Friday, January 23, 2015

And Then Came Bush

This from Bloomberg News:


Bush told potential supporters that he had no interest in tactics that would help him win conservative votes in the primaries but make it harder to win the general election, according to the attendees. An ugly campaign victory, he told the groups, would do nothing to build the consensus needed to solve the nation's problems.


Bush met with about 40 people on Tuesday at the home of Fred Malek, an influential Republican with ties to President George H.W. Bush's administration. Bush was joined by his sister Dorothy and brother Marvin.


In that meeting, according to three attendees, Bush described his belief in personal diplomacy abroad, adding that he has traveled to China multiple times over past four years.


He also said that if he runs for president he looked forward to a vigorous debate with those in his party who would scale back U.S. involvement abroad, what one Republican in attendance described as a thinly veiled shot at Senator Rand Paul, the Kentucky Republican who is also weighing a presidential campaign.

19 comments:

  1. This interests me and as always I have some questions for my American friends.
    In true Bi Partisan fashion can you look to the following please.
    (1) Would the Repubs wear another Bush as their nominee ?
    (2) Will the electorate as a whole wear Bush as their President?
    (3) Because this is likely to be a last ditch stand to bring the country together, is Bush the man for the job?
    (4) We in Aussie have heard nothing of Ben Carson for some time, is the good doctor still a possible candidate for the nomination.
    (5) Remember please, I have no opinion or party loyalty in this; I do have a burning interest in the election though.

    My thanks and cheers from Aussie.

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  2. King and this comes from a Democrat.... I think the Bushes are too liberal for todays republican party. As mentioned above he has no interest in moving to the far right to secure the nomination then back to the center carrying that weight around his neck. American Elections are won in the center. King in today's Republican party Ronald Reagan would be a moderate. Another Bush as president....... I don't know. I think that the country as a whole would accept another Clinton first. G W Bush has pretty well vanished from the American psych but Bill Clinton is still out and about consistently. By the way G H W Bush has been ill but is still alive and kicking. I think he is probably always going to be the favorite Bush. I actually saw a Ben Carson bumper sticker the other day and he is touting a campaign chief but I don't know that he has "officially" announced his candidacy yet.

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    1. As a side note, we have a tea party candidate here in NC2 my old district but I have been gerrymandered into the NC6th now. Anyway Renee Ellmers a tea party darling during her first term in the house is now on the hit list. It seems that representative Ellmers she who declared during the government shutdown that she "needed" her paycheck, has emerged from the bubble and back into reality. She is in favor of some kind of reasonable immigration reform that doesn't require spending a bazillion dollars to deport a gazillion people, creating a logical path to citizenship and she also voted against the restriction on abortion after week #20. seems that being a woman (and a somewhat attractive one on the outside,[the inner workings are still a work in progress]) she does care about a woman's right to choose. That actually moves her to the left of me on the abortion issue as I think 20 weeks is way to late to allow it.

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    2. Jeb Bush was a very popular Governor for Florida so it is likely that Florida would go for him as President. That is a big plus because of Florida's electoral votes and the Republican king makers know that very well. Mitt Romney, on the other hand, would probably lose in Florida. Hillary Clinton knows that too, so she is pulling for Mitt to get the nomination. As to the American people, yes, there is likely to be a great deal of prejudice against another Bush in office. However the center-right Republicans will not be as prejudiced as the hard-right wing. Of course most liberals will be opposed to Bush because of the failure of brother George. W. Bush. Since Jeb favors real immigration reform as well as the Common Core curriculum, yes, he could be a breath of fresh air. Is he the man for the job? I don't know. As a side note, Sarah Palin announced yester day that she is "very interested" in running. So that's about 8 potential Republican candidates.

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  3. And then there is this news.: By Seth McLaughlin - The Washington Times - Saturday, January 24, 2015


    New York real estate mogul Donald Trump cautioned Republicans against nominating either former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney or former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush for president in 2016 — sparking a hearty applause and rounds of laughter from the conservatives gathered here for the Iowa Freedom Summit.

