because of this election. I would have been more impressed with McCain if he would have said, Yes, I voted for Bush and I have agreed with him 94% of the time, but now I see we have to take the country in a different direction. Shame on you, McCain. You really are not loyal to anyone right now, are you?
Cee writes:
President Bush's feelings are still hurt because McCain only agreed with him 90% of the time. He wanted 100%.
Brian from Clearwater, Florida writes:
President Bush campaigning for Senator McCain would be like Senator Stevens of Alaska endorsing Sarah Palin for Vice President. I would rather have the coal in my stocking at Christmas.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Because Bush is busy building his legacy?.......If I never hear that word again that would suit me just fine.
Because Palin is already campaigning for him.
Jack: If President Bush campaigned for John McCain, then there would be no reason for McCain to even believe that he still had a chance. Both John McCain and the President understand this, that is why President Bush hasn't even tried.
I guess he is fed up with this own failed policies!!! 😛
McCain is trying pretend that he is different from Bush.
Jack,
To quote Joe Biden, "Is that a real question? You're kidding – right? Is this a joke?" I'm think the RNC is paying GW handsomely to stay as far away from this campaign as humanly possible. If GW were to whisper one word in support of McCain/Palin, it would guarantee an Obama/Biden landslide for sure.
LG
Obama/Biden 08
McCain said "Please don't endorse my campaign, I'll lose for sure."
Bush isn't campaigning for McCain, because he's not liked by the American public at the moment. Both McCain and Palin are talking about bad Bush policies, and how he's screwed up the last 8 years, and are pushing him out in the line of fire. Would you want to be in Bush's shoes? I don't even think Bush wants to be in his own shoes!
Even McCain as dumb as he is, wants to avoid being near the worst President in US history.
Gary in Bayside, NY
This is the smartest thing that the Republican Party and John McCain have done - distancing themselves from Bush. After all, Bush is the most incompetent President that we have had in the history of this country. I wouldn't want him campaigning for me either!!!
Bush does campaign for McCain but only in private settings. They avoid the public because it would be easier for the Democrats to link McCain to Bush if they were frequently seen in public together. McCain-Bush, thats not what McCain needs now but sadly, its what he has gotten. Maybe Bush is one of those "friends" that McCain talks about so much.
Hey Jack,
I'm sure the answer to this question is because John McCain does not want him to. Would you want a President with a 27 % approval rating whom you are trying to distance yourself from campaigning for you. He doesn't want to be associated with President Bush any more then the 90% he already is. This would be the second biggest mistake of his campaign for President, the first of corse being chosing Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Debbie -Spotsylvania, VA
I think Bush finally figured it out – he is poison!
Because the RNC and McCain's campaign would rather have Bush work behind the scenes using the White House to their benefit while they bash him in public. It's sad that Bush would choose to be an absent President in an effort to get another Republican elected.
I wonder why too because in 2004 every Gop candidates were looking for his support now they try to distance themselves from him.Is he that bad now for everyone to run away from him wow.
Jack, If Bush campaigned for McCain, what could he possibly say to help McCain? I can't think of one thing; not even one. Most probably, he's not helping McCain because the McCain /Palin group asked him to stay out of it and for good reason.
'Cause they're both losers!
Refer to SNL skit. McCain wants to distance himself from any reference to Bush. But it is hard to get to far away when your are joined at the waist. They are of one mind, in their way of doing business. Absolutely, no difference!
Sharon
Texas
One word...failure and misery loves company
Jack; McCain's only chance is if GWB goes out stumping for Obama.
W is unable to endorse Palin. Even he has some standards.
This is a softball Jack. Bush is as toxic as Ebola these days. Every time Bush talks about the Economy, the Stock Market crashes. Every time he brings up the Election, McCain's poll numbers nose dive. He's become the opposite of King Midas, everything he touches turns into... well, not gold.
Jack,
Just when I can't find another reason to love you, You come up with yet another brillant question. It simple , he's done enough to hurt him just by endorsing him and McCain has done enough to hurt himself by voting with Bush 90% of the time.
Shirley Ann
Breaux Bridge, LA
The Mccain campaign does not want people to figure out that keeping the Bush tax cuts for the ultra rich has not worked. If the Joe's out there ever put 2+2 together McCain would only get about 2% of the vote. So he and his army of Carl Rove trained stooges have to pretend that he and Bush are somehow different.
This is an easy one to answer– because McCain doesn't want him to. At this point, however, I believe Bush would be a better campaigner for McCain than that Palin woman. She is stirring up more hate and disunity than any one I've witnessed.
Glad to be an ardent supporter of Barack Obama!
The Republicans now understand that Bush was a major mistake, not a victim of the supposed left leaning media. Voters see Bush and get angry. While on the other hand, when they see President Clinton, whether you are democrat or republican you see a PRESIDENT.
Jack,
Given the DISapproval rating that President Bush has, it's pretty obvious to everyone [including Bush] that he would only be a hindrance to the McCain campaign.
I'll bet McCain isn't losing any sleep over his not "helping" the campaign! And for all we know, McCain might have asked Bush NOT to help!
Dallas, Texas
Bush is such an joke . Deep in the heart of Bush/McCain country there are virtually no McCain bumper stickers or yard signs.
The Dixie Chicks had it right. Not everyone in America or Texas is proud of Bush/Cheney. He's been a disgrace to even those from his home state. To bad Southern Methodist University sold out and accepted his Library.
If I were the Republicans, I'd run away from him too. Unfortunately, he's from Texas and will be back in about two and a half months.
Does Bush even know he has to leave the White House soon?
As self-absorbed as Dubya is, he probably couldn't care less if McCain gets elected. Beyond that, the RNC knows that having the most unpopular president in modern memory campaigning for McCain would be nothing less than a death wish.
Because President Bush does not have a good favorability rating. He has gone through more troubling times that any president in recent history: 911, Katrina, Gustav, Ike, many more storms in south Florida, floods all over the country and wildfires, and, of course, fighting terror. Reasonable people will believe that the money had to be spent for all goods causes.
when republican policies fail, the republican party fails. gw bush should nt have lied to the american people. john mccain's stance on iraq, is even worse than bush's. they are peas in a pod ,even if they dont want anyone to see it. we are the best informed americans, ever. we wont be fooled any longer. this race is over and our next president is gonna have values that have been lacking in washington in like, forever.
This one is too easy, Jack. Hes the most unpopular sitting President in the history of the United States. Whenever he appears on T.V. McCain drops a point in the polls. Bush campaigning for anyone would be counterproductive for anyone.
I would say that Bush is actually doing somthing honorable for a change – He knows that his presidency was a failure – and endorsing mccain would only damage mccains campaign futher.
I just wish that he had been as concerned about the american people as he is about the Gop ticket.
John McCain admitted on Meet the Press that he and Bush had the same thought, ideaology. If that doesn't scare you, I say you maybe aren't real smart. Think Bush
Go Obama/Biden
Jack,
I think that thereis enough hate going on at their rallys without inviting George to participate.
McCain has avoided Bush at all costs during this campaign because of all the wrong he has done over the last 8 years. It is sort of like when you see an ex girlfriend in the supermarket that wronged you or dumped you and you find yourself ducking down the next aisle to avoid her...that's what McCain has been doing to Bush for months. But he isn't fooling us, we know he is Bush's sidekick voting with him 90% of the time!
Are you kidding me. McCain already has one millstone around his neck – why would he want two?
That's simple, not only does McCain want to distance himself politically from Bush and his shoot-from-hip misguided policies, he can't stand him personally as well. So, campaigning without Bush is a twofer for McCain.
Colonel John W. Hall
Fredericksburg, VA
US Army (Retired)
He didn't know this was an election year...
We all know that Bush has the lowest public rating for a president in the past forty years and we have a economy in failure plus two war and add 5 trillion plus new national debt to add to 5 trillion in debt that the republicans had from Reagan terms, Bush is in hiding from the voters to help McCain. We the voters know that McCain and Bush are joined at the hip when it comes to political ideas. Fool us once shame on them but fool us twice shame on us.
Perhaps no one has told him there's a campaign going on . . .
Then the public will really know that there policies are just alike. I wonder If President Bush ratings were 35 to 50%, what would happen?
Bush is in a party of his own. McCain is a so called "maverick". Obama is offering "change we need". GWB... is nothing and he knows it. Republicans hate him, Democrats hate him, i wouldn't be surprised if his administration disliked him (i'm pretty sure some of them do). Him campaigning for anyone would be useless and i doubt anyone would pay attention anyways.
Would you want to have George Bush campaingning for you?
Why would anyone want to be linked with a president who is regarded as an incompetent, catastrophic failure! Bush is leaving office with two unfinished wars and a country that is in the worst economic condition in over seven decades. McCain may be behind in the polls, but he's no masochist.
Janice
South Carolina
It means that John McCain made one and only one good decision in his campaign. Bush may have energized the Republican base but he would have alienated the growing number of Independent and undecided voters that do not like either major party. Bush has been a disaster and the Republican controled congress an even bigger one. McCain may be from Arizona but can never be as far from Bush as he needs to be.
He's campaigning in secret, just like he did the fundraisers. Bush is like the girlfriend you can't take out in public and only see behind closed doors. McCain needs him, but can't risk getting caught, or he'll have to face the consequences. So, his buddy Bush is a closet campaigner, and it seems to not humiliate him. Go figure..beorne, texas
It's so obvious John McCain wants Bush to purposely stay away from his campaign. It would only give credence to Obama's argument that they are virtually identical and inseparable. In fact, Bush's scholastic credentials, as a C- Yale graduate, trumps John McCain's educational achievements. It's a sad situation when you're viewed as a candidate who's more obtuse than Bush.
I wish he would!
Why isn't Al Gore campaigning for Joe Biden ??
Because he knows that that would put the final nail in McCain's political coffin?
I was wondering when you were going to ask this question, Jack! Bush has been so obviously missing from the whole scene. It sure does say a lot when no one, and I mean no one, wants the sitting president of the United States to align himself with them in any way. Wow! He'd apparently be their kiss of death. And if that's what the members of his own party think of him, it's not hard to figure out why he's got such a lousy reputation throughout the world. We must be such a laughing stock in so many places because we elected this guy not once, but twice. Good riddance, W!
Ahhh! Now that’s a brilliant question, not surprising that Bush has not campaigned for McCain. McCain & Party have demonstrated an unprofessional, sneaky and demoralized campaign. Hence my take & several folks here at university is that due to severe unpopularity of Bush government McCain campaign had asked Bush to stay away from their campaign. Albeit MCain/Palin have failed in projecting an anti-Bush image!!!
Jack
would you want the Typhoid mary of American politics campaigning for you?
Pablo
Because it's the kiss of death for the campaign.
Jack: That's easy–President Bush has been replaced by "Joe-The-Plumber–who is more capable of "flushing-out more votes."
Obviously, campaigning, ethics and anything you say or do has nothing to do with whether you are elected. In Alaska, a 7 time convicted felon is still running and in a "tight-race" for his senate seat! Additional campaigning in this year is a waste. Only the press is listening. The actual voters, especially in Alaska, are just voting on auto pilot for their party.
He too busy finding ways "behind the scenes" to make sure McCain is elected. Remember-everything in the grand plan (Project for a New American Century) that the Neo-Cons have attempted over the last 8 years, particularly the Iraq War, will go to hell if there is an Obama presidency.
It's all about the money. I am sure Bush and Co are simply working behind the scense-trying to protect their investments.
President Bush has become the symbol of failure in modern politics. McCain has to avoid "associations" with questionable characters such as Bush.
If the Republicans really wanted to win this election, they would have sent W out months ago to campaign 24/7.... for Obama.
John
Maybe no one has told Bush that it's election time! Boy is he gonna be in for a shock when the moving vans show up.........
Jack: I don't blame any republican from staying away from George Bush. If you have noticed Barney don't even appear with him anymore.
Because he was asked not to? Bush and his history of failed policies is the kiss of death to any politician running right now.
Because he is voting for Obama
Hal
Denver,CO
With all the recent campaign ads and remarks from McCain trying to prove that he isn't President Bush, President Bush probably had a flashback of the 2000 S.C. primary. We all remember those nasty rumors that were circulating during their debates against one another and maybe it has sent Bush down memory lane. President Bush obviously was the better candidate viewed by other Republicans who sought McCain as an outsider. Eventually, McCain aides/staff had him to make that obvious uncomfortable statement of endorsing Bush which we all could see that he wasn't too pleased to announce.
Now the tables have turned and President Bush is doing what HE FEEL is right thus showing his support by not returning the favor.
Jack, it's as simple as the President's approval rating. As low as it is, McCain would be committing political suicide if he had Bush on the trail.
If you were running for President & facing an uphill battle, would you want Bush to campaign for you?
I think President Bush is helping the republican party by staying behind the scenes. I don't think for a minute that he is not involved in the campaign. I certainly see his hand in the strikes on Seria and Pakistan. He's trying to turn the focus of the economy to the foreign relations issue because he sees McCain's campaign in need of bolstering. Does anyone naively believe the republican party is not capable of sleezy tactics? Thier base is the fundamental religious groups who believe they are right and rightous. Therefore, they will do anything to try to keep America on their playing field. Sleazy tactics is in their playbook.
Donna Sherman, Scott City, Mo
Jack
#1 He would only make it worse for the senile McCain.
#2
I doubt Bush will ever want to be seen in public again. IF a poll was taken it would be 80-20 against any American ever wanting to see or hear from him again.
I feel very bad for his lovely wife and kids.
Please no more my way or else idiots running this country.
Pres. Bush is not out on the campaign but let us not forget the 46 FUNDRAISERS that he has been to. In front of the camera McCain doesn't want to be near the President, but behind closed doors he has taken every dime Bush could drum up. That in my book makes Sen. McCain't a phony. Why not be honest and say you love what the President has done with the country. Seriously he has hired ALL of Bush's campaign leaders and support staff. WHAT COULD BE CLEARER TO AMERICANS, MCCAIN= BUSH, AGAIN
Yea 4 More Years!!!
Let's get BUSHED again!!!!
Jack,
It would only make sense not to have someone campaigning for you with one of lowest ratings in history. I have not voted since the election was stolen from Gore. Although I am suffering from what is happening in this country too, I take some measure of comfort in the fact that I did not vote for Bush. For the ones that voted for Bush, and are considering voting for McCain - really think about what you are doing. It will be more of the same or worse. Back to your question (sorry, I had to release - I am so sick of McCain and his politics). Simply put, McCain does not want Bush out campaigning because Bush is a reminder of what he will continue.
Bush is one of the most unpopular Presidents of our time and he would hurt McCain more by publicly supporting him than he would by sitting on the sidelines. McCain has already been targeted as voting with Bush and his policies more than 90% of the time and his presence with McCain and Palin would reinforce that conception.
