Democrats fear another Bush. Should they? Do you?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Less than four years after George W. Bush left Washington, Democrats are afraid of another Bush.
If Jeb Bush were to become Mitt Romney's running mate, the former Florida governor would likely deliver his home state. Plus, he would likely attract more Hispanics, Catholics, conservatives and independents.
That's exactly what Democrats fear, and why they're likely relieved to hear Jeb Bush isn't interested.
People close to Bush tell Politico he means it, too. They say Jeb truly doesn't want to be on the ticket, that it's just not his time.
It could mean 2012 is just too close to the eight years of his brother's presidency and that the country couldn't stomach another President Bush. Just think: Having a Bush in the race would immediately put the focus back on the Iraq war, torture, spying on Americans, etc.
However, Bush loyalists insist his family's privacy is a major reason why Jeb didn't want to run for president this year and won't want to be the No. 2 either.
They say he's happy giving speeches, doing consulting and policy work through education and literacy foundations.
Plus as the son and brother of former presidents, Jeb Bush on a presidential ticket raises the political dynasty question. As George Will points out, if Bush ran as vice president that would mean a Bush on the GOP ticket in seven of the past nine presidential elections.
Still, not everyone is giving up hope on Jeb Bush running with Romney.
His eldest son, George P. Bush, tells Politico "it would be a phenomenal ticket."
Here’s my question to you: Democrats fear another Bush. Should they? Do you?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Kim in Kansas:
Just the mention of the name makes me break out in a cold sweat. Americans should never forget the near total destruction of the economy, the decimation of the middle class, and the two completely illegal wars. Knowing that George W. Bush is still walking around a free man, after destroying so many lives and sending four thousand soldiers to their deaths, is as disgusting as it gets. I would certainly fear another Bush, and justifiably so.
Bud:
Jeb could be a tough competitor. He appears reserved, conservative but not ideological and pragmatic. He also looks like a nice guy. To answer your question: Democrats probably would rather not have to deal with him.
Rahn:
I fear BOTH another Bush AND the same Obama. This election is fast turning into another “pick the pile of garbage that smells the least" situation, and neither party has solved that issue for me yet.
Dale in Massachusetts:
The only thing to fear from another "Bush" is the knee-jerk, faith-based irrational policies. Religion doesn't belong in politics or governing. Religion based governments will be the downfall of civilization. If it isn't all the terrorist crap, it's the fear that Iran (et al) and its Sharia law will think the whole world has to go see God/Allah in one fell radiation-induced event.
Pete in Georgia:
Are you serious? Currently I'd rather have Bush's cleaning lady in office compared to the deceiving Socialist imposter now on Pennsylvania Avenue.
D.T. in St Paul, Minnesota:
The whole world does. We put another goofball in office who thinks it's playtime, one more leader who only cares about his rich friends, and we're done for.
Janne in North Carolina:
I guess it’s fair. I’m a Republican and the thought of another Jimmy Carter scares the heck out of me!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
I fear another establishment president, be he a Bush, an Obama, a Romney. After all, what really changes with any of them in power? I could never fear Ron Paul, and that is the key point.
Ron Paul in 2012...
Actually I hope he does get to be President. then when he and his fellow Republicans bring this country to it's knees with the next depression that will end the reign of the elite in this nation.They will never again regain power.
Of course I fear it They will just pick up where he left off. Which is a big reason we are where we are right now even if they refuse to admit it. Europe is trying what the Republicans want to do and it's not working, things are going very wrong for them. Still the Republicans are sticking to their guns. They hate Obama so much they are willing to hurt our country just to get back in to power. They have turned half of this country against the other half. I was a Republicans my entire life until the last election, seeing what Bush had done to us was more than I could stand. I went with Obama and am staying with him. If nothing else I feel he has the well being of our country at heart where they do not. It's very sad. I may not like everything he's doing but I like nothing the Republicans are wanting to do.
Henderson Nevada
Are you serious ???
Currently I'd rather have Bush's cleaning lady in office compared to the deceiving Socialist imposter now on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Jack: Jeb Bush could be a formible candidate for any elected office. He was a very popular Governor of Florida. The Democrats may be cautious, but fearful no. Jeb Bush is the brilliant son, so says Barbara Bush, his mother, and she should know. It is to bad that President George W. Bush got to the White House first, because after George W., no one wants another Bush in the White House. America is not looking for a dynasty for president. If I were Jeb Bush I'd run for Senator from Florida or Governor, again. It will be sometime before America will want another Bush.
"Fool me once.........don't get fooled again", "You can't put freedom and democracy back into a box"!! Jack, no Bush, related or not will ever get the White House again.....you can bet on that.
After hearing Mr. Romney's advisor say his economic policies were like Bush's with some improvements, I'm terrified. We're still mopping up after the original Bush policies. Republicans also seem to be war mongers and are generally chomping at the bit to go after Iran. How many people want more of our tax dollars going to war? The Romney tax policy is actually worse than Bush's. He gives bigger tax breaks to the people at the top while cutting programs to help the poor, elderly and disabled. He's Reverse Robin Hood on steroids.
Jeb Bush lost his "time" to lead. He should have been the one the Republicans put in when his brother was put then, BUT THEN HE COULDN'T HAVE MADE SURE HE WON. HE WAS THE GOVERNOR.
Romney has the nomination. Do I fear Jeb Bush as the V.P. That is not necessary the path to the presidency.
George W. Bush was in over his head. But, Obama knows even less about the job of presidency.
Anything to get Obama out of office–even, if it runs the risk of getting another Bush in.
NO. Jeb Bush is a smart guy! He should enjoy his life and move on, being the President of the US is a tedious, laborious, crazy job. I often wonder why any sane person would want to be President of the US. All kinds of people try to discredit your every move. If you reach out to the rest of the world US citizens don't really like it, folks are always wanting to "pin some nonsense to you", there are too many ELECTIONS and too many single-minded people. Being President of the US is not a psychologically good job for anybody who wants to really make a difference for US Citizens.