    Mr. Trump said he is “seriously considering” running for president, and said that Mr. Romney had his chance, but “choked,” and that Mr. Bush is on the wrong side of the debates over immigration and the K-12 educations standards known as Common Core

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  4. Could you imagine Donald Trump as president?. You're fired!

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    1. Now that would be a breath of fresh air!

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    2. That would be a fucking joke. I'd rather have Sarah Palin.

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  5. Rick and Mick.
    My thanks for the replies, I hope to get input from William and I shall certainly seek a response from Louman.
    So why the interest you may ask. Well to an outsider your politics are difficult to understand because of the unending array of classifications within the political spectrum. You are not content to have two main parties but each of the groupings within a party seem to have their own identity and ideals. Rick gives us an example with his definition of termination limits. We hear of the progressives, the Libs and all manner of groups but there is often no correlation between the identified group and the major party. An example I guess is the Tea Party, they are never grouped with the Repubs but all foreigners accept that they are "right wing extremist" under the umbrella of the Repubs. I am one of a small minority who have an interest in your politics and I know that the Tea Party people are a whole lot deeper than the generally accepted definition.

    My interest in Jeb Bush arises from the Presidential election in which Florida basically determined the result and where Jeb Bush was accused of vote rigging and all manner of dishonest procedures in order to ensure his brother was elected. Of course I make no specific claims nor political assertions here; I am however surprised to hear that Jeb considers himself a chance for the nomination; I would have thought America was all Bushed out after the experience of GWH and George Junior.

    Can Romney win the nomination? He presents as a man with some vision but I cannot detect charisma as we saw with Obama and JFK.HRC also has the charisma together with the baggage of Benghazi and what ever her opponents can throw at her.

    As a long term forecast, worth exactly nothing at all, I am getting a strong sense that HRC will only run if the polls suggest she has a better than even chance of winning her parties nomination. I have long believed she is a party animal but only if the party can provide for her needs. An even longer term forecast, if HRC accepts the nomination, she will win the Oval office.

    Cheers from Aussie,again my gratitude for the input.

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    1. Number one nomination for funniest quote of 2015,,,HRC has charisma!!!

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    2. King I would say at this point that the nomination of HRC is hers almost for the asking. There are many extreme left liberals that would prefer one of their own specifically Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders who is probably the closest thing we have in a major politician to being an actual socialist has made some rumblings about running. Sanders serves in the Senate from the State of Vermont and serves as an independent. He usually caucuses with the democrats and would have the ability to run either as a democrat or as a major independent candidate. Elizabeth Warren on the other have is a highly progressive staunch democrat serving in the Senate from the state of Massachusetts. She gained her fame during the recession as she spearheaded the efforts to establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She chaired the committee to oversee the TARP Program, and of course hasn't made any friends across the aisle as the republicans always think they know the better way to do anything and everything. Warren has served her country and her party very well and with high integrity although William and Lou would never agree with that statement. She will probably be a great big thorn in HRC's side if she decides to run. My biggest concern would be her experience. We learned through Obama that experience does matter as his lack of experience has caused him great harm. Ha Lou and William though you'd never hear that huh?.... But Obama has done about as well as anyone could have with all things considered, a crashed and burned economy just inches from depression, an uncooperative legislature, and other obvious feelings by many of his adversaries. I will just be glad when it's all over not because I think he should go but I am tired of the highly partisan bullshit.

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    3. I feel like a jilted and ignored 3rd party. Not surprisingly really given the general attitudes about government that prevails on both sides of the isle and the ‘education’ we have receive for the last couple of hundred years that lead us to ever greater governmental interference in our lives.