It will be like, parade of the TWINS!!!
The Bush campaign apparatus has been rolled out to campaign for McCain, so bush is campaigning for McCain minus the photo-ops!!!
Houston, Texas
That imbecile, George Bush, probably doesn't realize that a presidential campaign is actually taking place.
Can anyone say: "Duh!!!"
These two men have nothing but disdain for each other. In the two thousand Republican presidential primaries Mr. Bush and company (Rove) did all they could to destroy McCain. As much as Bush would like to see a republican victory, he would love to see Mr.McCain politically bloodied by and defeated by senator Obama . He cant have it it both ways.
Jack,
because there is only room for so many embarrassments in the Comedy of Errors known as the McCain campaign. Mind you if Bush did show up it would look like a Revival Tour of the Three Stooges !
Why not ask John Mcpalin????? He's a Repub the same as Bush...
Obama/Biden all the way Nov.4 2008
With Joe the Plumber on his side how could he possibly need an unpopular President to campaign for him... It appears he likes to surround himself with the unqualified....
Why isn’t President Bush campaigning for McCain?
Jack, President Bush shouldn't of been alowed at the white house on a payed visit, and he's a two term president.
John Mccain, well he's not as smart as Bush I guess,lol.
Sincerely
Earl
Simple, jack, no one wants him. He's a pariah,poison and neither McCain or any other republican hopeful wants any identity with failed policies of George W. Bush.
Because McCain's campaign jet couldn't take off with that much baggage on board.
George Bush knows that John McCain and the Republicans will loose this election and is spending more time with Cheney on the side to fill up their POCKETS for the rest of their lives. You bet Bush has got the best CUBAN CIGARS put away for his OIL BUDDIES. The NON-APPEARANCE of BUSH and CHENEY should be a RECORD in American History. By the Way --Did anyone notice Condi Rice on the campaign?---I'll Guess Why. She did not have the color of skin in as much she is the smartest woman in the Republican Party.
I think Palin is Bush in drag. Ever notice you don't see them together.
Possibly because McCain asked him not to. Bush never really liked MCCain & visa versa. Although in the past 2 years they became strange bedfellows. Everyone involved sees Bush as a negative.
The reasons why Bush isn't campaigning for McCain is McCain asked him not to. He can't afford to have someone with a 25 percent approval rating standing next to him. If McCain had Bush campaign for him he might as well buy a television ad to be aired nationally to say "Congrats Obama, I Quit".
Because, they already have one dummy Sarah Palin on the campaign trail.
Are you kidding. If Bush campaigned for McCain, MaCain would only get six votes; President and Mrs. Bush, Senator and Mrs. McCain and Governor and Mr. Palin. And you can't be real sure about the Palins.
It is simple, they are afraid that the people backing him might come to thier senses and vote for Barak !
its simple really.Even the otherwise "dumb" one understands that too much of the same is not good for the country.I bet you he is rooting for Obama in his heart.You can virtually see it.Whether its the iraq timetable formula,the North Korea nuclear talks,attempts to talk with Iran at some level or the now clear back-channel diplomatic engagement with Talban,Bush is making sure that he is more in sync with Obama now than with his republican colleague.Afterall every person has a right to redeem himself.
Houston, Texas
George Bush announced yesterday that he will campaign on McCain's behalf as soon as all of the liberal meanies have gone away.
He's probably wrapped up in the World Series, since he's a big baseball fan.
Jack,
I'm glad you asked that question. As best I can tell there are 3 good reasons;
1. McCain has enough problems keeping Palin under wraps.
2. Two Mavericks and a Lame Duck would look too much like a true carnival act.
3. People might not be able to tell McCain and Bush apart.
I really need Nov. 4th to get here, this whole thing has made me bonkers.
Ginny
Bellbrook
The answer is quite obvious....Joe the plumber told him not to. Bush is far too busy trying to start a crisis in Syria.... and besides he was never really fond of the circus – he never really mastered winking or blinking.....
It will be more if the same. We will stay in the war for 100 years . We will give tax cuts for everyone and give to the wealth. Obama is too risky. Forget about the Amercian people let scare them up once again. My money first let lie steal and fight. Then we be wondering who is running again.A different face but the same policy. W
He is already too closely tied to Bush. He wants distance from both the policy and the man.
Because he's got one foot out the door and the other one is permanently embedded in his mouth.
If McCain wants to make a splash, maybe he should consider asking Laura and Cindy to go wardrobe shopping together at Neiman-Marcus, showing the women voters that he is confident a win is in sight. Us gals would love that!
I honestly think because even Bush can't back the mccain/palin ticket.
I think that probably the RNC has specifically requested that he NOT do it. It would only hurt McCain. After all, he is making fruitless attempts to separate himself from Bush.
Personally, I do not see how that man faces the public on the rare times that he does come out. He would seal the deal for Obama.
McCain wants to "turn the page on the economy" or he'll lose. He wants to turn the page on his relationship with George Bush or he'll lose. And it seems that he'd like to turn the page on his choice for Vice President or he'll lose. We need to thank him for his service, which deserves or admiration, and then turn the page on the past and turn to the future.
Joe in Ohio
That's easy! Because zero +zero still equals to zero!
Jack,
Mccain is trying to project a new image. He does not want
voters to think about his 92% support of Bush/republican
policies.
Actually, he does not want the voters to think, period.
For if they do, they most certainly will not elect him
into office.
He should... It would help Obama get all of the electoral votes.
George W. is politically toxic and McCain knows it. Additionally, McCain has been so critical of Bush of late, and is trying to distance himself from the President. How could McCain now ask Bush to be active beyond the base to get him elected.
John McCain already has embraced Bush's policies... Bush himself would simply remind the public of that fact.
McCain's campaign has spent MILLIONS trying to make the public forget it.
Jack, what would he say? Vote for McCain because as a "maverick" he supported me over 90% of the time? Vote for McCain, I have great faith in his running mate to run this country if John cannot finish his term in office? Vote for McCain because he has admitted he doesn't know much about economics durng this period of financial crisis? Vote for McCain because he'll continue my failed international policies? No, I think it is better that W. just leave the White House quietly.
With such low approval ratings W. would only hurt McCain, especially since McCain is trying to present himself as more than a third term of the current administration. And let's not forget that these two don't particularily like each other.
The McCain campaign has promised BUSH his own library if he stays away?
Having Bush campaign for McCain would be about as dumb as having Charles Manson appear as a character witness at your trial.
It would be hysterically funny if Bush *did* endorse McCain, but given the "approval" rating of the lame duck, he wouldn't help. McCain's record with Bush is bad enough, but having the fellow "palling around" with McCain is the stuff of McCain's worse nightmares. (maybe Palin would be interested in having Bush campaign with her??)
John McCain can't afford to have Pres. Bush campaign for him....besides he has his plumber dude and his princess diva to do it for him!
As far as I'm concerned Pres. Bush and the republican party have flushed this economy and are standing in the world...down the toilet!
But what the heck, whats one more flush from the republicans....John don't need Pres. Bush.....he has the plumber dude !
Jack - isn't this a rhetorical question? Even George Jr. realizes that, nowadays, any association with his name-sake is a political kiss-of-death.
I think privately Bush voted for Obama–
Jack,
Bush is not campaigning for McCain because even Bush does not want 4 more years of his own policies. They might call Bush Dumb but he is not stupid.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl
Dear Jack,
I'm certainly no political expert, but I honestly believe that this one
is a no brainer. Bush obviously wants to see McCain take his seat,
but knows that his demonstrated support would hurt McCain because
of his own unpopularity. All he can do to assist McCain is to do
nothing.
Dean,
Allegany, N.Y.
Jack, Are you kidding? I have no doubt that Sen. McCain will prefer stand in front of a moving train than allow Bush appear with him.
Jack,there is only one person John McCain has to blame if he doesn,t become the president of the United States and thats George Bush.He destroyed John McCain in 2000 and now again destroyed him in 2008 with his disastrous policies for the past 8 years which John McCain so foolishly decided to embrace and now is paying the price.
It's obvious to anyone with Bush's low rating, he's keeping "low profile"
on the other hand:
It's a sad state of affairs that an endorsement by Bill Clinton is so
highly revered. The things he did in office as President (lies, scandal etc) - I don't even feel like pursuing that thread...it's
too obvious.
Good Grief Jack! Then you would have two grumpy old white men backed up by a lipstick wearing moose hunter. Makes me glad I am a Canadian.
Bush does not like McCain nor does he want to see him elected.
BECAUSE BUSH KNEW MCSAME WILL DEFINITELY LOSE WHETHER HE CAMPAIGN OR NOT ........................................
if bush taught mcsame will win and he would've campaigned.
The reason is pretty obvious: Bush is at about 12% approval with the American electorate. McCain is wisely keeping Bush away. Gore tried this with Clinton in 2000 and it was a mistake: Clinton was still at a 60% approval rating.
Bush is McCain's biggest liablilty.
Hey Jack, what about the 3.65 BILLION barrels of oil that the US Geological Survey says are up in the Bekken Formation in Montana? Who's drilling for that? Check out usgs.gov/newsroom/article
John McCain wants to keep a distance from a man he has embraced his philosophy and voted with him for eight years. That shows the type of judgement John McCain has as a leader. He will change positions several times to win an election. I wonder who will trust him in both internal and geopolitical issues if he enters the white house.
McCain doesn't want to be publically associated with Bush. In private he'll take his votes, his money,and back his policies but in public McCain is trying to disassociate himself with Bush.
Obviously, McCain is a maverick, "an independent individual who refuses to conform with the group." I cannot understand how Republicans selected someone who is so way off course, selects a VP on a hunch, steals Obama's thunder ("I'm for change") and treats his own party's president with such disgust. Under a weak pretense he didn't even want President Bush to speak at his Convention.
mccain threw bush,general powell,stevens and other gop politicans because all the robocalls that he made..bush doesn't care anymore about mccain..he did the best he could support for him but mccain scewed it himself..i think that bush voted for obama and stabbed mccain in the back..
Most of the American people considers Bush as the worst president in modern history. No one in their right mind wants to be seen as having his support.
Ed
Lancaster, CA
It is McCain's fault. He chose to distance himself. Our president has good traits and has done some good things for our country. He should have spelled some of these out besides just the surge. He should have reached out to President Bush for support. If he doesn' t choose to do this publicly then it seems to me as if he believes that the adminsitration was not good. Therefore why should President Bush campaign for him. I think it would have helped the campaign if he had done so. It's too late now.
Bush isn't campaigning for McCain becasue he already has Palin to help run his bid for president in the ground. He can't stand anymore help.
Jack, Bush has made enough money from us already and he has enough clothes. McCain has asked him not to Because he wants him on his STAFF if he wins. (NEVER HAPPEN)
Bush isn't campaigning for McCain, because he wants McCain to win!
Even Bush can understand that he can't help!
Because he's too busy cooped up with Cheney trying to figure out how to get around that old two-term limit Constitutional thing to campaign for McCain. Hey, hey–what if we declare martial law as a war-time power and stay on in office indefinitely, Dick??? Sounds good to me, W.
Bush done messed up the country so bad he's on time out.......
Bush is too busy writing his memoirs in crayon on the White House walls.
Because who would want to be endorsed by someone that nobody likes?
President Bush is not in a position to sell anyone on his choice of candidate. He would not be well received by campaign crowds.
Most of the Repubs are avoiding Bush just like rats deserting a sinking ship. Senator Obama has successfully reminded everyone that McCain was in lock-step with Bush 90% of the time. Now, the rats don't want to be seen with Bush. That's okay, we Dems know who they all are, and they'll all be voted out of office one by one.
I am pretty sure by now Mccain wishes he had never met Bush. Wink Wink
Oh my God, Jack! You mean you actually have to ASK that question out loud.
Bush has become that crazy old uncle that you invite to Thanksgiving dinner because you feel sorry for him. However, you would never want to be seen out in public together because then the world would know you two are closely related. That's McCain's albatross.
If President Bush stays away President McCain could continue the same tax cuts for corporations that I’m sure will after 8 years finally motivate CEOs to give me a job instead of sending it overseas where they can make even more money and raise their own salary.
Thanks again Jack
Two reasons – Bush is toxic and McCain has Palin – the female Bush/anti-woman.
Obama/Biden 08 all the way!!!!
Professional courtesy, like when sharks don't eat each other.
Jack, this should tell you something about these two mens legacies.Clinton will be welcomed everywhere he goes but Bush is going to be confined to Crawford.A prisoner in his own county.
Bush is a failure , no one want to be associated with a failure. its as simple as that.
We all know why "W" is not on the campaign trail. What's amazing is that he still goes out on the lawn, on occasion, to give us a little economy pep-talk. After the election he will only go outside to get the morning paper off the porch. Or maybe he and Dickie Boy can do some bird hunting. We will let them both have loaded guns. Wont that be fun. Neither can shoot straight. So, no danger, not even to the birds.
Because he knows it is a lost cause? McCain may have lost the election when he acted as if he was in a panic over the economic decline right before the first debate and seemed to "run around like a chicken with it's head cut off" trying to get both Senate and House members to do his calling as if passing the bailout bill as asked for by Paulson was going to fix the economy that week.
He's too busy trying to FINALLY find Bin Laden before he's out of the White House. Unfortunately he's probably using a magic 8 ball: "Is he in Iraq?" NO "Is he in Chicago?" ASK AGAIN LATER. etc.
President Bush doesn't have time to campaign remember he's still looking for Bin Ladin!
I'm willing to bet McCain took all that nice money Bush gave him and used it to pay Bush NOT to campaign for him! Too bad Bush now seems to be a man of his word. Oh, how wonderful this election season would have been if Bush had done more "for" McCain!!
Pres. Bush isn’t campaigning because John McCain doesn’t want him. With Pres. Bush’s approval rating at an all time low for any sitting president and being blamed by most for the current mess, would you?
One of the valid attacks of the Obama campaign is tying Sen. McCain to Pres. Bush. Sen. Obama has a lot of reasons to do so. Sen. McCain proudly announced a while back that he supported Pres. Bush 90% of the time and added that it was better than many other Republicans. Sen. McCain indicated this last Sunday that fundamentally he agreed with Pres. Bush on core principles.
To distance himself from Pres. Bush, he recently has been attacking Pres. Bush for the mess we are in. To now have Pres. Bush campaigning would totally negate those attacks and support the strong connection to Pres. Bush.
Jack, with an approval rating in the 20's, I'm sure not even Wolf Blitzer would want Bush working alongside him. McCain was in the Navy so he knows not to load that baggage on his sinking vessel of a campaign.
It has suddenly dawned on me that if McCain is elected then Bush will no longer be the worst president ever. I really think that Bush is a better president than McCain can be and that is so scary!