The only thing to fear from another "Bush" is the knee jerk faith based irrational policies. Religion doesn't belong in politics or governing. As seen by the worldwide strife on your network and even FakeNews, religion based governments will be the downfall of civilization. If it isn't all the terrorist crap, it's the fear that Iran (et al) and it's Sharia law will think the the whole world has to go see God/Allah in one fell radiation induced event.
Not in the least, Jack. Romney is a highly organized and effective proven leader. he brings a new way of thinking through porblems and achieving solutions. He also has shown skill in collaboration and getting things done. If we should fear something, it would be another Obama.
Democrates should thank Bush. If it was not for him who would they blame all the worlds problems on.
The Congressional republicans that were so helpful during the Bush administration are still in power, trying to continue his reprehensible policies. With Romney as president it will be back to the Bush policies in one version or another. Republicans still call for tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of infrastructure needs and social issues. What will the republican slogan be? “Let them eat cake!”
Democrats should fear that Romney will have many of the same policies that Bush had but that is the direction that our country needs to take to save it from bankruptcy, I believe. It will take some hard decisions to get us back on the right path and I trust Romney and a Republican congress to make them.
Dallas, Texas
The whole world does. We put another goofball in office who thinks its playtime, one more leader who only cares about his rich friends, and we're done for.
I guess its fair. As a republican the thought of another Jimmy Carter scares the heck out of me !
Bush dynasty may have run its course. Jeb is the one Bush who should serve.
Carol
The entire country, even the world, should fear EVER having another Bush as President of the USA. George HW Bush did an okay job, but his son, "Dubya", was one of the worst Presidents this country has ever had, and another one like him would very possibly destroy us. We are still recovering from Dubya's 8 years of wars, ignorant incompetent leadership, unfunded spending and huge deficits, and will be for several more years to come. Please, dear Lord, NEVER another Bush in the White House. Republicans now try to blame Obama for the problems Bush created and caused, but folks, it's not Obama's fault until the damage done by Bish is completely repaired.
It's CNN that keeps reporting Romney's staff is all Bush Neo-cons. What do you think? If he picks Cheney for VP, you'll have G. W. Part II conclusively.
Bush did what he thought was the right thing to do. Losing Colin may have lead us to two wars that may have been avoided. Overall, he did not surround himself with the right people. No one should fear another Bush, we should thank them for their service to our nation.
Absolutely. G W Bush brought us to the situation we are in and Geo Romney wants to take us back, even using many of the same advisors that Bush had. Please note that our growth is a little better than 2% using an aggressive plan and putting funds into the system and offering help. Europe has taken the austerity approach which Romney wants to use and the highest expected growth among the European countries is about .05%, (4 times less than ours)while many others show a negative growth. Obama's plans are working in spite of the resistance from the Republicans, while what Repubs want to do came be shown fails in a big way, as it has in Europe..
I truly fear another Bush and always will.
Are you kidding? Not that Obama needs the help, but a Democrat should be praying to the heavens that Mitt would ask Jeb Katrina Bush to be his running mate. Obama would win by 20 percentage points if the dummies brother was the VP pick. Doug, Pepperell, MA.
No. Mitt Romney is shaping up to be worse than Bush because Romney has the crazy Tea Party pushing him to the extremes. His foreign policy ideas are just downright wacky (Double Guantanamo? Bomb Iran?). Even worse, his friends in Congress want to balance the budget on the backs of the poor and the elderly. You can kiss the middle class goodbye if Romney and the Republicans get their way.
I don't think the democrats need to be too concerned about anyone duplicating Bushes failures. But keep in mind the democrats gave Bush the authority right along with the republicans in congress. It seems to me that what they are saying in reality is that Bush was smart enough to fool them all. If dumb old Bush can pull the wool over the democrats eyes that does not say much for them.
Jack,
Everyone should fear another Bush. Having said that, none of the candidates, in my opinion, are worth voting for. It's a sad day, when voting, that we have to vote for the one that is the least corrupt, self serving politician. Obama's idea of change, isn't working. He is just another example of the idiots we have in office, and running for office.
Since the first two Bushes were such disasters, of course another should be feared!!! Is it mere coincidence that Bush I and Bush II left office with the country in economic disarray?
Jack, of course they fear another Bush, deep down inside, all of us do. Everybody is saying that Jimmy Carter was the worse President ever.... but the way Bush handled the Iraq war and Hurricane Katrina.....not to mention his self serving policies.... need I say more.. go figure.
Just the mention of the name, makes me break out in a cold sweat. Americans should never forget the near total destruction of the economy, the decimation of the middle class, the masterminding of two completely illegal wars, and the looting of citizens life savings encouraged by his administration. Knowing that George Bush is still walking around as a free man, after destroying so many lives and sending four thousand soldiers to their deaths, is as disgusting as it gets. I would certainly fear another Bush, and justifiably so.
We already have another Bush and he is Obama. Obama extended the bush tax cuts, approved bonuses for banks and wall street executives, renewed the bush patriot act, continued the bush war in iraq, expanded the bush war in afghanistan, expanded drone attacks in pakistan, continues to keep prisoners without trial at gitmo, ordered the bombings and kilings of libyan supporters, and ordered the assassination of osama, and two american citizens in yemen.
I can't talk for the democrats, but myself it scares the heck out of me.
It scares me a lot just thinking about it – doesn't matter what party affiliation one has – it should scare everyone – including the Tea people. I knew the economic math wasn't right when Bush was in office – when the unfunded wars AND huge tax cuts were legislated – not to mention Medicare Part D wasn't funded either.
Jack, this country has had 12 years of Bush leadership and all it has done is destroy our economy and engulf us in 2 costly wars, which, by the way, they pushed down the road for the first Democratic president to come in to office to pay for. Should we be afraid? Hell yes!
America has had very bad luck with Bushes in the White House.
The last one threw the economy into a Great Recession that we're still struggling to get out of.