      On the inside flap of a book by Julian Le Grand and Bill New: Government Paternalism: Nanny State or Helpful Friend? The commenter Alan Hamlin of the University of Manchester states that: "This well-structured, clearly presented, and well-written book steers a sophisticated course between the extremes of antipaternalism and paternalism by identifying the boundaries between legitimate and illegitimate paternalism.”

      My question is: When and what makes antipaternalism extreme? Hamlin’s language itself subtly nudges readers to accept as morally legitimate the state’s habit of butting into people’s private affairs. What makes us go from enforcer of agreed contract… to stipulator of provisions to be agreed upon in the contract… to forcing agreement from the participants because it is for their own good?

      Democrats and Republicans (Or whatever those two political establishments call themselves)… those who actually make a living in the career of governance, are none too dissimilar. Both find control to be the operative word in ‘Promoting the General Welfare’ and without that control much of government becomes redundant. Democrats see that control as monetary resource which that can, via the force of law, rob of someone’s personal possessions and give to another which endears them to the later while Republicans see the general welfare as enforcing moral direction garnering support from authoritarians far and wide. And both find ways to create laws which prevent descent to the directions they have legislated.

      So… I will go over to that door and quietly leave this discussion ….

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    4. Rick, again my thanks.
      HRC,"the nomination is hers for the asking". Fair enough and I think I agree with you. My question, is HRC likely to accept the nomination? Was she burnt beyond redemption by the stouch with Obama seven years ago?. HRC appears to me as being a little self obsessed and it is for this reason I questioned whether she was prepared to try again. I do not think Hilary would accept the humiliation of a failed run for the nomination, I think however she would be prepared to chance her arm in the Presidential election if nominated.

      Warren and Saunders? Here is a possibility, somehow I think the country is ready for the first female president and from the Democratic centre Warren is a reasonable proposition. Elizabeth Warren has a reasonably high profile abroad and I suspect she has influence in the world or central banking. Sanders is interesting. I realize your rules customs and practices are unique but would the Dems offer an independent the priceless nomination?. For myself I could see advantages for the nation as this may perhaps be a means by which the nexus on the hill could be resolved

      Perhaps worthy of comment are the names McCain and Palin. Palin I know has made squealing sounds lately but nothing from McCain---surely neither of them, ever again.

      I do wish William would try to provide an opinion rather than a one liner.
      Cheers from Aussie.

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    5. Rick, again my thanks.
      HRC,"the nomination is hers for the asking". Fair enough and I think I agree with you. My question, is HRC likely to accept the nomination? Was she burnt beyond redemption by the stouch with Obama seven years ago?. HRC appears to me as being a little self obsessed and it is for this reason I questioned whether she was prepared to try again. I do not think Hilary would accept the humiliation of a failed run for the nomination, I think however she would be prepared to chance her arm in the Presidential election if nominated.

      Warren and Saunders? Here is a possibility, somehow I think the country is ready for the first female president and from the Democratic centre Warren is a reasonable proposition. Elizabeth Warren has a reasonably high profile abroad and I suspect she has influence in the world or central banking. Sanders is interesting. I realize your rules customs and practices are unique but would the Dems offer an independent the priceless nomination?. For myself I could see advantages for the nation as this may perhaps be a means by which the nexus on the hill could be resolved

      Perhaps worthy of comment are the names McCain and Palin. Palin I know has made squealing sounds lately but nothing from McCain---surely neither of them, ever again.

      I do wish William would try to provide an opinion rather than a one liner.
      Cheers from Aussie.

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    6. Ok, since we are hunkering down for another major snow event here on the East Coast I decided to post a few items that have been brewing.

      Just my take but will Obama's black fortress of voters show up for HRC? Highly doubtful as both in 2010 and 2014 when BO wasn't on the ballot they stayed home.

      Just my take but will Jewish voters be enthralled with HRC as in the past considering her State Department stance on Israel? Why any Jew would vote democrat after BO is beyond my comprehension.