I would guess it's because the McCain campaigne has wisely asked him not to.
George Bush knows his approval numbers are low. He knows John McCain needs to distance himself as a canidate. George Bush is a Republican and is doing what is good for the party. Don't try to read any more into it.
Don't blame Bush. He's tried, but everytime he shows up for an event, the address turns out to be a vacant lot or a laundromat. Must be communication problems.
He wasn't invited...with good reason. SNL nailed it last week!
I think McCain would rather be endorsed by Charles Manson than Bush at this point, and I really don't blame him. Maybe trying to decide whether or not to ask for his help is a better example of being "tested" than sitting on a flight deck during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
M. D.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Gee Jack if he did maybe he could take about the same talking points he used aganists Mccain in 2000 election.He could also tell Mccain to stop using my friends, I'm so sick of that and joe the pumber. He could also give cindy mccain some advice, not to dress better than the people in the audience.
George W. Bush is too busy to campaigne. These days he's busy handing out 700 billion dollars to banks and rich Republicans.
With the economy being as bad as it is, President Bush doesn't want people to waste perfectly good fruits and vegetables by throwing them at him and McCain.
That idiot, George Bush, is waiting on John McCain to take him off of time out.
they don't want to make any worst then it is
Jack- Bush is a failure every one knows that, McCain does not want to associated with him. it's as simple as that.
McCain has distance himself from his twin brother Bush from the start,that has not help McSame at all he has supported Bush 90%, he has become an arrogant old man, with lies attacks, negative ads etc.I have not heard one thing from McSame that will help the people who is struggling,even today with 6 day to go he is on the trail and attacking Obama we have heard enough McCain and your bad temper. I ask all my sisters & brothers to go out there and VOTE early and VOTE for Obama & Biden. Thanks
Easy. Just watch W.
It's like my dad used to say Jack , " One lies, and the other swears to it" ! John MCcain has been so busy yelling "The Commies are Coming , The Commies are Coming ", that he has become a caricature of the man he once was . President Bush and John MCcain , once again share the same path , the path to obscurity .
Well, if Bush were to go out and campaign for John McCain he'd probably make some kind of stupid comment like he always does, especially now that he's finished his two terms.
Also, the people that like Bush are already on McCain's side with his selection of Palin, and Bush would merely alienate the right-leaning democrats and independants that McCain really needs right now going into this election.
Bush isn't campaigning for McCain because he doesn't want to be tied to yet another FAILURE.
Heather
Elko, Nevada
McCain is desperately, like his other GOP compatriots up for election in November, trying to distance himself from the widely unpopular President Bush. However, President Bush has helped Senator McCain raise money for his campaign in private fundraisers. Bush has helped the AZ senator raise millions.
No doubt because McCain's camp begged Bush NOT to campaign for him. McCain hopes that if he stays far away from Bush, undecideds in this country will somehow return to the White House the same party that got the country into this mess in the first place.
Simple Jack, McCain isn't that stupid!
McCain would be the bigest spender if elected because he would spend more on the war in Iraq. Obama will get us out of the war. In addition, Obama will bring in more revenue because he will eliminate Bush's tax cuts for the rich. Obama will spend more on health care and renewable energy, but those are investments in our future.
What!? Are you serious? Is that a question Jack? George Bush Campaigning for McCain would have probably increased the early voting on the Democratic side by atleast 50% more than what it already is. It would have been a constant reminder of the horrific past 8 years and this thing would have been over before it started.
If Bush were seen campaining for McCain, Obama's message of "tying" the two together as the same would be exactly as he has said and the race would be over.
Cause they are the same people!!
Why isn’t President Bush campaigning for McCain?
If you were the Republican candidate would you want GW Bush to campaign for you?
This is the only smart move John Sydney McCain III made during his whole campaign.
Jenna
Roseville CA
Now that the walls are caving in he's about as popular as a messy litter box. He's radioactive and anyone going near him will implode, politically speaking. He should be tried and sentenced to 15 years reading newspapers.
Simple, I think...John McCain already has Sarah Palin dragging him down, why would he want another drag , like George Bush, pulling on him.. I almost feel sorry for George Bush.. He has all the Republicans running from him, like rats from a sinking ship. He is the Typhoid Mary of the Republican Party.
I would like to also add a comment about 60+ white women voters in Texas...A lot of us are voting for Barack Obama...!!!
Because by making sure that Bush does not appear on his behalf, McCain is doing damage control to his own image.
With his approval ratings in the toilet, only the ultra faithful would want W to campaign for them. However, if they want to get elected, they don't want him anywhere near the campaign trail.
Crowd control and security! Do you remember in the last couple of weeks when Pres. Bush gave public statements regarding the economic crisis- the markets dropped significantly! If he were to campaign then there would be too many rotten tomatoes and eggs thrown at the man. Additionally, McCain already has someone by his side that is just as inept. Let the man hide! Pres. Bush will be leaving the White House in shame which is a lot different than when he walked into the White house- so full of arrogance!
With Bush thankfully slinking into oblivion, his appearance would just place further emphasis on the fact that he and McCain are so alike. I'm sure McCain doesn't want THAT. He has enough to deal with with that moron, arrogant Caribou Barbie.
Because Bush is hopes and wants McCain to win so the less said by Bush can only help is what they the GOP think.
Paul
Round Rock, Texas
Jack, McCain is in enough trouble without reminding voters about Bush...besides that's Barack's job.
Jerry N/OK
President Bush won't campaign for John McCain because there ain't no money in paling around with the runner-up.
He is spending all his free time taking down the
" Mission Accomplished" sign.
Because he already has Palin on the ticket leading him to defeat. Adding Bush to the campaign factor will lead to CERTAIN death of a possible win for sure. Why add a second head of air? McCain needs no help in the department. He's doing a good enough job destroying his chances by himself.
OBAMA/ BIDEN '08 & '12
DUH!
What's the difference between President Bush and Sarah Palin? LIPSTICK!
George W, a two term President has more political savvy than McCain. Even he, with a terrible track record of his own, is distancing himself from a disastrous GOP campaign which has become divisive, disorganized, and desperate. Who gets the blame? Maybe Sarah; maybe John, but NOT George. He kept his hands clean.
The same reason VP Cheney had to leave the country during the RNC Convention and Bush was actually involved in micromanaging the last hurricane crisis because no one wants to be on the same stage as with those two during an election for a photo opportunity. We know what Bush and Cheney will be for Halloween, ghosts!
Good question Jack. They walk in lockstep, seems to only make sense, since when George Bush is working he screws everything up. I say to George W, take a couple of days off and go campaign for your good friend, John.
Because if he does, it would remind Americans, of the loser train John McCain is on.
Are you kidding? McCain is already in trouble with Palin on the ticket. If Presedent Bush campaigne for McCain it would be like hading everything to Obama. Hey that sounds like a good idea. Come on out Bush and show your support for your other half!
Hurst, Texas
It's simple. Bush is pariah.
Bush's legacy will be that he ushered in the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression, he personally ordered the invasion of IRAQ when all evidence indicated that IRAQ had no involvement in the 9/11 attacks or posed any threat to the USA and through his personal appointments caused the most in-humane response to the natural disasters along the Gulf Coast.
Jack, Bush is reminded of himself in this election . DO WHAT I WANT, WITH WHOM I WANT, AND WHEN I WANT, AND I MAKE NO APOLOGY.
3-words jack. "Kiss of Death" for McCain's campaign. Not that I would have a problem with that.
Hi Jack,
Bush destroyed McCain in 2000 and he is glad McCain isn't winning in 2008.
Because the Sarah Palin would have to accuse John Mccain of palling around with an unrepentant, domestic terrorist.
Because McCain already has one stupid mouthpiece, named Palin. He doesn't need another one.
If McCain doesn't want to associate himself with Bush, why couldn't he ask Cindy and Laura to go wardrobe shopping at Neiman-Marcus together? That would show that Cindy likes Laura, not matter what anyone else says. Cindy can afford her own clothes, by the way.
Tell Sarah Palin that she needs to STOP talking about Obama being a socialist. Remind her of her interview with Philip Gourevitch from The New Yorker. She talked about "spreading the wealth" around in Alaska.
Sounds like socialism to me.
I wish Bush would campain for Mccain,you think he would considering all the support Mccain gave to him until he relized that it would hurt his campain,by the way being from Canada I can see Alaska from my house Go Obama
Thats all he needs to put the final nail in his election hopes. No one wants to hear anything Bush has to say, nor do many want to hear what John McCain has to say either. His own running mate draws more crowds than he does, and is the only thong that people is looking at, not to vote for her, but to watch her stick her feet in her mouth.
If McCain could take the R that comes after his name off, he would. He would do anything right now not to be in anyway associated with the president. Now if Bush wants to campaign for him that is one thing, but not anything that would be too public. I think it is horrible the way McCain has thrown GWB under the bus because of this election. I would of been more impressed with McCain if he would of said, Yes, I voted for GWB and I have agreed with him 94% of the time, but now I see we have to take the country in a different direction. Shame on you McCain you really are not loyal to anyone right now, are you?
Because he doesn't want to show up John McCain with his superior speaking skill's Jack!
I'm a unemployed Countrywide employee ,what can I do to help with indictment of Anglo Mazelo. Is there a class action suit against him,one of the ten most wanted for this financial mess we're in.
Henderson,NV
If you were John McCain, would you want George Bush campaigning for you? I sure wouldn't. But, I'm a Democrat and couldn't care less what those two do to or for one another.
Jack,
Is that trick question? Anyway, the reason is because the "Mavrick" voted with him 90% of the time and now Bush is akin to having a Leper in the GOP. I'm glad my vote was cast for 100% for Obama!
Well that would just put him is the loser column yet again. mcsame=bush=loser. mcbush=mccain=loser. he would be telling the same lies as mcsame.
Jack the proof is in the pudding. Every day the President made an announcement about what was happening with the economy McCain's numbers tumbled so I think he is smart enough to know that wouldn't be a sound decision but then again he did pick Pailin.
It's because McCain's having such a hard time sealing the deal on his end that he doesn't need to compound the damage to his party and reputation.
Chris from NC
The same reason that the president isn't helping any republican members of congress, it would do more harm than good. The 25% of americans who view the president favorably are already voting for mccain.
If they stood on a stage together. we would'nt be able to tell who was who.
Right now the American public can't stand Bush and for that matter the most of the Republican party. Gore did not want Clinton in 2000 because of all what he did and now that Clinton is out of office the American's minds are on the stinking economy and pointing blame at the White House.
Bush wants to protect what little image he has left by not supporting another loser, namely McCain. Bush hasn't made any good judgement calls while being Presidents and the first big judgement McCain had to do was pick a VP and he picked the dumbest one he could find to show the American people his lack of judgement too.
Much like the rest of the country, John McCain is trying to forget the last seven years, where he supported the overwhelming majority of Bush's failed policies. It would be like trying to get into the Betty Ford Clinic with Amy Winehouse as your sponsor.
Obviously McCain doesn't need another thorn in his side to add to his declining success....he already has more than he can handle with Sarah Palin!!!!!!!!!
Is this a joke? Is that a real question Jack?
Jack, Bush campaigning for McCain is like McCain’s grand mother calling him from the grave to come and eat food. No living or dead politician will want to see Bush near his/her backyard.
It is another one of mistakes that McCain has made this campaign (along with many).
Bush is a master campaigner and even though he was written off twice, he still was able to gather enough support to win both elections.
God Bless George Bush
Because of Bush's failed policies and two administrations characterized by secrecy, Bush has become a political leper and pariah. McCain is smart to steer clear.
Because if Bush, or even worse Cheney, were campaigning for McCain it would alienate the moderate Conservatives that are sick and tired of the Bush policies. That's the part of the base that McCain is supposed to have the most support from, but oddly enough they have floated to Obama thanks to McCain's choice of Sarah Palin. In choosing Palin he effectively chose another Bush/Cheney to be in his cabinet.
He already has Palin, he doesn't need Bush to help bury him farther.
It is so interesting that in primaries Obama was trying to distance himself from Pres.Clinton and most of time refering him as fight of 90s.In general election Obama praises Bush a lot and needs him badly.On the other hand McCain in primaries was praising Bush a lot and even he dared to say that he had supported Bush than any Republican presidential candidate.Also he added he voted more than 90% with Bush.In general election Mccain doesn't want even to hear the name Bush.I wonder what's hidden inside Obama and Mccain.Perhaps if you praise Bush it's easier to win nomination and hard to win election and if you criticize Clinton it's easier to win party nomination and in general election you have to praise him.
You're kidding. Right?
Because if Bush, or even worse Cheney, were campaigning for McCain it would alienate the moderate Conservatives that are sick and tired of the Bush policies. That’s the part of the base that McCain is supposed to have the most support from, but oddly enough they have floated to Obama thanks to McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin. In choosing Palin he effectively chose another Bush/Cheney to be in his cabinet.
He already has Palin, he doesn’t need Bush to help bury him farther.
Anderson, Indiana.
Ewing NJ
You're kidding. Right?
Yes. Let President Bush be President Bush. I don't think it will hurt McCain more at this point than Palin being on the trail. I would love to see President Bush out there campaigning for McCain.
This will seal it for Barrack Obama to win the presidency.
Go Obama/Biden 08!!!!!
That's simple. Because Bush would be the "kiss of death" to his campaign.
Because then he would loose.
Jack, President Bush and Vice President Cheney are campaigning really hard for John McCain. They are keeping their names out of the media so maybe the American people forget the mess this administration has made of our country. They are hoping the American people are short sighted and forget McCain is part of their party.
McCain, Palin, and Bush don't campaign together because they might be mistaken for the three stooges.
Because Bush is a political liability. No one wants to be associated with him.
McCain has enough handicapping him without having Bush too.
Why would anyone in his/her right mind want a President with the lowest popular ratings in history endorsement. McCain would be signing his own political death warrant.
Bush would be the kiss of death.
worst approval rating of a sitting President in US History. Not the kind of endorsement one seeks, but you still have to wonder if he could make things any worse for McCain who has conducted one of the sleaziest campaigns in the history of US politics.
The brutal reality is that Bush now ranks as this nation's worst ever President, and McCain would be insane to consciously tie himself to Bush. But the cannot escape the Republican elephant he's shackled to, and that will be, for years to come, equated with Bush. Sadly, had McCain been the "honorable" man he is trying to portray during this election cycle, he would distanced himself from Bush years ago. But he did not, still has not given the policies he supports this campaign, and so suffers the consequences he deserves. So be it.
Thomas Edwards
Logan, UT
Who said George Bush will not be Campaigning for John McCain? George Bush will start campaigning on November 04 ,2008 at 9pm. Oh! I guess he will be telling the American people that they were smart to vote for Barack Obama who would have won the elections by then.