I don't know what "good ol' Bush days" you're pining for... the broken economy, the unnecessary wars, the poor job growth, the stagnant wages, the festering deficits caused by his unaffordable tax cuts and the wars... unless you're a millionaire or a masochist, you won't have good memories of the Bush years.
As a Democrat, I do not fear George W. Bush. That part is over.
What would concern me is if Americans think it's not over.
After Puppet Boy almost destroyed the economy having to bail out the Banks with TARPs $700 BILLION and starting useless wars that have taken so many American lives would you ever trust another Bush or any Republican in fact?
If democrats really feel this way why did Obama continue his policies?
Why did Obama re-appoint Ben Bernanke?
Why did Obama continue the TARP?
Why did Obama follow up Bush’s failed $150 billion stimulus with an $862 billion stimulus?
Why did Obama not only continue Bush deficits but quadruple them?
Why did Obama sign the bill to extend the Bush tax cuts?
If Obama thinks that Bush was so bad and he obviously does because he blames Bushfor everything that ever happened to him in his life. Why continue his policy?
Just like Bush, I don't think I can ever believe a single word that comes out of Romney's mouth. Simply put he lost his credibility long ago and I cannot trust him to lead in a true and honest fashion. He'll just keep lying to cover up his tracks and never own up to a single word he says. More importantly, how can anyone call him patriotic and trust his word when he stashes money overseas to avoid paying taxes like everyone else. Frankly, I'm dismayed at anyone who thinks Romney is honorable enough to be president.
I fear BOTH another Bush AND the same Obama. This election is fast turning into another ' pick the pile of garbage that smells the least" situation, and neither party has solved that issue for me yet......
What? What's to fear from another Bush? He couldn't do any worse than this President has done. What everyone should rememeber is that the current financial crisis that our country is fighting is the result of Democrats and Republicans working together to make things easier for te big financial conglomerates without regard to the potential risks. It doesn't matter who is President if Congress passes stupid laws, unless the President has the bravery to veto them. None of the last three seemed to be willing to do that. Maybe a new Bush has learned from either of the two prior. I certainly hope one of the future Presidents learns from our history.
Yes Jack I do fear another Bush. While Romney is a Mormon, he will listen to people like McCain who wants more war. Romney supports the Ryan tax plan that cuts needy people to the bone and give more to the rich, sounds like class warfare to me. I couldn't vote for a person who "likes" to fire people and who doesn't care about the poor.
Beverly from Kansas; Jack; I think we should all fear, not only What we have, but what we Could get. People want to argue what "side" is better when both "sides" are equally incompetent. They are not the best America has to offer, not even close. What we need is real Leadership and scrapping the bottom of the barrel only stirs up parasites.
Democrats fear another Bush. Should they? Do you?
I don't think America could take another Bush.
Just think of what the last one did to our nation:
1. Allowed Family Friend Osama Bin Laden walk free post 9/11
2. Unfunded War in Afghanistan
3. Unfunded War in Iraq
4. Unfunded Medicare Part D
5. Nation in Near 2nd Great Depression
6. Ignored Poor Americans Post Huricane Katrina
7. Lied our nation into war and admitted it as he was exiting office
8. Supreme Court Installed President
9. Cared more about the Wealthy than the rest of Americans
etc..
The only other possible Bush would be Jeb and he had issues just running one state.
Daddy Bush was hardly better, VooDoo Economics, Blanket Amnesty for 8+ MILLION Illegal Immigrants, etc..
No way no how would I or anyone with half a brain would vote for another Bush.
Jenna
Roseville CA
12 Years of the Bush family in charge was frankly enough. The only fear is that if the GOP select him as a fail safe for their ticket and they get back in power things will go back to the old way of doing things or should I say not doing things.
I almost feel like although I voted for Obama, I got another Bush. He hasn't strayed much from Bush's policies, although I do give him credit for trying against the party of "no." What I really fear is a Republican, any one of them, nominating another supreme court judge. I am trying to convince my husband, who normally votes Republican, but sees us losing our personal freedoms, to vote democrat just for that reason.
Of course everyone should fear another Bush. He screwed up this country so bad it may never return to being a first rate nation and power. I know....I was enlisted in the Army and President Bush and his oops of a worthless war are what made me get out. I could not take orders from that bum seeing he does not know what he is doing and he lied. He and that whole family are a disgrace and so are the GOP.
Democrates Don't fear another Bush. They just hate all Bushs. Put it another way they are still afraid of the old Bush. All the presidents made grave errors from Kennedy-Johnson- Nixon-Ford-Reagan-G Bush Sr.-Clinton and George, leading to what may be the grand finale from Mr. President Barrack O'bama. Do I fear that another Bush may be president? Absolutely not! But I am concerned that President O'bama is leading this country to the point of no return. Or vote Romney in and let him do it!
George W Bush gave people in the medical profession the right to refuse to help in an abortion and still maintain their job. This is America and that's as it should be. We were not forced to buy health insurance to pay for someone else's medical treatment as we are with Democrats. No I don't think we should fear another George W Bush but I hope we can do better than he.
The who doesn't matter so long as the bribe clears the bank!
With Romney? Hell yes- he's just another Bush, but he has better clothes.
Are you referring to Jeb Bush? I don't think the American voters are stupid to elect another Bush.
Under Bush administration – against bank regulation, bank mortgage lenders giving approval to those who
cannot afford to buy a house, going to war based on WMD – resulting in big spending and lost lives,
going after OBL for years and failed – isn't it funny he was just hiding and under the protection of
Pakistan. Now, the GOP is criticizing Pres. Obama using OBL capture by the fabulous Navy Seals
in his campaign. How about George Bush standing in the aircraft carrier witth "Mission Accomplished"
What accomplishment was he referring to? Hypocrites in Action again!
Everyone I know, including me, says they would rather have Bush back, than another 4 years of Obama.
Jack: The effects of the Bush administration continue to be felt-however--Democrats need to change their strategy--you can't do today business with old business practices. They need to create their own Etch-a-Skech. As far as I'm concern--Mitten is toast--the closet he will get to the White House is the gate!
