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!