Speculation is rampant that former Florida Governor Jeb Bush might indeed agree to run for Vice President with Mitt Romney.
After denying it for so long, Jeb now has left the door open, but makes clear he would rather not be on the ticket.
It is interesting how Florida Senator Marco Rubio promotes Jeb, and Jeb keeps on promoting Rubio for Vice President.
Would Jeb Bush help Romney in the Fall campaign? Both yes and no!
Obviously, Jeb is very intelligent, a good speaker, and a mainline conservative, who is not reckless, and does not make loony statements about issues. He is married to an Hispanic (Mexican) woman, is seen by many as a successful Governor of Florida, and in theory, could help to deliver that state to Romney in the fall. He is seen as a potential candidate for President in 2016, and even being on a losing ticket, he probably would gain stature for such a race by coming to the aid of Romney and the party now.
On the other hand, the question is whether there is a desire for a third Bush on a national ticket, particularly with the controversies over his brother, George W. Bush, and his eight years in office. There is believed to be an exhaustion with things Bush at this point of time. And imagine the idea of having a Bush on the national ticket every election since 1980 except 1996 and 2008, six of the last eight Presidential elections! Those who dislike the Bushes, particularly, George W. Bush, might not be willing to vote for Mitt Romney with Jeb Bush on the ticket.
And then, there are still the rumors flying that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton might agree to run for Vice President, in place of Joe Biden, in order to add strength to Barack Obama’s campaign. She laughs it off, and says it will not happen, but if Obama were to ask her, could she really say no?
So imagine an election with a Bush AND a Clinton on the national tickets, which would mark one or both names on the national scene every election since 1980, except 2008, and only not in 2008 because Hillary Clinton lost the nomination to Barack Obama.
There could very well be exhaustion and disgust at the thought of what might be seen as two “royal” dynasties in America, the Bushes and the Clintons!
Hello Professor,
There is also some talk that David Walker, who served as Comptroller General of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) from 1998 to 2008, may become an Independent candidate for President. He is also the founder and CEO of the “Comeback America Initiative.†http://fiscaliq.net/about-cai/
This brings up the question, from whom would more of these votes be drawn from? I would like to hear your thoughts and evaluations on this scenario.
Your mention of David Walker brought up the interview I saw today that made me notice him, and I plan to comment on this in some depth later on, if it becomes serious.
At this point, I have a feeling that Walker, or even Buddy Roemer, running on the Reform Party line, or Gary Johnson, running on the Libertarian line, will have very little impact on the Presidential race.
I have always thought that third party or independent runs are mostly a waste of time, unless the leader is charismatic and has somewhat of a national following, or regional following. I do not see any of these men being able to gather much support.
However, were a more well known figure, such as former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman or Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City to run on the AMERICANS ELECT online ballot initiative, they could be a serious threat to Barack Obama, more than Mitt Romney.
I am personally hopeful that such will not happen, as despite his limitations, which every candidate has, I believe Barack Obama is deserving of reelection for a second term!
Hello Professor,
I take your points as they are well noted expecially with Governor Jon Huntsman or Michael Bloomberg. As close as this race is going to be; much like Ralph Nader with his Green Party, wicking off just a minuet few votes from Al Gore but it gave W. Bush the narrowest of victories in some areas especially in Florida, where it made the difference in the National Election in 2000.
This scenario plus the pro-active purging of voting roles I feel is going on in the Republican controlled States; I am quite concerned for us all and a serious threat to President Barack Obama.