We shouldn't fear another Bush. We should fear the current members of Congress.
No they shouldn't fear another Bush, if one does get on a national ticket all they have to do is remind the nation what the last one was like.....tax cuts for people that didn't need them, a small budget surplus turned into a huge annual deficits and funding wars "off the books" to keep the cost hidden not to mention 4,000+ soldiers lost in Iraq for absolutely nothing.
Jeb could be a tough ompetitor. He appears reserved, conservative but not ideolgical and pragmatic. He also lloks like a nice guy. However, that is impression from afar. I've never heard him give a speech, or be interviewed. It's a whole nother ball game when you'r eon the national stage. But to answer your question they probably would rather not have to deal with him.
Jack, I was acutely Bushed, then chronically Bushed. Add them together and I have been Bush-whacked twice. Now you are saying there is a good possibility that we could end up with a Bush to beat all Bushes!! Where is my large bottle of sleeping pills when I really need it?? I wouldn't want another shrub off the old bean sprout running anything but his mouth. These people are like weeds, you just can't get rid of them. Fear no, I just wish they would go away and stay away
If one just looks at the Republicans last 3+ years of negative, do nothing for this country attitude, it does not matter which party you belong too in the next election to make the right choice. Except for the rich, do you know anyone else that wants four more years of shifting to a lower life standard than we presently have?
The time to stop cancer is before it spreads.
"The only thing to fear is fear itself." Or should it read: the only fear is another Bush in the White House. Frankly, I'm bushed from having the Bushes at the helm. Been there, done that.
My biggest fear is another 4 years of Obama and monumental debt that continues to grow under his administration.....
Jack Democrats fear the reality that there candidate can not run on his failed record so they look to fear monger there way back into the white house. They should not be afriad unless they really dont want new jobs and a better economy! Obama equals more of the same and hows that been working for you America!
I don't know why the Democrats would fear another Bush? Under George we had unemployment at 5.5%, defecit at 4 trillion. Ever since Congress was taken over by Democrats in 2006-2010 plus Obama in 2008, all we have are problems. The unemployment at over 8%, deficit at 15 trillion dollars and the nation more devided than ever, all created by Obama and the Democrats.. You'd think that with another Bush things would definetly be better, even better with Romney and Bush as VP. Why in the world would we want another 4 years of Obama. Democrats have their blinders on again from the spinning going on from Obama, Biden and Bill Clinton. The triple speaks for itself. Now add the clowns on MSNBC and we have a home run.
I think George W Bush will be remembered as one of the worst presidents of all time. When he entered office, we had budget surpluses, when he left office we were on the brink of depression, with huge deficits, and wars in two countries. Our international reputation was so tarnished, Obama received the Nobel peace prize essentially for not being Bush. Obama has not been a great president, but he is definitiely better than Bush, and who knows about Romney.
If someone says they're not afraid of another Bush then they are either lying or stupid. To me many of the people in Texas are just plain stupid as they only vote Republican and when you go into any store or place of business they only play that channel with an F which has one purpose only and that is to create fear and cynicism. Wake up America, the GOP is about war and wealthy.
Jack,
Yes! We don't need a three-peat in the White House. Both prior Bush administrations did enough damage to the country and middle class. The Dynasty is over.
Trust me Jack, it's not just the Democrats who fear another Busk like presidency.
The first Bush was fine. The second darn-near destroyed the country. Let's judge the third on his individual merits.
I fear ANY Republican. The Bushes are liberal compared to the Republicans of today.
Jack, let me answer this way. I told my wife we need a new bush in the back yard. She told me to say "shrub". I'm not even allowed to by "shrub' baked beans.
David, Las Vegas
DO THE DEMOCRATS FEAR ANOTHER BUSH...??????..what have you been drinking Mr Cafferty ..!!.. it's the American public and the entire world that fears another Bush !!...where have you been ?? ..in a cave somewhere .?...B.C.Canada.
p.s. the Democrats would LOVE to pin that on Mr. Romney
Hell yes I fear another Bush, so should everyone else and Pres has every right to use bin ladens death...results don't lie.Seems this current crop of republicans dedicated to smaller gov't want to interfere in everything from contraception to war with Iran instead of what's best for the most people of this country. Do your homeswork before casting a vote.
Jack, do you mean to ask: do Democrats fear someone who gives money to his base through tax cuts, and then starts two wars, one being of his choosing, with no way of funding those two wars and then gives even more money to his base through the Wall Street bailouts? Not to mention the destruction of our national moral credibility through torture and the erosion of our civil liberties through the Patriot Act? Hell I think everyone fears that and not just us Americans.
I think the Democrats, and Republicans should fear we have a government bought by big money. Does it really matter who sits in the White House, or sits on their hands in Congress.
i'm not scared of Bubba, just don't want him as VP. The first Bush was terrible, the second Bush was America's worst, so if it runs true then the third Bush would be even worse. Give me a break. They want to use hiim for the Hispanic vote, but the Hispanics are much smarter than that. They know if Republicans win, the Hispanics will be run out of the Country.
Democrats fear anything that they can’t control. They can’t control a free people who have good jobs. They can’t control a free growing economy. They need a population dependent on them to provide benefits and handouts not a hand up. They must regulate because they can do everything better than others. They know more what we need than we do. Just ask one and they’ll tell you. Under President Bush before the Democrats took control of the House and Senate we had GDP growth greater than 3% and unemployment around 5%. Of course they’re afraid we might return to those evil days.
Another Bush in the Whitehouse??? The whole world should be afraid ... very afraid.
What would be the difference. Afghanistan is still a war zone. The drawdown for combat operations in Iraq ended when the 2007 SOFA said in the timeline it outlined said it would be completed. The NSA warrantless surveillance program is still in place. The Dems, if you remember, told us how severe the erosion of democratic principles would be with this program in place. But when they took office they said that it was now legal and then, abra cadabra, everything was good. Gitmo is still in place. Probably for the same reasons it was created, a bunch of bad people live there. There again, abra cadabra, it is now legal and in line with the U.S. Constitution and the Geneva Convention with out anything being actually altered or changed.
