As Jeb Bush departs for Europe to practice looking “presidential,” many people wonder if he stands a chance to be president (or if he should stand a chance).
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The online magazine Politico recently ran an article describing Jeb Bush’s trip to Europe–a veritable rite of passage these days–for US presidential candidates. Jeb will visit Germany, Poland, and Estonia, telegraphing a clear priority to addressing the growing struggle with erratic and unpredictable Russian foreign policy (from a NATO perspective). The article suggested that Jeb needs to sell his image as being more closely aligned with his father (George H.W.) than his brother (George W.). His father is still revered in much of Europe as a coalition builder; his brother is still reviled in much of Europe as a unilateralist cowboy.
The article was interesting from the perspective of strategy for the Bush campaign team, but it had me call into question: Can–and should–Jeb Bush get a fair shake at the White House?
In my estimation two key issues stand out as critical challenges for him:
- The inherent American resistance to political aristocracy. Both his father and brother held the office of the presidency.
- His brother, in particular, was a deeply unpopular president who left office less than eight years before the November 2016 presidential election.
Should these two factors stand in the way of an otherwise-qualified candidate winning his party’s nomination?
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Let’s break down the two arguments. First, is the Bush family political legacy a reason to not consider him for office? Americans are ostensibly suspicious of royalty and political aristocracy. Some of the most cherished stories and folklore of the presidency revolve around rags-to-riches stories of wily frontiersmen (Andrew Jackson), small-town lawyers (Abraham Lincoln), and modest peanut farmers (Jimmy Carter) ascending to the highest office in the land, despite their humble beginnings. Yet the opposite is just as true. The Roosevelt family–a brood of privileged elite–produced two high-profile presidents, the Kennedy clan stood (and still stand) as one of the most influential names in American polity, producing one famous president and another who likely would have won, and the Clinton family has almost pulled off both–rising from obscurity to become a political dynasty.
A short analysis reveals that Americans are open to both narratives: a meteoric rise from obscurity and an established insider taking a turn. It seems the right question in this case is, how qualified is the candidate based on their record?
The second issue seems more problematic. How to deal with a recent, negative association of a close family member who held the same office?
George W. Bush left office with the country in bad shape and his approval ratings in tatters. Some of the most dangerous and vexing challenges to befall America occurred during his administration, including the worst-ever terrorist attack on US soil, two costly and indecisive foreign wars, and the systemic collapse of the US banking system that nearly plunged the country (and world) into an economic depression. He left the office deeply unpopular at home and loathed in many parts of the world, especially in Europe.
But does this disqualify his brother from being viewed as a viable candidate for the office?
I say no.
Modern masculinity (and more broadly modern values) stresses openness and individual identity, that individuals shouldn’t be judged or categorized based on a group they come from or the actions of their associates. Just as political inexperience isn’t a barrier to office, political experience shouldn’t be either. Having come from this background shouldn’t qualify or disqualify him.
And further, I believe it would be tragic if a name associate with his brother caused the electorate to immediately disregard Jeb. He’s his own man. He has led a large state a governor, defined his own positions on key policies, and thoughtfully and deliberately decided to pursue his candidacy.
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What do you, citizens of the world, believe about a Jeb Bush political campaign for president? Is it possible for you to view him as a separate person from his family members? What might you encourage him to do in establishing his own identity?
I would especially love to hear from those readers who live or work outside of the US.
Please share your comments below.
Photo credit: Flickr/coollou718