It would be the kiss of death, even more than Palin. However, isn't he fundraising under the radar?
President Bush has his own problems, his ratings are low. In reality there's nothing John McCain can do to make a difference, he too has his own set of problems.
maybe he is telling the truth. not another 4 years of Bush.
why is Clinton stumping for obama? maybe to teach obama on how to get inpeached????
Bush is a liability for McCain and Congressional Republicans.
When Hurricane Ike hit and forced Bush not to make it to the GOP convention, there were numerous parties and celebrations in the McCain camp.
Oh c'mon now Jack....... Don't you think McCain did himself in enough by choosing that airhead Palin for his running mate?
Jack, I hate to admit it, but I don't think even BUSH can stomach McCain's campaign tactics this year. Now that's sad.
blah blah I am tire of people talking about luke warm stuff BO trashed Bill's presidency until recently. Hillary has done an outstanding job for BO and Bill has done enough too. Romney, and huckabee have barely lifted a finger to help John out.
Let Bush stay home. McCain doesn't have a prayer anyway. We're all tired of the same McCain speeches. They didn't work before and they're not working now. Doesn't a quarterback losing a game change his gameplan at halftime? Apparently McCain doesn't follow sports!
I would imagine that Pres. Bush is persona non grata in the McCain campain, since McCain is trying to pretend he won't be a re-run of that presidency.
McCain can not afford to have Bush campain for him. McCain has done everything wrong from the getgo Hate. snipe and attack the Dems from view. BOMB BOMB BOMB MCCAIN will get this country into so much trouble it will never recover.
Ummm, because McCain has enough problems as it is.
Jack, if George Bush were campaigning for McCain that would be tantamount to having a neon sign reminding the voters of his close links to the president and his atrocious foreign and economic policy in plain view for all to see.
They're repeating the same mistake Gore made in 2000. Gore's team underestimated the democratic support of Clinton. By underestimating the base's support for an incumbent president, the republicans are using the easiest tool (no pun intended) at their disposal .
The best thing McCain could have done is had Bush go out with a well crafted stump speech supporting the Senator, highlighting some of McCain & the Republican's bullet points, and also using some kind of folksy connection where he kind of roasts McCain's "maverick" persona. For all the knocks Bush has taken, his ability to connect with people and appear approachable is unquestioned.
Very tired of getting non stop telephone calls from the McCain campaign that are nothing but pure lies!!!! Just now, the latest is that McCain wants you to know that Obama is a convicted felon. That is an unadulterated lie. It has been almost 2 solid weeks of 8 to 10 calls a day on their "robo calling" with no place to tell them to stop!!!!!!! We voted last week so all their efforts are just making us more angry and determined to help the opposite party with financial donations!!!
Bush is too smart to (LOL!)
Well of course McCain isn't using Bush as a spokesperson, he probably couldn't pronounce McCain correctly in the first place.
I would think that McCain may well have said, "Thanks, but no thanks" if Bush, dear sweet man that he is, had ever offered.
Bush is as toxic as a hot Russian political cocktail served in London, if you know what I mean.
Better decision than with Palin.
Jack,
The Saturday Night Live sketch where Will Ferrel's Bush says "when you vote for McCain think of me". That could not be more further from the truth!
Well, the way I see it, Bush has a job to do and the way things have been going, he doesn't deserve any time off. Work, work, work...that's what regular folks are expected to do in the middle of a crisis. And traveling around on taxpayers' dime to endorse one political party over the other does not seem fair to me.
Oh, I think President Bush is campaigning for McCain! it's just that his campaigning is being done behind closed doors, just like he's run his administration.
Jack the man has what a 20% approval rating? Would you want that campaigning for you? Especially if all you want to do is forget you said stupid things like "I voted with President Bush 90% of the time more then even my Republican conterparts" Gee after making gafts like that I'd run for the hills too!
Jack,
A side from the obvious, I think McCain hurt his feelings. Go figure!!!
Makkie
Alexandria, Va
Jack...
The reason is obvious – McCain took his cue from Palin and told him "Thanks but no thanks". Besides, McCain doesn't want mud splattered on him if he stands to close to "W"...
In the words of Joe Biden, are you kidding me? Bush gett in out there for McCain would ensure an Obama landslide.
This is an unintelligent question that you are using as a mere rhetorical device to give your viewers an opportunity to list reasons they feel Bush was a failure and try to tie John McCain to those shortfalls. We all know why Bush isn't campaigning. He has an historically low approval rating. Stop asking such glaringly obvious questions. It's a perfect example of why cable news is such a waste of time.
Believe me Jack, President Bush has been campaigning for McCain! It's just that he's campaigning behind closed doors, just like he's run his administration.
Sandee, Portland, Or
Now that McCain is running as a Maverick, Bush simply does not like him. Bush liked McCain much better when McCain was voting in favor of his ideas and policies. One must ask, does Bush ever support someone that he does not have in his pocket? Of course, this point only illustrates Bush's stubbornness and McCain's lack of consistency.
Even a six-year old watching last week's Saturday Night Live could answer that one. McCain can't get far enough away from the man he voted with 90% of the time. And, Jack, let's answer that question the "maverick" asks after he says he sometimes goes against his own party, "Sen Obama, when have you stood up to your party?" The Senate issues endorsed by the Democratic party were on the correct side, Obama didn't have to go against his party to stand on the side of the middle class and the poor, and the Veterans, and the parents of soldiers!!
because even he, as dumb as he is, realizes that john mccain is the worst thing that could happen to this country, palin following close behind
Why would McCain want to have the least liked president in history campaigning for him? It would be the same as having Jimmy Carter on the trail for Obama.
Because Bush is an IDIOT.
W., Dick Cheney and Condoleezza Rice are too busy mimimizing damage to their own reputations to go on the stump and vouch for anyone else. An endorsement from any of these characters is about as helpful as one from O.J. SImpson.
DUMB QUESTION
McBush has made a big enough mess all by himself...Bush does not to tarnish his record more by affiliating with 'old grey wrinkly one'.!1.
Well McCain may not have been at the top of his class at Annapolis but he still isn't that stupid.
And Bush, while he may not be very bright, knows enough to sit down and shut up when his advisers tell him that he means virtual political death for anyone he supports.
Jack, my fear is that Bush has already campaigned for McCain for 8 years d/4 he dosen't need to do it all over again. He lectured McCain on what to do for 8 years and smart as he is must have learned a lot and ready to unload if America makes the mistake in letting him in. Bush is now hoping that McCain wins to continue from where he stopped. And my fear returns,
maybe Bush is too busy packing or helping Obama measure the drapes.....
You're kidding right Jack?? Somewhere between picking that national punch line for his VP and telling us how good the economy is McCain has showed enough bad judgement without having Bush showcase the 8 year flop the republicans have given us.McCain is losing badly enough, he dosen't need any help.
Hi Jack, President Bush is campaigning for McCain. It's just that he's campaigning for him behind closed doors, just like he's run his administration...behind closed doors.
Sandee in Portland, Or
McCain was hardly ever for Bush and usually was against him. I can't imagine why either one would want to help the other. And Bush would not add much to the McCain Campaign at this point. It's all over but the shouting.
Your kidding right?? McCain went through way to much in Vietnam to have to have Bush campaign for him. Nobody should have to go through that experience twice in a lifetime.
McCain has no reason for Bush to campaign for him – after all they both will have the same platform – it would just change hands to McCain. McCain has said that he's not Bush, and it's true. Bush still has his daddy to bail him out – no reason to beleive Palin would be able to bail out McCain even though she beleives in the Bush policies. This country is in desperate need for a change and both parties say they will change things – the problem is, which one is going to change it for the better – ? I do not beleive that another Bush policy is going to change things for the better.
America needs to speak up this time and make things better for the common man -and a vote for McCain isn't going to get it.
He's afraid that by campaigning for McCain he'll remind us all how stupid we were four years ago.
Is this a real question? You saw Saturday Night Live – Right?
Simple, my friends: W. is a liability of staggering proportions, and, my friends, McCain and W. are not friends, my friends!
simple jack, 'becos the fundamentals of our economy are strong'! He'd have to be invisible after that one.
I believe he knows Mcain well. Bush is no friend of McCains. Lets pray he stays invisible.
When I apply for a job I only ask my friends for support. McCain isn't as un-qualified as Bush and Obama. When it takes the money Obama(2008) and Bush(2000/04) had to beg for too win the office, the qualifications must be low. They where for Bush.
Jack, President Bush has been campaigning for McCain. It's just that he's been campaigning behind closed doors, just like he's run his administration...behind closed doors and in secrecy.
Sandee in Portland, Or
Bush is NOT campaigning for McCain for the same reason Clinton IS campaigning for Obama.
Clinton, one of the most popular Presidents of our time, is helping his candidate by actively endorsing him.
Bush, one of the most unpopular leaders in the history of the human race, helps his candidate by hiding underneath a rock and hoping nobody notices him.
Bush campaigning for McCain would turn Obama's win into a landslide.
We'll if he wanted to help McCain, he should endorse Obama. That might help McCain in the polls.
Jack,
You could also ask why didn't Bush go to the Convention. I know people would say the Hurrican kept him away but when he speaks from Washington via satelite you just have to wonder if McCain wanted nothing to do with any endorsement of Bush or Cheney as he was not at the convention either and did not even have an appearance.
If McCain really thought about it. A lot of people know he is not a carbon copy of Bush (close but not Bush). What turned people off was how he would slash out at his opponent but not give any answers on what he would do, how he would fix things. He behaved childish at the debates. That is why I am not voting for him John McCain of 2000 may have become the President. John McCain of today j the angry "Maverick" just needs to go away!
President Clinton may have been hurt about Hillary but he is a president who can rise above that and do whats best for his party and his support will DO a lot for Senator Obama in these last few days
Besides Hillary is a very smart politician she will have her day in the sun in the future
Hillary rises and shines brilliantly above Palin who has nothing going for her but her love for the lime light
Palin is all about *ME*
Ontario Canada
Jack,
McCain can see support for President Bush plummet throughout the country and views him as an enormous liability on his own campaign for the high office. Ironically Obama views former President Clinton as a political good luck charm that can lead to more votes for him, because of his high aproval numbers in the polls around the World ...
C.I., New York
Jack, i cannot help but laugh at your question.
Are you serious?
Isn't Sarah Palin doing enough damage to the campaign already?
They didn't want him at the RNC Convention so you know that they don't want him out campaigning for them. He has enough problems and if you add Bush into the equation that would be the straw to break the camel's back.
The Clintons are campaigning for Obama to earn the money to pay off her failed campaign debt. Clintons don't work for free. Having George Bush campaign for you would be like having your ex-mother in law attend your next wedding.
Because he wants McCain to WIN not lose.....
Jack, President Bush has been campaigning for McCain. It's just that he's been campaigning behind closed doors, just like he's run his admininstration...behind closed doors.
Sandee in Portland, Or
It's the same reason Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid aren't actively campaigning for B.O. The democrat-controlled congress has even lower approval ratings than the president.
Bush is too busy packing.
I believe that George W. is working behind the scenes to 'rig' the up coming election for McCain! Remember 2000?
Obama/Biden 2008!
Jack, the answer is pretty simple, if Bush campaigns with Mccain, then he could lose easily with the voters after 8 years of the bush policies. It will mean that Obama has got Mccain right where he wants him. That's why this strategy won't work. Obama has completely different policies than bush and is just new which can lead him to victory.
It's the difference between being screwed in the white house and being screwed by the white house!
When Bush endorsed McCain, the republican nominee said “I’ll do as many campaign events with the President as his busy schedule allows”.
Hmmm, seems like the lame duck is too busy ducking to be seen with McCain
Jack, for the same reason most democrats wish Clinton would not campaign for Sen. Obama.
It just doesn't help the ticket.
At this point in the race, I don't see what McCain has to lose by bringing out President Bush. Give or take a few points, 30% of the American people approve of his job, and it might be something that could rally the GOP base. It might be a valid last ditch effort...
With friends like this, who needs enemies!
Jack, President Bush has been campaigning for McCain. It's just that he's been campaigning behind closed doors, just like he's run his administration...behind closed doors.
Sandee in Portland, Or
Because McCain is trying to distance himself from Bush. If you look at the poles it isn't working.
Well, McCain has done every other desperate thing know to man. One more won't hurt. I say....Go for it!
Sheesh! For a reporter, the author of this article sure is clueless. Anyone who doesn't work for CNN or otherwise suffer from sphinctro-cranial fusion knows that President Bush has the lowest popularity of any president in history, according to some polls. Any appearance by Bush campaigning on McCain's behalf would be the kiss of death.
Oh, wait- was that a sarcastic rhetorical question, Mr. Cafferty?
Jack, isn't it obvious? Bush is so overwhelmingly busy being the best president he can be. That, and McCain threatened to shoot him (from the hip) if he came within 500 miles of any McCain/Palin campaign rallies. It's so obvious that Obama will win, that even you Jack, have had to ask silly questions to pass the time!
Because having Bush indorse McCain is like being indorsed by Joe Lieberman.
Ed
After listening to McCain's desperate attempt at fear-mongering this afternoon – I would say, Bush does not have to campaign for McCain. McCain has Bush's well-refined ability to oppress and scare the American population into voting out of fear! Funny thing though, Colin Powell probably knew that kind of speech would be coming as he cited the negativity of the McCain campaign in his reasons to support Obama. Anyone who took that speech to heart this afternoon should remember who exactly is available to Barack Obama and brush that scare-tactic nonsense right off their shoulder!
Jack, President Bush has been campaigning for McCain. It's just that he's been campaigning behind closed doors, just like he's run his administration....in secrecy and behind close doors.
Sandee in Portland, Or
Come on Jack. You know very well if Bush as much puts his pinky toe on a stage with McCain, you would ask why IS McCain allowing Bush to campaign for him.
To avoid another 'Hug' Picture that portays the 'real truth' about the nature of McCains embracing of the Bush policies.
What possible help could Bush provide? His is the administration that brought America more than 4000 dead American troops in Iraq, a "heckuva" mess in New Orleans, the decline of America's moral leadership in the world through the sanctioning of torture, and the greatest economic disaster since the Great Depression.
Bush is not campaigning for McCain, hoping that we will forget how stupid we all were four years ago.
Oh Jack, you make me laugh! President Bush has been campaigning for McCain. It's just the he's been campaigning behind closed doors, just as he's run his administration....in secrecy and behind closed doors.
I think it's time for a little transparency in our government, don't you?
Sandee in Portland, Or
Jack,
Using the same logic.....
Why aren't Frank, Pelosi and Reid out there talking up their hand picked puppet so that they can steal all of America's Wealth and finally make America a Marxist Nation?
To Toxic to Touch!