Hi Jack,
Mitt Romney is not going to ask Jeb Bush to be his running mate for all of the reasons you stated. However if Romney asked Bush and he said yes, I would not fear it seeing how I am huge supporter of GWB.
Anyone who was paying attention during the eight years the worst president in US history was in office should be terrified. People say Jeb is smarter and more ratioanal than his brother. So are 99% of the US population. Not much of a recommendation for the presidency. Mitt Romney is a big enough threat to America's future without the specter of another Bush looming a heartbeat away.
After the last 30 years there is only one thing that would surprise me about the presidential election and that is: If we were to finally elect a president that wasn't a liar for the 1%.
Forget the Democrats, all Americans should fear another Bush. He put us in the hole we are in and his cohorts in Congress are making sure we stay there at the behest of the 1%. All of the Republican candidates, for any office, scare the hell out of me. They are all slimy, conniving dimwitted morons controlled by Norquist and the Koch boys. I guess we traded the Iron Curtain threat for the 1% threat. I didn't fear Russia as much as I fear another Bush or any Republican.
To be President,....one needs to be SMART enough to do the job...AND... DUMB enough to want to.....
With Jeb Bush,...I see neither....
I fear the "shock" that would be heard around the World by putting another Bush in office and the "after shock" to come.
I fear another Bush. I fear another Clinton. I fear another Gore. Heck, I even fear another Paul. We're a nation of perhaps 100 million families. Why is it that the nation's business is often the "family business" of a few dozen families? When did the US become a heredity oligarchy?
12 years is more than any one country should have to endure of the Bush's unless they all wanted to move to Iraq and live in a country that they created. Jeb is an extension of his brother, a person who was AWOL and his father who said "read my lips". Yes, in either capacity, Veep or Pres would be a disaster in my own opinion. It's fearful enough to think that Romney has a good chance of being President let alone another Bush. No thanks.
Mr. Cafferty, my biggest fear is that the great unwashed put Obama back in office for another 4 years.
I dont really fear anything.....but I certainly hope that we wouldnt elect another Bush......been there, done that...
People vote for the President not the Vice President so no I don't think they need to be fearful of another Bush. What they really need to be fearful of is Poor and Low income Republicans voting in large numbers....but then again how many poor and low income Republicans are there?
A Jeb by any other name would smell as sweet–sweeter in fact, given the Floridian and Hispanic vote. But Jeb's too smart to align himself with Romney and risk an 8-year stint as a second banana. 2016 is his year. Without him, Romney fizzles, Obama does 4 more years, his brother's after-taste fades and he steps in with Christie as VP. Now there's a ticket!
I don't fear another Bush as much as I fear another Obama..............
I am afraid of another 4 years from the current President. That is what will destroy this country and it's economy. The only change that Obama has brought has been a change for the much worse. At least Bush was a patriot, which is more than I can say for Barrack Hussein Obama. The absolute worst possible scenario for this country is 4 more years of Obama. It can't get worse than that.
George W. Bush himself was a likeable guy... it's all the unelected individuals that their Administrations bring (and their policies) you have to watch out for!
Mr. Cafferty:
In terms of positive effects on the citizenship, the economy, the constitution, virtually all of the government agencies known and unknown, I really do not see a valid fear on another Bush since democrats and republicans are now virtually two heads on the same beast. I agree with earlier conclusions that if any president is of the entrenched party system, we all have a lot to fear and pay for....and pay for.
We do not need another Bush in the White House. The last one was a disaster. Am I the only one that remembers the little girl in Florida that disappeared when Jeb Bush was Governor. She was in the foster parent system and no one knew she was missing for years Her name was Rilya Wilson.. Nope, we don't need Jeb.
Jack, the only thing the Democrats have to fear is a Republican Congress actually doing some work that really is for the people of lesser income.
i am a very proud american, as is my husband, but if another bush got into the white house, then we would leave and go to canada until this country woke up and threw him out of office. i don't care what barbara, who i greatly admire for her down to earth thoughts, says. this is a mother talking and to any mother all of her children are smart and wonderful. my husband and i live in fear that this country has a very short memory and will vote another tax the middle class and poor while they make millions republicans back into the white house. this country cannot afford another republican who will then totally ruin this wonderful country.
They should not be afraid because ther is no way Bush will be on the ticket and that is for sure. I am afraid of another four years of Obama as he has done enough damage and with no fear of another election the results could be catastrophic.
Barbara and George Herbert must be really proud of their sons, but we don't need another one on the ticket in November. We need to give some other family the opportunity to have a son in the white house.
No sane person wants another Bush type, those were very dark times.
Darn tooting I'm fearing another Bush. But I'm fearing a Bishop Romney even more.
bush,obama,romney....who cares, only the names change...the corruption,waste, bad policies just keep on keepin on....
Yes, I fear that Romney is just another George W. Bush in disguise. No, thanks, Obama 2012.
Houston, TX
I am a democrat in Houston and am sick of hearing the name Bush and would be even more disgusted seeing another one on a presidential ticket! Please, no more Bush!!
Yes, Jack, I fear it like I do the plague. Anyone who wants another Bush era should vote for Romney–that is, if you want total favorism to the rich and no concern for ANYONE else!
I fear another VP the likes of Dick Cheney.
You'd better believe it, Jack. I wondered aloud when W. was elected if the country could survive his presidency. It did - barely. No sane person wants to put the country through that again.
Susan
Denver
good lord jack, i could not stand another bush regime. how does the saying go? Fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me, so what do you say for a third time ( explitive deleted )
I'm a Democrat. Why fear Jeb Bush? He's the smart Bush.
I believe the Republicans should fear Jeb Bush on the ticket; he'd overshadow the top of the ticket, the opposite of the Palin effect, but with the same results
No more Bushes, they are destructive
Bush and Romney god help us all.