      Sitting in a meeting in a Club on 51st Street last week and discussing with a Jeb Bush bundler (who happens to be an in-law) it occurred to me how long in the tooth the Bush supporters have become.

      For that matter seeing William Jefferson on the golf telecast yesterday leaves me with doubts about Willie's health. I know they can prop him up for some time but his vitality and stamina throughout a grinding campaign might ebb and flow. HRC without Billy I estimate would cost her 2-4 percentage points. Nothing against Ms. Rodham but I question why she would want to go through the entire grueling process (But then again she does possess that massive ego of hers). One side note, Billy in the past has drawn strength from his off the record attractions. These would be shelved for most if not all of the campaign. Although I suppose being out on the trail might just dig up some new love interests. After all he is a man, right Hillary?

      Tiger Woods makes his first appearance in some time this week at the Phoenix open. He does move the needle, much like the Clinton's, but I surmise that a passing of the guard is in the cards for Mr. Woods and both parties.

      Just my take. Back to the snow shoveling. I have to run out and stock up on some gas for my generator just in case the blizzard socks us in. Oh well, lot's of wood in the firebox and Jamison in the cabinet.

      Cheers

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  6. William as always my thanks. Pleased the inclemency of your atmospheric conditions gave you an excuse to write some pertinent comments. I will respond tomorrow but in the meantime I note the news here that NY is expecting about 12 inches of snow and strong winds. This will probably mean snow piled up to window level from drift activity.
    As I picked ripe peaches from the tree and green beans from the garden for dinner tonight I thought of you blokes and idly wondered if your Jamison’s is Kentucky bourbon or proper whisky, I do hope it was the latter.
    Be safe my friend
    Cheers from Aussie

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    1. Well our forecast didn't pan out and we only received a few inches of snow last night versus the couple of feet predicted. The winds never did pick up so power outages remained at a minimum. Still snowing now but State emergencies have been called off. I should have known when the communist mayor of NYC shut down the subway system for the first time in history that the whole thing might come up short. We have what we call Nor' Easterns about two or three times a year along the Mid Atlantic-New England regions. When they arrive in Winter they can be big snow events. Some can rival a hurricane, and most involve major coastal and river flooding.

      As far as the whiskey situation is concerned while I do enjoy a good Kentucky mash my Jameson stock is pure Irish. Learned to drink it on a trip to Dublin in the year 2000 and the Cork distillers have done quite well by me over the past years. Just drop a few shots on top of about six cubes and you have pure heaven in a short glass. Sitting watching the wife's birds in the feeder with a glass of Florida orange juice. The Jami will have to wait till this evening.

      I did catch a bit of tennis from down under late last evening, Melbourne I believe. Does make one envious of the January warmth. All my smart golfing buddies left long ago for Florida and points south. Still building stuff here so have to mind the store. One home we are building along the Shore didn't experience flooding as envisioned at high tide last evening. We put it up on pilings, three blocks from the Atlantic with Barnegat Bay two blocks behind. Hurricane Sandy took out thousands of homes on this spit of real estate but owners are making a comeback. Lot's of homes jacked up on masonry foundations, and more set on 10' pilings. Lot's of stairs up to first levels. Lot's of elevators being installed for the older residents. Using pass through venting system at grade level to let any water (Read ocean waves) come through during the next major event. The Bay is largely filled with sand from Sandy and local streets are much more prone to flooding during normal moon tides because the water simply doesn't have anywhere to drain. Ah, such is the life and concerns of a third generation coastal builder. The residential work inland up near Princeton is much less stressful.