Deb
Austin, TX
With the race tightening up in Arizona, McCain should dispatch 'W' to help him save his own state ... after shredding the constitution, bankrupting our country with unnecessary foreign occupations, and ruining the world economy, what further harm could Bush do? Perhaps ‘W’ could help rally those who, like McCain, share his fundamental beliefs?
Alan, Daniel Island SC
Because Palin is doing enough damage, and he doesn't need any help from the depths of despair.
Maybe if Bush pretended to support and campaigned for Obama, it would help McCain.
Let's see... hmmm? Could it be that President Bush has been asked by the RNC to stay out of the campaign so Senator McCain can disassociate himself from the not-so-popular sitting President. I think an endorsement from Joe the plumber (which in itself is a joke) has more positive political impact for the McCain campaign than one by George W. Bush.
Bush dosen't need to campaign with McCain – Bush is steadily working behind the scenes coming up with an October surprise that will get McCain elected.
This election isn't over yet and the big surprise is still to come.
Come on Jack, would you want Bush campaigning for you in the stretch. His approval ratings are so low, I think we might only see the president a handful of times from here to January 20. The GOP is acting like he is infectious, and I think they are right. Bush is taking the whole republican party down with him.
Are you kidding?
Sorry, Jack. It's wouldn't take my comments, then all of a sudden took all of them. Didn't mean to make so many repetitive
Sandee in Portland, Or
Jack, Are you serious asking this question?? Only the Bush and McCain lovers probably can't figure this out and have been asking themselves the same question. I'll bet you were laughing the whole time when giving this question for us today. Bless your heart, thanks for the humor.
The Obama campaign has so successfully tied McCain to Bush that an appearance with Bush only confirms what the Obama camp has been saying the entire campaign. A term for McCain is a third term for Bush. Would you want to be seen with the least popular President in recent history when you are trying to take his place? McCain is going to continue staying away from Bush like he has the plague.
I think he forgot! Quick, someone call the McCaine Headquarters and remind them that President "W" would be a big help to his campaign! With only a few days left, it might be just the thing to push McCaine/Palin over the top! What were they thinking? Everyone knows the bulley pullpit can move mountains. Watch out Obama, "W" could be on his way!
Oh Jack – this may be the dumbest question I've known you to ask.
Does he know there is an election?
Hi Jack,
As McCain has been pointing out for weeks about Senator Obama, you are judged by your associates. So if he can't dump Palin, he can at least decline a public showing of Bush's support.
Thanks
Perhaps both Bush and McCain read polls after all?
McCain endorsed Bush the last two presidential elections; Bush has endorsed McCain for this election. It has been expedient for McCain to try to make all of those endorsements "go away". If he was half the courageous maverick he claims to be, McCain would own up to these endorsements. Trying to deny the Bush relationship just shows McCain as dishonest and changeable, an opportunist. No one likes or trusts a "fair weather friend". When the going gets tough is when you see who someone REALLY is.
Oh he is, just that you might not recogfnize him wearing lipstick and dressed in Gucci.
Well, President Bush is not campaigning with McCain because 2 negatives don't make a positive (Palin and Bush)? Both have not been very favorable, any more controversy at this time, would NOT be good.
becuse bush is unpopular you dummy jack!mccain is not bush.he served honorably ,was a POW,had been in the senate a long time.We know him.He is a better democrat than obama.He is a REFORMER.a Maverick.media people like you is annointing a newbie Obama like bush on AMERICA again.Nobody knows where he stands for .Obama is a mystery.look what we got with the Bush mystery.He also was surrounded by smart people.AYERS,REZKO,FLIPFLOPS, RASHID the PLO guy,REV WRIGHT.I watch BBC now.No more CNN.
media killed hillary's campaign.I am voting Mccain.GO MCCAIN.
Jack,
I don't know. Its hard to imagine why McCain wouldn't want the most popular president ever campaigning for him.
Off topic but... anyone ever notice that George Bush was a governor and a joe six-pack?? This alone should defeat the McCain/Palin campaign.
It pisses me off...In one of McCain lastest speaches today with his Senator buddies/cronies at his side causes me to loose all respect for him. Stooping to use the same type of fear tatics use by the Bush admin to gain American support to go to war, only now the same fear tatics to gain him the presidency. Shame on him and any American gullible enought to believe this crap. Its evidence that McCain is the same as Bush. Say your prayers that this does not happen.
Who's President Bush? Oh yeah, that President Bush! You would think the man and the past eight years never happened. You never hear that name coming from any Republican running for office unless they are throwing him under the bus. The Republican brand has been so damaged that you don't even see the name "Republican" on any of the campaign signs here in Utah which is the reddest of the red states. Besides, who needs Bush when you have Palin? She's so bad even Bush looks a little better in comparison but not much.
You call what Hillary and Bill is doing campaigning? Are u serious? I've done more campaigning for Barack than they have. Let's get real.
Two reasons:
On McCain's behalf: If Bush campaigned for McCain, McCain would be seen as two-faced or hypocritical. You shouldn't flat out tell people you are nothing like Bush or his "legacy" and then have that man campaign for you.
On Bush's behalf: He's been in office for 8 years and hasn't done a very good job at any of the major issues in America, if he were to campaign for a man that has throughout his campaign said Bush has run this country into the ground and that he needs to be elected to fix his mistakes, well there you have it. Bush would have to admit that he was not a very good president and that he feels McCain is the person to fix it, admitting fault.
It's not a good idea to have a president in the office for 8 years that admits to himself and the world that he did a bad job, no matter how true it is. We are supposed to keep our heads up high. The problem is we as a people elected him...twice! We didn't vote him out, we didn't impeach him, we didn't protest efficently. Now look at us. Maybe if the citizen's of America had such a big problem with the way the country is we should have done something about it. Ignore the Patriot Act and stand up for ourselves. I know in essence I just said break the law, but if people hadn't ever stood up against things that were wrong women wouldn't be able to vote, we'd still have slavary, and there would be no freedom.
The McCain camp has made some colossal mistakes, but having George Bush campaigning would be the worse. It's a death nail and they know it. That's the one thing that this campaign does know, they're clueless about everything else.
Joe the Plumber, give me a break. The GOP is a faint memory of itself. They couldn't win a baseball game, let alone the presidency.
ONE MAIN REASON IS LOOK AT THIS COUNTRY AND LOOK AT THE REPUBLICAN VIEWS OVER THE LAST 8 YEARS. IT WOULD BE A LAND SLIDE VICTORY FOR OBAMA.IT WOULD PUT MCCAIN MORE ON THE DEFENSE AND LESS COMPETITIVE THEN WHAT HE IS NOW.
Well John McCain already Bush Wacked himself while trying to win the primaries by being video taped stating he voted with Bush 90% of the time.
Then the problem became apparent when McCain starting diving in the polls and he realized his and George's policies aren't what Americans want. Then in the late stages of the campaign John had to try and distance himself from himself and more visuals from Dubya just makes it harder to distort the facts.
McCain has done everything he can to try and distance himself from George Bush. Bush is a liability. This is a no-brainer question. We must remember however that John McCain has supported Bush 90% of the time.
Dumb question. Everyone knows why Bush is not campaigning for McCain or any other Republican.
Bush's name is poison and he has been asked to stay away.
I THINK THAT JONH MACCIN EVER TO WIN THE ELECTION BECAUSE HIS LIKE POLICY BUSH
I WANT TO SEE BARACK OBAMA TO THE ELECTION
OH OK JACK FROM DALLAS
Because even Bush has some ethics.
Jack,
If W campaigns for McCain it would end the election immediately, even before we vote next week. Bush is to McCain what Saddam is to Iraqis or... Palin to Alaskans...a shame and a sham.
Maybe even "Dubya" thinks Palin is a nincompoop. Let's face it – he has to live here too if McCain/Palin get elected.
Things are so bad in the McCain camp, Bush is saying NO WAY! Cant make me do it!
Give Bush credit. He won 2 presidential elections. McCain has already lost one. Bush is Winner and he's always surrounded himself with people much smarter than himself. McCain surrounded himself with a botched V.P. pick. Bush knows Obama is a much better candidate and wouldn't want to leave his post on a low note by support a 2 time loser. That would be just another bad decision to add to his legacy. He get credit for staying away from the McCain Palin circus!
Why Bush? When McCain already has someone to help him lose the election: Sara Palin!
Because it would reinforce the Obama message: a vote for McCain is essentially a vote for the continuation of the Bush legacy. Not even McCain is that dumb.
Good ol' Dubya campaigning for McCain? You might as well have Satan out there for all the good that would do. I 'm not saying Bush is Satanic, but he's certainly been taking a lot of direction from those old devils Cheney and Rove!
I've lost my home. I've lost my job. My youngest daughter has too much of my blood and joined the Army. The idiots that you vote for today may steal all you have tomorrow.
Ernie
Why should Bush campaign for McCain? He's already given him the name Bush III and a whole notebook full of policies to continue.
Jack, That would be like The Joker campaigning for Batman.
Jack,
President Bush can’t campaign for McCain, because if he leaves the White House, he faces the real danger of being arrested by an un-corrupted law enforcement official for his eight years of despicable and un-lawful conduct.
Mike C.
Wethersfield, CT
Isn't it obvious. Cheney never told him to.
Hello Mr. Cafferty,
I have and will always remain a big fan from your days of "Live at Five" with Sue Simmons back at your 'ol stomping ground at News Channel 4. You continue to re-introduce common sense into a reality themed stream of consciousness that has crippled our country's back bone of self respect. There's no question that the RNC has more arrogance and self indignaion than a 20/20 scope on America's reality. Bush is on his way out with hurt pride and the potential of going down as the worse leader of any kind in recent history in terms as the world stage. If I were he, I would stay out of the lime light, even if asked to campaign for McCain. The fact is he wants nothing more to do with Mccain and the party than they want to do with him. He has become the whipping boy for Cheney and all the failed policies of the old republican guard. At this point Bush would probably do better in a third term than McCalin would fare in their first. It's the blind leading the Palin, oops, I mean the Blind.
Jack
Well, they have 5 more days to bring out the October surprise. It might have to be a November surprise. George Bush campaigning with John would be a surprise alright, and a true sign that McCain has lost his mind.
One rogue running mate is already a headache fro Mccain, if Bush is allowed to "help", what McCain gonna do if Bush launches his "preemptive strike" all of a sudden? – because no one seems to know who is his next target anyway.
...Someone for closing the deal. Not someone for bringing the casket.
Because Cheney forgot to tell him to.
Well Jack, for one thing Bush would have to speak, or at least read from a prompter, and we all know what an "eloquent" speaker he is.
That alone would end McCains chance! Then there is Sarah Palin. Again not quite the "little woman" image Bush would stand up with!!! Oh, and I forgot one more thing, he has lied to us so much, who in this world would believe him?
Well duh! That would be like a serial killer doing an ad for the NRA. McCain needs Bush like a horse needs two tails – in fact, the US as well as the Republican Party need Bush like a horse needs two tails. I doubt if we will ever see young Bush stump for any Republican this year or any year in the future. I could see George doing an ad for the egg council on how to scramble them – beyond that – George, go to your room!
Even bush knows he is a pariah and doesn't want to ruin it for McCain.
The term "Bush Legacy" is a massive oxymoron.
Because Bush is too busy planning the next socialist bailout package.
Bush support for McCain will be a definite victory for Obama. Bush has driven the GOP to the ground. When will they realize. So much for the "Uniter not Divider"
Would you want President Bush to campaign for you? If he really wanted to help John McCain he should've endorsed Barack Obama.
Could it be that the Republican's who so vehemently fought to put him in power for 8 years, are now ashamed and embarrassed by what their decision wrought the nation. How hypocritical is Mr McCain to turn his back on Mr Bush, when he was popular they were all standing behind him and voting with him.
Here, in what James Carvelle spoke of as the Alabama part of Pennsylvania, the local candidates are not even identifying themselves as Republicans.
Because, like it or not, the current administration is always gets the credit or the blame for how things are going.
Due to this Obama's main campaign strategy has been to link McCain to Bush and ask Americans if we want 4 more years of what we have right now.
McCain's only chance is to distance himself from the Bush administration as best as he can, and if President Bush were to campaign for him that would only serve to tie them closer together.
In high school we all stayed away from our backward cousin,pretending we didn't know them. Unfortunately for McCain we know his relatives in the republican party.
why, very easy,,,,there are no difference between mccain and bush and likewise palin to cheney.
You know Jack, I bet you that thought never crossed McCain's mind. That definitely would prove McCain is a maverick. He ask Palin to be his running mate to help solidify the base in his party having Bush by his side would really do it. He went on the campaign trail for Bush when he was running for president. There are pictures of them hugging to prove it. It is only right for the president to return the favor. That would give the president something to do and help keep him from making any more mistakes for a couple of days. Now that would definitely be putting country first.
Jack well let me guess who are you voting for the Socialist or the Reformer.
McCain might be smarter than that, after all it's "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me". He doesn't need Bush to have beat him in two elections in the past decade.
Well Jack, its because John McCain is AFRAID we voters will find out they are still buddy buddy in ALL THINGS politic...
Bush is not campaigning for McCain because McCain already has Barracuda Barbie until Nov.5th.
Besides, Bush is busy trying to find a way out of Washington on the 20th without being caught.
Because he will run off independents who can't stand him. The straight talk express should let the leader of train talk. McCain supports most of his policies that have led us in the gutter. Truth Hurts.
McCain has from the start tried to distance himself from Bush any attempt on Bushs part to endorse him would youst give the opposition better leverage to set a crack in the republican party.
It is because Bush didn't want to be assoicated with the slimeball.
He should seriously consider Bush senior. I least he is one of the living Republican President who has not really screw things up or people might have forget about it.
Jack. I think the problem is Barack Obama had first choice of a president to stump for him! Too bad McCain's campaign doesn't have the same type of president to stump for them – maybe if GHW Bush came out for McCain it might help - and then again - I don't think anything can help the McCain campaign at this time. The use of the Republicans dirty politics and "Joe the Plumber" talk has taken the republicans to a new low.
Southeastern Indiana
Come on, Jack. McCain campaigning with Bush would just remind Americans of how much the two have in common. It would thrill the diehard conservatives, but it would pretty much nail McCain's coffin shut. As a democrat, I kind of want to see Bush & McCain campaign together, just so I can split my sides laughing at the easy attacks the dems are going to shoot back. That would be classic.
Bush's approval ratings are below the 30% mark. John McCain needs the opposite effect in Polls right now. Need I say more?
He doesn't need to. John McBush has it all covered by himself, he's got all of W's philosophies down pat - heck he even went for a VP candidate in the same mold: constant attack-mode, power-abusing, 4th branch as the shadow from Wyoming...