I fear Romney and all of his sons occupying the White House for the next 50 years.
As a Democrat and lifelong resident of Florida, I do fear another Bush on any political ticket. However, Jeb Bush was a great governor, and, unlike his older brother, Jeb is indeed intelligent. Jeb has the ability to excite the interest of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats, like myself, and he is truly a uniter.
I don't fear Bush, or Romney, I fear the far right or the far left. The leader is only the puppet in the long run, it is the crazyness of congress that says if another Republican control is in place we will never get an economy based on anything other than war or defense. The Democrats push the social programs to hell and back again.
It is not Bush or Romney or Obama, it is the people behind the scenes that are pulling the puppet strings, get a clue.
Jack,
Why would I fear another Bush, or any other president? It's Congress and the Cabinet that truly drives what goes on. What I fear is how far backwards we've gone as a nation, we treat these guys like they're Kings.
Of course they fear another Bush. They don't want to lose the trillions of tax payers money they know this president has failed and fear losing their jobs. Personally I would prefer Rubio but this is not my decision.
I fear another term of Obama!
Doesn't anyone remember the 2000 election where he rigged the election results so his brother could win? Yeah, I'm sure he'd be a great VP.
Yes, I am afraid of Jeb being on the ticket. He is George Bush with a brain. We should all be afraid, very afraid.
another Bush would be nothing like another Obama. We wont have a country left in 2016 with four more years of Obama
Should the Democrats fear Jeb Bush? No doubt about it. However, I really don't think Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush can exist on the same ticket.
The only thing we have to fear is,... fear itself ! Still true today as it was many years ago when FDR said it.
after 3 years of Obama:
Unemployment reported by the Obama media at 8.2% but ACTUALLY 12.8%
Gas prices over $4 nationally
No new drilling permits
Housing market in a SHAMBLES
$837 BILLION of Stimulus WASTED
Obama green investments ALL FAILED
Obamacare is a national disaster
Obama faked the numbers of Obamacare
Fast and Furiuos under Eric Holder's Attny General Office sells to drug dealers
Obamacare is losing job growth
Obama purposefully gutting the military
NO BUDGET under Obama for 3 – THATS THREE YEARS FOLKS
Obama takes NO responsibility himself – nada, zip, zilch, zero
The U.S. Debt is officially more then the G.D.P. as of April 27th, 2012. How come you don't hear Obamamedia talk about that terrible bit of news?
I'd take ANY Bush over another 4 years of this Obama.
I don't think this country can afford another four years of Spend & Borrow GOP fiscal policies.
Jack, actually the Republicans who are in control now fear this Bush in office because today's GOP is dominated by right-wingers that do not identify with mainstream party members such as him. They have no agenda for compromise or anything resembling a move toward a semblance of reasonableness. Besides, since Robomney is going to lose, it would be a bad decision for Bush.
With fear and trembling. We have here, father and son #1 and now you would vote for son #2. Are we really enjoying these wars with the first two Bushes, so much we would vote for world war three. You got to be kidding. And that's not the only problems look how corporate America screwed "we the people" during those years. You, may be ready but I'm surely not. I'm to conservative to be raped again by capitalization of the rich and famous.
Now we have the choice of a man who got his draft notice and got daddy to exchange it for missionary work in France for two years, (boy that's hard and dangerous work). Our 2ND choice is the President who got bin Laden with out anyone dying but the enemy. I know which one I'm voting for...
I'm a 22 year old College student in AZ and i would have to say Yes!!! that's why I think AZ is going to be a battle ground state for the first time in a long time if ever!!! Another Busch era would just send the United States back to what Barack Obama has been trying to get us out of this whole time and his presidency of fighting would sadly be forgotten.
I think the whole country should fear another Bush. When we start lowering the bar for greatness than greatness means nothing. George W. Bush was a C student in a college he only got into because of daddy Bush. Him just being President lowered the prestige of the office itself. Having said that, what I fear most in this country is the status quo. ALL politicians are out for themselves not America. Why should the country that prides themselves on hard work and sacrifice be run by Men and women who have never worked a day in their lives. Who in politics has actually had a job or lived paycheck to paycheck. Washington has NO clue how the rest of the country works.
The Republican party has a double digit problem an IQ as low as Bush will never get elected in this country again. You can't make the Gains if you ain,t got the Brains .. I'm a republican and i still can't figure out how Bush 2 ever got elected. Charles Bowen Solomon Stone
Are you talking about the guy who said "you can't go into a soverign nation" when asked if he would consider entering Pakistan without their knowledge to pursue Bin Laden, which Romney then agreed with but now has changed his position after Obama disagreed both publicly and from his actions that FINALLY brought Bin Laden to justice? No thanks, I'll stick with Obama.
It reminds me the slogan from Jesse Jackson: Stay away from the Bushes!
Jeb by any other name would smell as sweet–sweeter in fact, given the Floridian and Hispanic vote. But Jeb Bush is too smart to align himself with Romney and risk an 8-year stint as a second banana. 2016 is his year. Without him, Romney fizzles, Obama does 4 more years, his brother's after-taste fades and he steps in with Christie as VP. Now there's a ticket!
I don't fear another Bush... I was very afriad of getting Obama the first time around... I cried for two days when he was elected... But what I am TERRIFIED of is another 4 years of him... He represents everything I fear for this country...
Democrats should fear him on the ticket, he is extremely capable. But Americans should be thrilled.
Bring a Bush on!
Any Bush!
I can't wait! He wouldn't even carry Florida!.......
The question fails entirely; it's moot considering Jeb has never indicated he was going to run – so any "threat" of him as VP is just a media fiction.
Where are they? I don't even see them. They can't steal election no more. I am not afraid of anybody only stupid people let Bush family take them for fool. We need to get the stolen money back from them let Jeb Bush be on the Mitt Romney ticket. Another Crook x Crook = Mitt Romney x Jeb Bush
Bush as VP?? Jack, Please. I'd just as soon vote for a Obama/Clinton ticket than a Romney/Bush ticket. And I'm referring to the former president Clinton, not the Secretary of State, as she's said she doesn't want the VP spot.