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  7. William, my thanks. In some ways it is a shame this is a Political site. Your post provides many opportunities to ask questions about a foreign(to us) concept. I wonder why any sane person would build again in an area destroyed by nature; even more puzzling is the idea of building on stilts to allow the sea to pass under the house!. Never the less, a most interesting post and I am better informed by its contents.
    Now to your contribution to the political debate.
    (1) Obama and his black fortress. I cannot say but perhaps some may not follow HRC. I wonder if this same demographic would switch, at least in part for Dr Carson if he happens to secure the Republican nomination. I have come to learn that the swinging voters are the ones who elect the government and even more so the President. Swinging voters make up a much greater portion of the electorate than is the case here so I sometimes take them less seriously than I should.
    Jewish vote is a mystery to me. An uninformed gut feeling is that the Jewish vote will go to the candidate who talks the Rothschild’s credo "Money". I am more concerned about the Hispanic vote, Has Obama made enough concessions with his immigration plans and what effect will the Cuba incentive have on the voters?
    The Clintons and Little Willie: The more I look at this the more confused I become. I am now of the view that HRC will only run if there are no other candidates with more than a very slim chance of securing the nomination.HRC is an egotist, she bruises easily and her last tilt against Obama left her in debit and somewhat mortified. Again, my opinion from afar is that HRC can win the White House because the people admire her for standing beside her man when so many thought he was an absolute shit( including me). I think the Lewinski debit still has some way to play out before Willies books are cleared.
    Do you need a change in the Oval office? Well yes you do, if only to unclog the arteries of government. Your country has too many problems to remain paralyzed at the centre of government and for this reason only I would consider HRC an asset to the Dems but a liability to your great nation if she runs.You see,I believe HRC would defeat any Repub currently in the picture with the possible exception of Carson;but he needs far more money and exposure to become viable

    It may surprise you, but this is the first time I have ever overtly taken sides in a political debate concerning your country. I apologies if any are offended but sometimes a viewpoint from outside can clarify .

    Cheers from Aussie
    By the way, my tipple is Laproig (single malt scotch) Dimple Haig a 15 year old blend and Glen Fiddich,one I can afford for every day consumption!!

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    1. Black fortress. About 92% of blacks voted for Obama. Of course this is natural but about 90% always vote democrat. The black ministers are paid off in the cities, promote democrat candidates from the pulpit, and bundle and trundle the voters down to the poling places. Ben Carson as a VP candidate might hurt, or for that matter help, HRC as the blacks may be motivated. As far as Hispanics, there are many factions. G W Bush was able to split of about 30-40% of them. Here in New Jersey, and many parts of Florida former Cuban immigrants are primarily business owners and many are republican voters.

      As for the Jewish vote, the Metropolitan area has more Jews than anywhere else on the planet. They participate and elect such stalwarts as Chuck Schumer. Normally they love the Clinton's and reliably help to fill their war chest when called upon. New York was the logical place for the Clinton's to settle after Bill's term ended to cultivate this garden of support. Keep in mind Chelsea married a Jew.

      As far as little Willie is concerned the feminists will again ignore his dalliances for a chance to elect their paragon. HRC will have a very hard time with women in middle America, evangelicals, military/intelligence families, and those opposed to common core. Lewinski is pretty much baked in at this point. Benghazi is half baked in.

      As far as fund raising is concerned Willie and HRC are formidable and have a war chest already set aside. One caveat would be if HRC did lose and they did once again go into debt (as they so often have before). Would the bloom be off the rose for future fund raising and their permanent wealth prospects.

      As far as money on the repubican side the river is wide and deep. We have discussed the Koch money on another thread, seemingly limitless cash for the Tea Party/Libertarian wing. Bush will probably push Romney out of the race as they prey on an identical cash book. Romney is wealthy but shares the same concerns as the Clinton's if he were to lose for a third time. I think he will soon be out.

      At this point I think it will be one either Bush, Walker, Cruz, or Paul on the one side versus HRC on the other. I can't imagine who the dems would put up if she does decide to leave the field. Biden is a dope and Warren is a cute leftest ornament. I'm a Paul/Cruz guy of course but Scott Walker remains intriguing.

      Things back to normal weather wise here with another couple of rounds of snow predicted for late week and early next week. Damn global warming!

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