Jack–
He's a Marxist you betcha spreadin' all that wealth around to the banks in the bailout. Can't have any of that Socialism creepin' in–not the American way! It's hard to bash Obama for spreading the wealth if you have the biggest wealth spreader of all time out on the trail supporting your ticket.
Troy, Ohio
Jack, McCain doesn't need a surrogate who's in the toilet (i.e., Bush)when he already has Joe the Plumber.
Nothin' plus nothin' equals nothin'.....Same ole you know what!
because he wants obama to win george bush belongs to same tri-lateral comision There different sides of the same coin. His father announced the new world order in 1990 an 1991 .his son the bad cop started his part of new order its know obama turn to destroy freedom
why isn't rev wright campaigning for Sen Obama?
To any voter with a brain, Bush is poison.
There is enough toxicity flowing from McCain and Palin. Adding Bush's to the mix would kill the Republican Party for year's to come.
If we could only be so lucky.
Rich Green
San Clemente, Cal.
OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, BARACK!!!
President Barack Obama
Bush Mccain savings & Loan fraud,Ted Stevens convicted Felon,
Scooter Libby, FelonWeapons of mass Distruction,, Missiom Accomplished===contrived oil prices, contrived health care & insurance prices, [this if realized coruptions is self distruction]
Jack, Its funny you look at the picture on your website and you are smiling, for all the times I see you on CNN I have never seen you smile once.
Perhaps Bush was told by Cheney not to be associated with a Presidential candidate running in partner to a weak, insipid, fear-breeding, anti-intellectual VP chatter-date? -That would disgrace the Vice Presidency!
I wish he would Jack, heck, he voted for him and told us all about it. That would fairly seal the deal for Sen. Obama securing a win. But as it stands, I'm sure you're familiar with the saying "the blind leading the blind". A Bush endorsement would remind Americans even more than McCain's pro-Bush voting record that the two are pretty much birds of a feather.
Right now McCain has enough problems with his VP practicing Socialism by taxing oil companies and giving the Alaskans a rebate out of this money so he would have to be completely disoriented if he allowed himself to be Bush Wacked as well.
The only way George W. Bush could help John McCain in this election would be for the soon-to-be former President to campaign for ... Barak Obama!
Well Jack, this one certainly is an enigma. I just can't put my finger on it. Bush has been such a fantastic President. He's been completely upfront and honest with the American people. The war in Iraq was completely justified and necessary; there were certainly no ulterior motives. No American companies or any of W's friends have profited because of the war. Those in his cabinet and staff have upheld the constitution and have been example citizens. The Bush Administration has show high regard for the UN and has obeyed all four treaties of the Geneva Conventions. We are exemplary in terms of any form of torture and imprisonment. We are well respected around the world and consistently praised. The response to Katrina was swift and efficient. New Orleans has been completely rebuilt and is thriving. The economy is blossoming, the unemployment rate is low, consumer confidence is high. Bush is extremely eloquent and articulate and is obviously highly educated. I just don't understand why Bush is not campaigning for McCain. One would think this would be a no-brainer.
Hopefully Bush is too busy packing up the White House and making sure his moving van has gas in it to worry about campaigning for McCain!!!!
Because McCain is afraid that Bush's idiocy might be catching?
In all fairness, I think we know it's a stretch to say Pres. Bush and Sen. McCain are dear friends – ideological compatriots, but not dear friends.
Sen. Obama has effectively made this election a referendum on the Bush presidency. If good ole 43 hit the stump for McCain, he would only reinforce Obama's principle argument.
Thanks for the question, Captain Obvious.
Just watch the SNL clip, it appears to be comedy, but would you want his support.
It is called the kiss of death. Would you want Bush to rubber stamp you. It would cause McCain to go down faster than the Titantic.
Well Jack, it was publicly announced that W and Laura both absentee voted for McCain. Maybe he thinks that's enough of an endorsement – that everybody knows! MORE than enough reason for me to vote Obama/Biden!
Jack. It is because Bush didn't want to destroy his image and reputation by assoicating with a slimeball like McCain.
I do not think I would want a former President who was IMPEACHED by his own congress campaigning for me.
Let's elect McCain and have Putin teach him to use computer; have Hugo Chavez teach him to send text messages, and have Iranian president teach him to use blackberry.
AC
Probably too darn embarresed to show his face after what he and his buddies have done to this country. Elisabeth Hasselbeck maybe one of the few people who still has something good to say about Bush.
Not sure Jack. There could be two reasons. McCain doesn't want a loser like Dubya anywhere near him ... or ... Dubya doesn't want to back a loser like McCain.
with bush's unpopularity, and mccain's attempt to separate himself from bush and his disasterous presidency, they have probably both come to the conclusion that bush campaigning for mccain would be about as helpful as "joe the plumber" campaigning for him has been – only worse. he's trying to gain on obama, not fall further behind.
Jack Bush can't campaign for McCain he has already voted...he voted for Obama last week!
In McCain ad hetalks about not being Geo, Bush, lus with Bushes approval rating would you want him campaining for you?
Because McCain ran against Bush in the Republican Primary in 2004 when he realized Bush was making such a mess.
Whoops!
You mean McCain actually voted with Bush 92% of the time and strongly supported his 2004 reelection bid after realizing what a disaster he was?!!!
That is no maverick. I guess sometimes its Political Future First instead of Country First.
I'm not exactly sure...I thought misery loved company. Go figure.
McCain doesn't want the electoral map to become a wave of
Blue. So far its just a continuing storm. Bush would make it a
Tidel Wave. The people are sick of lies and misteps looking
for something positive and New!!!!!!!!!!
Duh, if Bush was to campaign for McCain you'd probably see a Democratic filibuster free landslide. But if you throw Cheney into the mix it would be close to a sweep. The only thing stopping an Obama victory is how many people are "purged" from the polls, how few voting machines there are in black, lower income and hispanic districts. Democracy-Ha! Don't kid yourself. Bring in the UN to make sure everyone with legitimate identification gets a chance to vote.
Jack, I wouldn't trust President Bush to spot me on the weight bench, let alone campaign for me. While Bush could come out and say that it was Mccain who saved his life from that pretzel he choked on, other than that, the President is useless to him.
Jack: Losers do not want a loser to campaign for them. Why would McCain want his campaign to be more of a loser than he already is and will be on November 4th.
John
Alabama
The quote tells it all!
"I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office." –George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., May 12, 2008
That indicates the Mccain and republicans knew that Bush and there party woefully failed. What a shame that Mccain suddenly distanced his campaign after voting over 90% of his policies. Bush,republicans and the last 8 years of their governace was and is a menance to america and the world.
Americans have woken up for chnage.
John McCain has attempted to distance himself from President Bush, only in the physical sense. He has done nothing to distance himself from the policies that have brought on the turmoil the country is facing now, both domestically and internationally. Although President Bush has not stumped the trail with McCain, he has been all too present when it comes to what John McCain stands for. So, I guess in a way, President Bush has been campaigning with him this whole time.
The same reason very few sitting Republicans aren't....Bush is a failure and so will McCain be. It is a little puzzling however, since McCain has the same "doctrine" as Bush and has backed him to the hilt for eight long, cruel and criminal years, one would think they would be joined at the hip on the stump. I may be mistaken but there doesn't seem to be much backing from the Republicans for McCain at all. Whenever I see McCain at a rally, I see nothing but ex-Bush people behind him. I think he wants to lose.
Thom
Negaunee, MI
This is the easiest question you've ever asked Jack. McCain only wants "Bush's Behind closed doors money". Other than that he's running from Bush like a college girl in a horror movie.
I think at this time any assistance from Bush would not help; it would only make the Titanic sink faster.
President Bush CANNOT campaign with Sen. McCain because McCain is trying to convince Americans that he is not like Bush. Mr. Bush is exactly the reason why McCain is struggling to win this election. Why would McCain campaign with the very man that has made him and his party infamous?
There's just too much mischief for him to do before he leaves office.
I know this is halloween, but a Bush's legacy costume for McCain will scare voters.
Bush and mc cain cannot be seen together 'cos bush has failed and mc cain is being blackmailed by bush's friends(republicans)not to change those stupid old out dated politics else will not have their support.
McCain probably got on his hands and knees ... begging him not to.
The Clintons are an asset and Bush is a liability. McCain would trip over himself to get support from the Clintons, and made as much as he could about Hillary, but this is an election about policy and the issues, thank goodness, so the Democrats are standing together. Brooklyn NY
We still love you Bill!!! and we always will.
Jack: Why is there a picture of Bill Clinton at the top of the articles titled, "Why Does'nt George Bush Campaign for John McCain" ? Everybody knows John McCain hates George W. Bush, even though he voted with Bush's policies most of the time. The embarassment of being seen and associated with Bush would hurt McCain's campaign more than he's hurt his campaign himself by picking Gov. Palin. I hear that Congressional and senate races don't want George Bush around their campaigns either. Even rats know to ditch a sinking ship!
'Cause he's got the cooties!
Well suffice it to say, Jack, would you want to be seen at a party with Richard Parsons knowing he was out the door? I should not think so.
John
White Plains, NY
Bush who? Exactly....that is why.
When John McCain was the nominee after his primary he said he would like President Bush to campaign for him often. Now, he doesn’t want to be seen in the same state as George Bush because, George Bush is the medallion tied around McCains neck.
Hello Jack. Truth be told they really don't like each other very much. If President bush did go on the campaign trail it would be like watching the hangman walking to the gallows for the Republicans.
Jack,
I love your sense of humor, you just gave me a good chuckle!
Jack-
The reason Bush isn't campaigning with McCain is because McCain does not want a far right winger with little foreign policy experience or a rational world view campaigning for him......oh wait he has Palin.
I think its simple Jack. Obviously Mccain is trying to still distance himself from Bush. Mccain cannot wash his hands of Bush if he wanted to. It comes down to supporting him 90% of the time.
Brian
Port St Lucie
May as well put the nails in McCain's coffin right now if he did.
Well Jack it just might be the slim chance that McCain has come to his senses and realized that by saying things like, "I've voted with president Bush 90% of the time" its only more damaging to his campaign. But in the end these mediocre and desperate attempts to distance himself from a man, who he bears incredible similarities to as far as policy goes, will prove to be too little, too late.
The Mavericks don't want to be "Bush-wacked" by any association what so ever with GW. His endorsement would shoot down any chance they might have. Should GW remain the invisible man? "You betcha!"
I am sure Barack Obama is wondering the same thing and hoping that John McCain will see the light and get Bush out on the stump.
If Bush campaigned for McCain, he'd have to speak-he's not good at that. Bush is soooooo bad at speaking he will not even be able to go on speaking engagements after his term is over! McCain has probably been afraid that he would! Palin is doing enough damage, they don't need Bush to add to it!!!
Jack, that was a really funny question! I think this election is getting even you tired!
Bush has already started digging his own grave, He doesnt want to have to bury his self to.
Because he has no moral respect in the eyes of American.
To paraphrase Sen. Biden:
Is that a real question?
Bush campaigning on behalf of McCain would defeat the purpose of McCain trying to distance himself from Bush's policies. He wouldn't be so much of a "Maverick" if he campaigned with Bush. It would just be like adding fuel to a campaign that's already on fire.
For the same reason Jimmy Carter isn't campaigning for Obama.
McCain is already running huge risk having Palin on his ticket campaigning for him. He doesnt need any more bad press, blunderous statements, or quite frankly ties to someone who's not in favor in the eyes of the american people. If President Bush were to campaign for McCain we should go ahead and sware in Obama today!
Maybe Bush should Campaign for McCain!
Jack, the smartest thing McCain has done in his 72 years is to stay away from Dubya – arguably the worst US president in history. If America could organize it, you should send Bush to his ranch, lock the gates behind him and then cut the phone lines – he undoubtedly can't use a cell phone.....
There's a dream team ! ......McCain, Palin and Bush.
The axis of disasters in the Republican Party. There needs to be a massive clearing of "BUSH" in Washington DC. It is a well dressed travesty.
BUSH IS LIKE DEAF YOU TRY TO AVOID IT STAY AWAY FROM IT.
I said it with my vote in 2000 and 2004 – Bush is an empty headed cowboy who shoots first and asks questions later. While I'm not happy about the state of my country right now, I feel vindicated. I've always known Bush was a waste of space. Seems EVERYONE knows that now, even McCain. Why would McCain want Bush campaigning with him? He's got Palin.
Because Senator McCain "just said no". Even a losing horse knows not to bet on a lame duck!
Because between Elizabeth Dole's "Godless" ad, Palin's rabble-rousing, and the defection of Colin Powell, McCain doesn't need any more "help" from the Republicans!
President Bush isn't campaigning for John McCain because McCain knows that if he lets Bush talk it will only cause him to surely lose. No one wants to hear from the guy who racked up the largest deficit in our great country's history. Frankly, Bush didn't know how to run a democracy and neither does McCain.
Is this a serious question?
Ben
Macon, GA
I could very well imagine President Bush is trying to face the public as little as possible. He should be ashamed of what he has done to this country and probably realizes that he can not help his party and its candidates into any kind of office.
For once, maybe George Bush has the sense to stay out of something and not muck it up! Perhaps he is finally listening to advice from someone other than Cheney... nah... silly me for thinking that!
He already has Palin! Who appears to be more G.Bush than Bush is.She has been very supportive of Bush and her solutions to problems have been war. So they're already in agreement with each other. Besides you can't wipe out 8-9 yrs of togetherness with 2 yrs campaigning I' m not like G.Bush!
Jack
It obvious the link we be made. It will remind the American public how Bush and McCain are the same.
Jack, it's so good to see the Clintons campaigning for Obama. Classy act. The Clinton's are still loved and admired and Americans remember the prosperity they enjoyed during Bill Clinton's presidency. George Bush has become a pariah to his own party, and is despised throughout the world.
I really wish he would. The comparison would benefit Obama. Bush has the distinction of being the worst president in the history of this country and McCain has the distinction of being the worst campaigner. The best thing Bush can do for McCain is to stay invisible.
That is a no brainer, Jack.
It isn't a good strategery move.
Oh, Gosh, Jack. That is a tough question. Hmmm! I've got it! I know why Bush isn't campaigning for McCain: He was told to stay away!
besides the fact they hate each other, who knows?
Kenneth Chadbourn N.C.
Bush has way too many negative..deserved or not. McCain does not need the President..he really needs some divine intervention.
Because at this point, President Bush is so unpopular with the American people that they believe that he represents everything that is wrong with the entire GOP. Right now McCain is probably regretting the day he said in an interview that he agreed with Bush about 90% of the time.
Bush, like other Republicans, want McCain to win the election so his legacy will live on. He's not so stupid to go out on the campaign trail to keep this from happening. Bush knows his endorsement of McCain would be an act of murder for the Republican party. Bush knows it is time to stay away.