How bad was Bush #2 for this country? Obama is in the White House! You did it to yourselves right wing! Hate Obama as much as you want! Call him a socialist! Call him a communist! Call him a fascist! The fact remains, he doesn't get in if GWB wasn't a complete failure. No matter what you say, Obama could be a far worse president but he doesn't occupy the office of President of the USA without the idiot before him. It makes me laugh sooooo hard when all you religious right wingers say what a threat Obama is. YOU PUT HIM THERE! IT WAS YOU! YOU! YOU! try being a little bit more moderate. Another Bush please.
yes they should because if we get another republican like bush who left the people of new orleans to suffer h katrina so the country will become divided and a revolution will take place
I fear Obama more than Bush. He's done more harm than any other President.
We already had 8 years with the "Frado Corleone" of the Bush family running our country, how bad would it really be if we had the "Sunny Corleone" of the Bush family serving as vice president?
Los Gatos, CA
I would more likely fear Romney paired with some of the far scarier, far right possibilities. And I fear Romney paired with Bush a lot less than I would have feared Santorum. But I pray for an Obama win.
we should not fear Jeb Bush's as a possible vp. I believe the majority of the Obama supporters are still in shock of the Bush Era and associate all potential republican presidents to continue where Bush left off. It is important that we keep in mind that we are not voting for Jeb Bush as vp but for Mitt Romney as president and we should focus on his plans and policies first
I hope the GOP pick another Bush for V.P. Then Obama will win. The Bush name is poison
Really,
I believe the republicans are shaking in their boots over the possibility that another Bush could be a national candidate. Bring it on. Maybe they can get Ted "the poacher" Nugent or Rush Lindbaugh to throw in too.!
I don't particularly fear another Bush. Really, everything W did he said he was going to do. I fear the people who elected him twice (well, once) and would consider it again. I fear the people whose ideology is so ingrained in their psyche that they can forgive and forget about Bush's legacy of fatal blunders after three and a half years, yet they have not been able to put the pieces of their own post-Monica Lewinsky lives back together.
Of course we fear another Bush.. One Bush is enough in anyone's lifetime. He's the reason OUR PRESIDENT OBAMA isn't able to bring the US back from the brink as quickly as he expected. . Obama is doing a great job cleaning up the mess. As is Hillary Clinton. Joe Biden.. They're a great team.. We don't need the Bush policies or even the mention of his name. Obama will win. And , he deserves to., Some American people expect Miracles, but most of us know, his job was a daunting one. And the Republicans don't want him to succeed. The Party of NO. I say no to them. The worst is behind us. We had the worst during the Bush years.. FORWARD!!!!!!!
IENT
If Romney is elected, it will be the last dance for all of us. He is going back to "trickle down economics." They have not worked for 30 years. If Romney is elected you are going to see some "crying" Americans. He was not a good Governor and he will be a very bad President.
Hey, Jeb is the smarter of the brothers. He doesn't want to play second fiddle to romney and if he just bides his time--2016 will be his year for the whole deal. Romney is NOT going to win. Now that Romney is the last man standing-he is back to his primary tricks........Nasty ads, ugly mouth........Who wants to climb on that sewage train? Margot, Washington
Romney would not pick a Bush. He has too much ego to do that.
I don't fear another Bush. LIke many other respondents to your question, I think that a Bush name on the ticket could be a drag effect on the GOP campaign. But that drag effect would also be reduced by what appears to be a generally short attention span and memory regarding anything that has to do with national politics. The last Bush presidency is already far down the river.
I would never, ever want another Bush. Period. America is suppose to be a democracy, not a hereditary fiefdom.
I also do not trust Romney, not one bit. He would say and do anything to be elected.
GW Bush ruining the country is a leftist myth. Unemployment was managable, you could actually get a job.
The thing that scares everyone is 4 more years of Obama, the only way to stop him from turning us into a progressive utopia is to elect a Republican Congress that can overturn him.
I sware the media lives in a bubble. Out here in the real world, any mention of another Bush anywhere near the white house sends both republicans and democrats into a laughing fit. Doesn't matter if Jeb is more like George Washington than his brother George. That name is tarnished beyond repair.
I am so sick of the games from both sides. Both side should do their job and help/protect the people not just their own agendas. Personally I would hate Jeb being in office because his family has cheated the public enough. Everything from banking scandles to cheating their way into office. It disturbes me that republicans are shouting about the very things they put into place. Republican governed state tried to get rid of unions. Now they say they are for the people. HAH!!!!!!!
I don't think that democrats fear another Bush as a VP candidate with panderer-in-chief candidate. Jeb Bush knows it and he won't accept the offer from the flip-flopper to be his running mate as it is going to be losing ticket in November. No one needs to fear the Bushs in politics. The Bushs in general are decent except that they embraced republican ideology.
We are a small state, but we all let our voices be heard in the primaries. We don't want Romney, but what will happen in November for the presidential election. My guess is 50/50. I am republican, but may either sit this out or vote for Obama ticket. He was better than I thought he would be as president. I see someone who tries to do what he said he was going to do, but can't do it with the present congress. Romney won't do it with the present Senate. Sounds to me like the problem is not in the presidential office, more like the congress and senate.
Republicans had their heads buried in the sand for 8 years while Bush was president. They finally pulled their heads out when Obama got elected, finally noticed the carnage and said"Oh look what Obama has done to our country". And that's the exact truth.
Fear ? i think not..Elation is a betterword.. Thats a lose lose ticket and a win win for us DEMOCRATS. not that were going to need it.
Romney is another Bush. He has no idea what is going on so he will do whatever the neocons say. Sad!!!
Yes, I do fear another Bush and his failed policies. Having said that, another Bush could never be as bad as the one we had.