Because he is too busy saving us from Terrorists and restoring our Economy.....oh and Jack....I am being VERY sarcastic, here.
Jack,
Because McCain does not want to be "Bushed."
mccain has no one in his corner. bush ruined the economy and mccain wrecked his own campanign by selecting a unqualified vp. running mate. what a maroon.
Bush is to the GOP like the nasty old uncle who shows up at the holidays and you hope he will eat and leave or fall asleep so he doesn't open his mouth!
Jack,
If McCain thought holding a seance to bring back Ronald Reagan might help, he'd do it. His desperation is pathetic. So, the absence of big & lil' Bush on the campaign trail shows how they would do even further damage than Sarah Palin has already done. The main reason people vote Republican is for less government and to fight wars. Bush has "screwed the pooch" on both fronts!
Bush isn't campaigning for McCain because he is spending what little time his left as President trying to figure out what else he can make a mess of before he leaves the White House..............
Would it help McCain if Bush campaigned for him? There's your answer. Now, could you make an effort to ask something slightly less obvious and biased?
Having Bush on the campaign trail of any of the Repugs is like having the plague in the area.
But, wait until the next election. Whether McCain wins, or not, none of the Repugs running for office will want him campaigning for them either.
McCains' favororable days with the Repugs are over.
It is sad how the Republicans have suppressed the vote all across our country, by removing voter from the registry, and telling the people that they need more ID when they do not, also by tell the people to vote on next Wednesday instead of Tuesday.
Now we find out the Joe the Plumber also lived in Alaska, so i was right about him being a plant by John McCain and Sarah Palin. If the people do not stand up for what is right the Republicans will completely collapse our economy while they drain all the money out for wars and to enrich themselves
Bush isn't campaigning because, while he didn't face impeachment like Clinton Did, he personifies only negative qualities for Republicans. He's arrogant, incompetent (a bad enough combination in and of itself), divisive, economically out of touch, and most of all, the head of a corrupt legacy. His name will be a MAJOR black mark on the Republican party for years to come.
Worst of all, he's been in charge while we've had 2 economic meltdowns. Regardless of whether or not he caused either of them, people will see him as a harbinger of bad time and anyone linked to him will be hit with that stigma as well.
I believe that George Bush has come to the same realization that many well respected Republicans like Colin Powell have. A Barack/Biden administration would be better for America than a Palin...I mean, McCain/Palin one.
Jack, the answer is obvious. Would you want the captain of the Titanic serving as your first mate?
I believe Will Ferrell said it best in his skit about when voters are in the polling booth thinking it over, that when they think of McCain, they should think of (Bush). There are a lot of pictures of McCain practically in a loving embrace with Bush that are damaging in their own right. How much more damaging would it be to have McCain side by side with the most unpopular president in recent history?
Bottom line: Don't expect any prime-time endorsements from Bush within the next week.
Duh.
Come on Jack I know you can ask more pertinent questions than this!
because John McCain needs a Palinoskopy.
In the words, of Joe Biden, 'Your kidding, right?" is that your Question? Is that a real Question?
If Mcain were Superman ( no offense to Superman), then Bush would be Kryptonite. He is officially "George the Toxic President".
Jack,
Would you want someone that has the approval rating of this President campaigning for you? The same would go for any member of Congress campaigning for McCain. If President Bush hasnt learned something from this he never will. Maybe he will be welcomed back in Texas where he should have stayed.
Why? I don't imagine either man wants to! McCain doesn't want
Bush and don't suppose Bush gives a hoot about McCain. As
I watch CNN evenings...am apalled at the number of women
clamoring their support for McCain. Oh well, I've heard it said
that if Hitler was running on the Republican ticket........the
faithful would support him.
President Bush is concerned about his legacy. He already faces one of the lowest approval ratings of any outgoing president. Simply put, he needs to stay in the White House and continue to address the issues that face this country, and not gallivant across the country campaigning for a candidate who has clearly tried to distance himself from the sitting president.
"McShame" has enough of his own dishonesty and incompetency, he doesn't need to emphasize those traits by having Bush by his side.
Jack, watch Saturday Night Live and you'll have your answer.
Jack,
No offense...but, does one have to even ask this question? Bush is the Evangelical President of the Theocratic States of America. That said: does this help McCain in his hour of need?
Page Sausman
Boise, Idaho
Jack,
You would think that a candidate who sees eye to eye 90% of the time with the President would be a great contributor on the campaign trail. Not this time. McCain might as well wrap up his campaign, admit defeat and retire if President Bush is anywhere near him in public.
Great question and I think Barack Obama should ask John McCain. The question has an easy answer, but McCain wouldn't be able to say it.
Joe the Fake Plumber and Palin both lived in Alaska!
Well Jack, "The evil that man do live after them" now it is living with us.
He has no respect and it will just make matters worst.
Bush is that dog food that has been taken off the shelf and the reason John McCain had to take money from taxpayers to run his campaign and I wish John McCain would just stop crying buckets of tears about it. The taxpayers should be the ones crying.
McSame doesn't want to loose all 50 states and is afraid of President Screw Up saying "he'll continue my legacy". Yea know, I'd actually like to see Bush say that. It would be like throwing a drowning man, an anchor.
McCain's already got two anchors dragging his campaign into the depths–himself and Sarah Palin. Adding bush to the mix would only send his campaign down further and faster.
george bush said it himself
he will campaign if it helps or campaign againts him if it helps
given his approval rating neither would help
Jack,
Why is McCain so adamant about not using Bush to help him campaign now. McCain supported Bush for over six years believing everything he told Republicans and now he cant call on him to help become the next President. Sad to turn your back on old friends isnt it?
John McCain doesn't want George W. Bush's endorsement because everyone currently blames Bush for what has happened to our once great nation.
McCain would like us all to forget that he voted with Bush over ninety percent of the time.
I know it wasn't just Bush that screwed up our country. It was also Cheney, Rove and the rest of the REPUBLICANS. So as far as I'm concerned it's time to hand off the reins to the Democrats.
I used to believe we needed a balanced government for checks and balances but it seems that nothing gets done that way.
I'm also sick to death of unintelligent politicians running our country. Bush was a MORON and so is Palin!
Republicans say the words intellectual and liberal like they are bad words but guess what, we all have access to a computer and can look up their definitions in the dictionary.
The computer age is upon us and the younger generations use Wikipedia and Fact Check.
liberal = favoring or permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression
intellectual =possessing or showing intellect or mental capacity.
Hi Jack,
Senator McCain can't continue trying to dupe the American public about his policies with President Bush on the trail.
Rick M
Allamuchy, NJ
bush campainging for mccain,never happen because that would insure defeat for mccain for certain.mccain is trying to distant himself from bush as far as possible
A. Bush is worn out from destroying the Republican Party, or
B. McCain would rather get a poke in the eye from a sharp moose, or
C. Bush is too busy rounding up Al Queda, or
D. Country First?
Why isn't George W campaigning for McCain? I guess W's feeling is hurt from McCain's rhetoric disowning him. Kidding aside Jack, it only mean three words for the so called maverick... kiss of death!
Jack, this is really a stupid question. Why would you want Bush to campaign for you after the past eight years? McCain may be a senior citizen, but he isn't stupid.
Because nobody likes George Bush. Why would McCain want him to campaign for him? I think McCain wants to separate himself as much as possible from George Bush in this election.
Because Bush is not popular, but Bush is trying to help McCain, as Putin of Russia said the Georgia problem was encouraged by the USA to help certain candidate in the general election. Now they are bombing Pakistan and Syria to give impression the world is not safe, so people will get scared and vote for McCain
Because he is calling the shots in the dark with Rove and the rest of the satan's pack in the RNC. And the straight talk former express has sold his sole to satan (GWB) along with Palin six-pack. I am so sick of those people and when Obama wins I hope they climb in the hole they came out of.
I don't think that Bush could hurt McCain/Palin any more than they've hurt themselves. I for one want to hear what the GOP was thinking when they starting puppeteering the McCain/Palin ticket.
Hey Jack,
I would love for President Bush to campaign for McCain so that they can stand next to each other during a rally so that all the "Joes" can see how much they look alike.
It's like asking the question – What happen to the Repulican Party Period? I'm 37 years old and I have never seen a President not support the next and up coming Nominee for their own Party. If the Repulicans can't get along, then why should we vote for McCain/Palin? They might bring that mess into the White House and that's the last thing we need. We need order leadership to bring us together. Barack is the man!!
Because McCain's policy is the same as President Bush's and he doesn't want the American people to know that!! He thinks we are stupid
Jack,
McCain is going to lose the election with or without Bush. The question here would be how bad do you want the poor old guy to lose. If Bush shows any sign of support I think every state would turn blue and I mean blue for sickness. He has already ruined his chances with the wink, wink how you think running mate he's selected.
Jack, it is quite clear and has been proven beyond doubt that McCain has aligned himself with President Bush for the past eight years. Bush would gladly campaign for the McCain ticket if asked. However, McCain and his advisors want to American people to forget that McCain has sided with Bush 90% of the time, a statistic that if resinates with swing voters would surely seal the victory for Senator Obama.
LW in Maryland
Who needs Bush when you have Palin and Joe the Plumber?
Jack,
It is simplely because Bush might feel strongly that Sarah Palin is an insult to his intelligence.
Too bad for SNL though, for they could have made much higher profit by running "Taxas Coyboy Vs. Barracuda Barbie" series.
because bush, and the GOP's know its not a good idea for G.W. to make any public appearences with the republican presidential candidate.that would be like making public appearence with the devil himself...but it's not a bad idea for halloween!
Shanell Forbes
Roatan,Honduras.
Bush and McCain are the same. So, there is no need for Bush to campaign for him. It's a wash.
If he let Bush campaign for him it couldn't possibly do any more harm to his campaign than McCain has already done to himself with his irratic behaviour, mudslinging, distortion of facts, his VP selection and dragging a dishonest registered Republican around the country calling him Joe the plumber.
After reviewing all these latter facts Bush likely won't campaign for McCain because it would just drag Dubya's popularity down another 10%.
Duuuuuu-uuuuuuuh!!!!
Is it "Obvious Day" at CNN today?
The reason why Bush isn't campaigning for McCain is because he knows its a lost cause. Obama has already won and he knows it!
McCain is Bush.
Is this a trick question, Jack?
If McCain has done one smart thing during his campaign it is that he has not had Bush, Cheney, or any other senior current administration official campaigning for him. I say smart simply because if I were him I would not Bush to has anything to do with my campaign in a public manner. For nearly eight years now I have known Bush will achieve the permanent title of "Worst President in American History", and it's only been the past four years that anyone else seems to has figured that out. In truth McCain has not needed Bush to help him campaign since McCain has destryoed his own campaign along with help from his running mate. The best thing Bush can do is to take the back way out of the White House and go live out his life with his parents and Karl Rove in the arm pit state of the country.
Could be because he is still running the country.......DUH
Do you really believe that is a question that needs to answered?
Why do you think? This isn't rocket science.
President Bush has nothing of value to add to the campaign. Although after the fiascos that have already befallen McCain, maybe Bush wouldn't hurt him. There are bound to be some people that would rally around Bush. Remember, Gore snubbed Clinton thinking his reputation would harm him, and it turned out that he needed all the help he could get.
Well with his dismal approval rating and a crashing economy I am sure George Bush is busy packing.....on the campaign trail will delay this process... let's not encourage him. Good Bye George W.....
Because McCain vowed to have Bush shot by Palin from a helicopter if he tried.
Bush is poison. McCain can lose this without the help of the worst president in history.
What a dumb question...
Uh, DUH!
Maybe because Bush can no longer find his way outside of the Whitehouse?
Jack, you saw Michael Corleone kiss Fredo on the lips in the Godfather Part II...'nough said.
RE: Why isn't President Bush campaiging for McCain? Jack, you're a moron.
Easy! Because McCain and the Republican party won't let him; would you want that catastrophe associated with you if you were running for office?
Toronto, Ontario
With Bush's low approval rating, McCain would be putting the last nail in his own coffin. The McSame campaign has enough problems without dragging this association into the spotlight.
Wait, isn't he already campaigning? Oops, that's McCain...same thing.
It's simple. John McCain knows that W is the albatross around his neck. No way will he allow Bush to suck even more life out of a hurting campaign.
Because McCain wants to win.
If you don't know the answer to this one, you haven't been paying attention for the past few years.
Jack
Lol, when you have Joe the Plumber who needs a sitting president.
With six days away from becoming a lame duck, and seven plus years of sitting on his thumbs, why would he start actively serving now?
Hello Jack!
I think the reason George Bush isn't campaigning for John McCain is a plot to not feed into the idea of John McCain and Bush being alike. They both are smart witty men and John McCain probably told Bush not to. We all have seen how John Mccain plants his seeds.
As an Obama supporter, I sure wish that George W. Bush would help McCain on the campaign trail!!! Just like the Saturday Night Live skit, it would be nice for every voter to picture Bush's face when they're voting for McCain!
Barbara Place
Phoenix, AZ
5 words: Hated man throughout the world!
Then it would be easier to see that MCcain is four more years of Bush. I think ehind closed doors he's phoning the oval office direct and getting his daily whatever you wanna call it.
Because Bush's approval ratings are just above, I'm sorry I meant below, that of the bird flu.
Jack,
Try this question next time. It will be even more humorous.
Why Dick Cheney did not run for the president? Why no one on this planet entertained this thought till now?
Bush's only contribution to America in the past 8 years has been increasing voter turnout. No wonder Bush has become the invisible man.
I don't see why McCain doesn't have Bush out campaigning for him since he told Tom Brokaw on Meet The Press Sunday that he shares Bush's ideology.
Is this a real question? Are we so out of questions that this is the best CNN could come up with? Sigh...if SNL knows the answer to this, I'm sure your viewers do to. Get it together Jack!
If Bush wants to help McCain win, he should endorse Obama. That would be the kiss of death!
Bush would love to help McCain, but he's too busy finishing up the blueprint on how to continue running the country into the ground for the next four years.
I think its because McCain is affraid the " real Americans " will see how much like Bush McCain really is! It would be like Bush would be on stage and looking into a mirror
Bush is in training for his retirement.
McCain was probably worried what how bad it was going to hurt his chances when it was announced that Bush voted for him.
I'm baffled – Even Bush can pronounce "War-shing-ton" correctly, and at this point McCain could use all the help he can get his hands on.
Probably for the same reason i am voting Democratic Party for first time in my life. Had enough of Bush and his cohorts. He as Cheny is invisible and the repubilcan Party has stooped lower than whale dung so my goes to Obama and all democrats
Because they are Siamese twins, and McCain does not need his Bush "twin-colleague' to help him this time, he might trun out to be Joe the destroyer.