With all problems Bush created, unpaid wars, tax breaks for the rich etc., millions of jobs lost and a huge recession that we are still climbing out of I'd have to say "Jack, do you really have to ask this question?"
I do not have as much concern for Jeb Bush as I have for Mitt Romney, who clearly has demonstrated his distorted reality view on how to fix the economy. Just talking about the need to cut cost and lower taxes without adding revenue (taxes) shows that he is not looking out for the middle class, which is the backbone of America. Mr Romney seams to be another George Bush that believes that lowering taxes for people like myself will solve everything, but did anyone really look at how many jobs in the private sector was created between 2000-2008? It's time we get the politicians who dare to tell the American people the truth, not just saying what people want to hear to get elected (enriching themselves). Sincerely, Peter
I don't fear another Bush, because neither Romney nor Obama is Bush. Yes, Romney's economic policies are much like Bush's. But I don't see Romney invading some middle eastern country just to make daddy proud. And Romney is smart enough to put a noun and a verb in every sentence.
Still... I need to hear something new from Republican candidates. Tax cuts and trickle down economics...you could argue that worked in the 80s when tax rates were high and debt was low. But it did not work in the 00s, when tax rates were low and debt was high.
Now? Our current circumstances call for something other than "tax cuts" and "trickle down" and "free markets will solve all our problems!" In that regard Bush and Romney are alike...they are trying to apply a solution from 1980 to their time...and their time is not 1980.
A Romney/Bush ticket would lose in a landslide, even if Florida votes GOP.
Mitt Romney needs to be afraid for his life if Jeb is V.P. Remember when Reagan got shot when George H. Bush was V.P.?
Jack,
It's not that I fear another Bush. I have great respect for Jeb, but I will lose a good deal of that respect should he run with Governor Romney. As an Obama supporter, I only fear Jeb Bush will help the Romney campaign close the gap.
Tim
Arlington, TX
Yes, to some extent. Mitt is smarter, but shares many Bush core beliefs that could decimate the lives of less fortunate Americans. Both are low-tax, trickle-down lovers of millionaires, and neither has a noteworthy history of private sector job creating. If the GOP retains the House and makes gains in the Senate, President Romney could push through an agenda that could be devastating to the working poor and middle class, two groups he simply can not relate to.
Obama makes me miss Bill, and Dubya.
Jack:
Democrats aren't the only one sfearing another person named Bush in the White House. While Republicans depend on the short term memory and revisionist history, some of us still remember the mess and lies of his brother's tenure. Unless Jeb is willing to change his name he should forget it.
If the Bush name is on the Republican ticket in 2112, they will loose. The name creates too many "red flags".
Jeb might have the intelligence and compassion to do great things for this country but his brother destroyed the potential of that happening, and based on what I've seen of George W over the years, I doubt if he cares.
No, I worry about some newbie bringing Babylonian cattle banter into the twenty-first century, again.
Fear another Bush? No, I dread the thought, it makes me want to vomit (to quote one of the Santorum supporting preachers). If another Bush was elected, legally for a change without coaxing from the supreme court, it throws a wrench in the idea of democracy vs. monarchy / aristocracy. AND I would loose any shred of respect for the mental capacities of American voters in this country.
Do we want another power hungry bushy dynasty guy with his buddies and cronies. Out of 300 million Americans we can't find a more suitable choice? Jeb Bush is probably a competent man, but why do we need a dynasty. More of the same old same old? Dog forbid.
What I fear is a blood line entitlement to high office because of your daddys prominent name. We fought England for freedom in protest over bloodline entitlements to office and money....Remember?
Another Bush??? Don't we Americans already drink too much?
I think Mitt could win if he promised a national health plan with a PUBLIC OPTION. Americans can't remember four years.
Romney is a weak candidate and hardly comparable to Bush II.
I do fear a Joseph Stalin and that ain't Romney either.
No, because that kind of stupidity is extremely rare...
No, I fear another four years of Obama.
After 4 years of this, I pray for another president like Bush!
I'd rather give the Communist a chance at running this country than another Bush!
I most defintlely fear another Bush and I am an independent! Why not Huckabee for a VP? He's more to the right than Romney, but not so right he would scare the independents away.
I don't fear another Bush because I believe Mitt is unique in that he really will bring HOPE for the economy and will CHANGE the disastrous policies of the Obama administration. I believe he has the leadership skills that are currently non-existent in the current administration. I believe he will once again unite Americans as a President should and not constantly pit us all against other. Give Mitt a chance!
My fear is Obama getting re-elected. He's in over his head, and has proven that his ego is more important than the good of our country.
So you think that only Democrats may fear yet another Bush in the White House? I'm a registered Independent, and I fear another Bush. Look what the first two did to this country. We had a recession during the Bush I's presidency (late 1980's-early 1990's), then he invaded a country (Iraq) that did not attack us and started the first Gulf War, but didn't get Saddam Hussein. Fast forward to 2001. The Supreme Court puts Bush I's son onto the throne, despite Gore winning the popular vote and with glaring voting problems (hanging chads). Bush II inherits a government budget surplus from outgoing President Clinton. 9/11, tax cuts for the wealthy, and even more deregulation than anyone ever thought possible, followed by starting two UNFUNDED wars and the unfunded Medicare Part D, followed by more massive tax cuts to the wealthy and more deregulation, which tanked the economy and blew up the financial system. Why would anyone with more than 2 brain cells to rub together want to go anywhere near any relative of Bush I and Bush II? It doesn't make any sense, unless their goal it to finish what Bush I and Bush II started–to make America a country where only the wealthy thrive, where only the wealthy have opportunities.
Absolutely not. Past Governor Romney is a well educated person with lots of experience. He will do better than our present President. Lets give him a chance. What do we have to lose? Texas Moose.
I'm an independent and I, as many others, DO fear another Bush. He really screwed our country, both through incompetence as well as purposely in his theft of American money and freedoms and the division he pushed in this country. We are right to fear another Bush and anyone who doesn't, quite simply, is a worthless and mindless slave and a liability to this great but struggling nation.