HA!
I've become very cynical during this election cycle and believe that President Bush IS helping Senator McCain–behind the scenes where it counts–jiggering the vote.
What up Jack!
Bush is voting for Obama like Mccain voted for Kerry.
2 words : approval ratings
Mainly because President Bush is not viewed as the most loved president right now. McCain and his presidency if elected has been stated by Barack several times just like the bush presidency. He wouldn't be smart to let bush parade around for him.
If President Bush was to campaign for Senator McCain, then he would be "Spreading the BS" Since Palin feels spreading the wealth is bad, then maybe she should sign a law to force the people of Alaska to give back their oil revenues.
Is this question for real? Both Bush and McCain know that our country doesn't want more of the same failed policies that McCain is going to carry from the last 8 years to the next 4 years. The McCain campaign is hoping there are enough Joe the Plumbers out there who aren't bright enough to catch on.
I think with all thats been said - if you have to ask that question ,,,,your not as smart as everyone thought. Why would you want someone campaigning for you who doesn't believe in the same policies as you............ As far as Clinton campaigning for Obama.....they are just covering their butts for when Hillary tries again.
Have you heard of the Midas touch? That turned everything to gold. President Bush has something similar, except it renders everything inoperable.
It's obvious that McCain wouldn't want an endorsement from Bush...In fact, he is doing everything he can to separate himself from him.
I don't know why McCain doesn't want Bush campaigning for him. He sure did throw his support behind Bush when Bush was running for president. You would think that McCain would want the man that he felt would make a good president in the past to be campaign for him in the present. Renata, Fort Sill OK
because unlike george bush, bill clinton was a good president and it looks god for him to approve of obama, bush on the other hand is a bad president and would only hurt the mccain campaign
hey, jack ask fox news why gb isn't campaigning for jm ....because they are so fair and balanced!!!!
Jack, John McCain has been trying to chew through the anchor chain of George Bush steadily over the past months and even chewing off his leg won't help. The last thing he needs is Dubya visibly supporting him.
Jack, this question is too easy. Bush knows better than to campaign for McCain. If I were John McCain I would have threatened to drop out of the race before letting President Bush campaign for me. Having Bush campaign for him is the same as saying go ahead and elect Obama president.
Its simple. The McCain doesn't want President Bush campaigning for them. It seems they don't even want him sneezing in their direction
VERY SIMPLE...bush was so awful, that even john is afraid he will hurt more than he hurt himself with the aid of palin!!
Two wrongs don't make a right.
Simply put, G. W. Bush is a complete failure as the President and anyone with half a brain knows it. McCain may be senile, but he isn't [completely] stupid.
Richard
Kalamazoo, MI
Jack,
I've started writing your blog every day recently and I have to say this must be the funniest question you've asked. I hope you're enjoying the answers, I'm sure they're hilarious. Obviously Bush would be a huge detriment to the campaign, possibly almost as much as Caribou Barbie
Oh, how I wish Pres Bush would campaign more publicly for McCain! A lame duck president returning the favor of supporting McCain (after 8 years of McCain supporting Bush) would be a complete disaster for the Republican party –not that election night will be anything but a democratic tsunami.
Jack – McCain dosen't need President Bush to campaign for him...he has Joe The Plumber (who isn't a plumber, who hasn't paid his taxes and who knows what else he's guilty of)! This is just another bad decision on McCain's part to let Joe the Plumber campaign for him.
Because Jack, Bush is busy behind the scenes raising secret money for McSame, also he's doing things towards other countries to make them mad enough to escalate the war maybe. to sway the election.
How can you lead when you are dumber than the person that you are following
Bush finds himself in the same position that Clinton found himself in while approaching the end of his presidency. That is shame! Clinton was in shame because of a sexual scandal and alleged criminal activities. Bush is in shame because of incompetence. The only difference between Clinton & Bush is time. Maybe in several or more years Bush will be an attractive campaigner as is Clinton.
Dear Mr. Cafferty Mr Maccain has no one like clinton, because he doesn't need it. He is being his self. But for you Mr. Cafferty, your sour look along with roland martin and Donna brazil aboma tv supportor. You all are messing up wolf's situation room.
Mr. Gerghen, said he didn't think the GOP could Top the awfully interviews of Palin, much less "Joe the Plumber!". Now wouldn't this be" The True October Surprise"....if Bush was to turns out as a Guess speaker at the last McCain Rally! As Well, I think Mr. Stevenson should publically anounce who he indorses for President! (Before he's locked up!) It's just ashame that the now Leader of the Free World, is so dishonored, his campaigning for his party totally REJECTED by all of US.
Because, G.W. Bush is another maverick, two out of three ain't bad...
The only positive influence Bush could bring the McCain campaign would be if Bush promised to vacate the office Nov. 5, 2008 in the advent of McCain winnning the election.
Because they may be dumb, but they're not stupid.
May be George W. Bush, should be campaigning for Obama, should have endorsed Obama to ensure a win for McCain in this election – simple and foolproof strategy !!
Anna
Unlike in math were two negative make a positive, in an election it really multiplies the mess that both Bush and McCain would make of the country!
Ever since the primaries ended, the Republicans have been like "George Bush? Never heard of the guy. Who is he again?"
Jack,
h-e-l-l-o-would you want Bush standing beside you campaigning? I don't think soooo.
Jack,
Not only is Dubya missing from the scene but has anyone seen Dick Cheney lately? But never fear, they're both working behind the scenes raising money for "the grand ole party."
Because Bush's job approval ratings are in the 20 percent category. John McCain doesn't need or want support from an administration who was a complete failure.
Patti
Baltimore, Md
Bush should be campaigning for McCain. Look at Gore/Lieberman. As much as Clinton may have appeared damaged goods, he was still the sitting president and could have certainly added some gravitas to an otherwise dismal and dull campaign. Incumbancy adds something to any ticket especially in an office that so has to govern down the middle. If for no other reason than for one last grab at party unity, Bush should campaign. Qualifier, I support Obama and I wholeheartedly suggest Bush enter back into the race.
Johny
Claremont, CA
Believe it or not, Bush is embarrassed by the McCain & Palin ticket....the over the top expenditures on clothes. And, what about Palin's denial that she was a willing participant. She sure looked good for a few weeks! AND the old idea and charge of an old enemy of capitalism....socialism and communism... A back in the day charge from a back in the day oldie! Obama as a redistributor? How silly, especially since Palin describes her role in Alaska as a redistributor of wealth from energy and tax reform! Yes, McCain & Palin are also embarrassed by the failures of the Bush administration, of which McCain was a supporter (90% of the time!). Interesting demonstration of age and developmental fixation. One hopes to grow wise and not just old...Sorry, John, the wisdom just done gone and went!!!
Are you kidding me? It's like having the eyers guy campaigning for Obama.
Mr. Cafferty, the reason George W. Bush is not out there with John McCain is simple, "Have you ever seen the look in a sheep dogs face when it killed some of the sheep rather than doing it's job of protecting them?" Thats what our President select in 2000 and President because of fear elect in 2004, looks like when he is in front of the camera, A sheep killing dog! Who would want someone like that helping to win the peoples vote?
John McCain doesn't want the voters to be reminded of the fact that he is a Republican who sided with the president 92% of the time. That is a fact. When John McCain lays out his vision for America(or for " pro-Americans ") he can't afford to have Americans remember that he, John McCain, voted in favor of the Iraq war, Enhanced interrogation( torture), deficit spending, voted against the GI bill and the worst of em' all – the ports deal. John McCain and George W. Bush wanted to sell our ports to foreign investors from the middle east. It's hard to tell identical twins apart when they're standing next to each other.
Well, McCain is already campaigning with that brainiac Sarah Palin. Bush ranks right up there with her. Both are missing the toy prize in their full meal deal.
Jack, the question should be why George W (like other Republicans)hasn't endorsed Obama yet at this point? Another dirty GOP trick that wouldn't surprise me if it happen by this Friday.
He's trying, McCain can push him away as much as he wants, but if President Bush could take a hint, we wouldnt have most of our problems. Plus if he spoke about the issues, he'd just end up repeating McCain.
The obvious answer is because he does not feel that McCain is the best choice.
After McCain chose Palin, he's probably very glad that he doesn't have to add that disaster to his legacy.
Because Bush entered early retirement 8 years ago. Not to worry though, I'm sure McCain and Bush are just the best of friends behind the scenes.
Simple answer. With a 27% popularty..President Bush campaigning for Sen. McCain is a guarantee loss for McCain. McCain is trying to distance himself from Bush...the last think McCain wants is to have Bush Campaigning for him. On a Side note...Just look a the SNL parody of this. Saleem from Toronto, Canada
Jack – enough with the stupid questions already. How long is CNN going to feature your grade school level questions? You must be the only person in this country that is wondering "gee, why isn't Bush on the stump for McCain?" See last week's prime time SNL if you can't figure it out.
Your forum continuously serves no purpose other than a launching point for people to bash conservatives in childish ways. If you truly wanted to be useful, please help me find a place on the internet with real constructive political dialogue. Thank you.
McCain has flipped on Bush tax cuts but never changed his mind Bush knows if elected McCain will do away with these redistribute the debt socialistic tax cuts that have run up an impressive national debt for all of us less fortunate generations to pay for. At worse the democrat led congress will get rid of the for McCaina nd he can kinda complain about it.
Sad as it may seem, the McCain Campaign requested that President Bush not campaign with Senator McCain, or make public statements that could be interpreted as links between the Bush White House and the McCain/Palin Ticket.
Jack, come on, Mccain doesn't like Bush and visa-versa and even though I support Obama, we know Mccain isn't really a Bush man just like Obama isn't a socialist. It's all just campaign spin. Only the
"not so smart" fall for all that stuff.
Tyrone,
Payson, AZ
I believe it would be wonderful if Bush campaigned with McCain! It would let the American voting public hear McCains policies right from the horses mouth! Since the economy is the major issue in this election, it would do us all good to listen to two republicans convince us what a wonderful job they did and can do again.
Maybe they should include Palin in that discussion since she spreads the wealth among her Alaskan citizens.
Oh Please, let's hear them all tell us what a wonderful economy they can give us!
Beverly Hills, MICHIGAN
Jack,
John McCain trying to prove to the voters that he's nothing like George W. Bush is a futile effort. If he wanted to show that his administration would be different, then his campaign should've been different. I'm sure W is downright proud of the devisive, name-calling mess the RNC and McCain are calling a campaign. The only problem is that, this time, the Democrats have finally come up with a candidate who can unite Americans faster that the Republicans can divide them.
Brad Rea
Rio Rancho
That's a silly question. Three words explain Bush's lack of campaigning: "record disapproval ratings."
Gore couldn't have Clinton campaign for him because of that whole cigar scandal, and yet now he is in high demand as a Democratic wing man. Although, the country didn't suffer because of Clinton. We can't say the same about Bush.
Because, Jack, he doesn't give a flip about what happens to this country after the election any more than he has these past 8 years.
Bush has run this country into the ground in so many ways. I wish Bush would be out stumping for McCain, that would be honest as McCain hired all of Bush's henchman. If McCain wins it will be via voter fraud.
Well, let's see: Our sitting president has the lowest approval ratings ever. He has no credibility, even within his own party. He can barely utter a grammatically correct sentence - much less one that is factual or truthful. McCain needs Bush to campaign for him like he needs another Sarah Palin. He's going down fast, and Bush will just make faster hammering of the nails into McCain's presidential campaign coffin. Hmmm ... bring him on!
As a man who has been trying to distance himself from Dubya, it would be a mistake to campaign with Bush. His running mate may be stupid, but he isn't, at least enough to do this. Swing state voters will swing Dem if he does.
Bush has irreparably tarnished the GOP brand. Despite the wonderful fund raising Bush is capable of, John McCain should have done a better job of repudiating his administration and distancing himself from George Bush on key issues earlier in the game. GOP Congressmen are suffering too.
Jack, guess what example I used in explaining the saying "a kiss of death" to my grandson.
John
California
President Bush would either like John McCain to win the election or he doesn't give a hoot. That's why he's not campaigning for John McCain. Besides, he's been antidisinvited.
I think it's obvious for those that can't stand Hillary. She and Bill are still in debt from the primaries and need to align themselves with Barack Obama in order to help pay their debt off. McCain doesn't need anything from Bush except for Bush to stay quiet, which he's doing.
Because if they were seen together, everyone would see that although Senator McCain claims he is different than the President, there are more striking similarities than just their policies
Jack, I did see footage of Bush, Laura and even Cheney voting early and boasting they had voted for McCain. That is all I would need to know, to know that I could not vote for this man. Bush voting for who he wants to continue his (failed) legacy is enough for me...and should be for everyone else too!
Well, let's see: Our sitting president has the lowest approval ratings ever. He has no credibility, even within his own party. He can barely utter a grammatically correct sentence - much less one that is factual or truthful. McCain needs Bush to campaign for him like he needs another Sarah Palin. He's going down fast, and Bush will just make faster hammering of the nails into McCain's presidential campaign coffin. Hmmm ... I say bring him on!
Because it would be a certain death blow to his already limping, necrotic campaign. Besides, he already has Bush 2.0 campaigning for him, a.k.a. Sarah Palin.
Senator McCain dare not have President Bush Campaign on his behalf. That will be the sure and positive way to lose the election. Senator McCain might be slow and out of touch,but he is no fool.
Senator Obama has taken all the lies that McCain has thrown at him with no success or little if any. as an ex military soldier, " I want McCain to follow the old saying, OLD SOLDERS NEVER DIE, THEY JUST FADE AWAY" Follow the slogan John, It's honorable.
Jack if you serve castor oil at your kid's birthday's party, he's going to get beat up in school the next day.
Ok....So if President Bush did hit the campaign trial, you would report on how he was spending taxpayer $$ to support McCain. I think it is actually a good decision to not hit the trail and continue on where our country needs the President most. Obama, on the other hand, picked Bill Clinton because they both have the same morals! None!
Jack your kidding me, is that a question, you know the answer
With McCain already behind in the polls, why in the world WOULD Bush campaign for him, considering the disastorous (in the eyes of hopeful Republicans) effect it would have. The last thing McCain needs, and the next thing Obama needs, is for Bush to get out and stamp his approval all over McCain, who has struggled to convince the public that he is NOT George Bush!
Sorry, Overseas; Reagan campaigned for Bush, so your sittng-president-shouldn't-campaign arguement falls apart. Bush is hiding because he's a massive symbol-of neocon-republicanism liability, and should be. Democratic Clinton, however, can campaign on results. And Obama has better morals than any of them. Show me a more devoted, successful family man. (As opposed to a serial adulterer who dumps his disfigured wife for a mistress, alienating his kids. Great Christian family values. Do as I say; not as I do.)