Jeb Bush: Silky Sullivan Surprise in 2012? by Steve Clemons

[Douglas Carpenter]

Jeb Bush is going out of his way to squash rumors that he might run. He told the New York Times‘ John Harwood he was definitely not running in 2012.

But what if there just isn’t anyone serious out there who can bridge the ascendant Tea Party movement with the GOP establishment? My bet is that the more Jeb Bush says “NO”, the more the party will eventually demand that he be the candidate — and my bet (as things look today) is that Sarah Palin will be the kingmaker in the decision.

I spoke with a very wealthy, somewhat secretive GOP donor in the Hamptons in the late summer who told me that those who prefer Jeb Bush in 2012 want him to wait in the background until the reality sets in that the GOP has no candidate. Then, like Silky Sullivan, Bush will come out of the closet as the only candidate that the Tea Party and gray hairs of the party can coalesce around.

snip:

And if Bush does take the lead on the ticket, the question is then whether Obama will shuffle his own team and consider Hillary Clinton. Lots of stuff would have to happen for that to take place — but it’s in the realm of possibility even though President Obama is rumored to have already told Joe Biden that he wants him on the ticket in 2012.

This all could be wrong — but I’m still suspicious that Jeb Bush has been studying up on Silky Sullivan. Obama should too.

read more:

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2010/11/jeb_bush_silky/

[DemocratSinceBirth]

1. He's The Only Republican That Can Unite All The Disparate Groups Of The Republican Party

He's the only Repubican that can unite all the disparate groups of the Republican party and that spells major problems for Democrats.

[Douglas Carpenter]

3. I think that statement is pretty much the case - plus I get the impression that

he will manage to get the benefits of the Bush family name without most of the disadvantages. He is regarded as "the smart one" and he also comes off as "nicer" and more polished. But less there be any doubt where he is coming from, Jeb Bush was one of the original signers of the original state of principles of the Project for the New American Century - the prime statement of the agenda of the neoconservative movement:
http://www.newamericancentury.org/statementofprinciples.htm

[DemocratSinceBirth]

4. He Was Supposed To Be POTUS But His 94 Gubernatorial Defeat Postponed It

If the economy doesn't improve he's more than a formidable adversary. President Obama will be the underdog.

[CJCRANE]

2. I have a feeling

he'll drop the Bush name and run just as "JEB".

Hopefully, he won't be a match for "BARACK & JOE".

[blue_onyx]

15. Yes

That's my thinking too. Just like how Hillary ran as Hillary, not Clinton. I really do think he'll be the Republican nominee.

[old mark]

5. He WILL run, and he just might win...think on THAT shit for a while...nt

[DemocratSinceBirth]

6. Especially If The Economy Doesn't Improve

~

[Douglas Carpenter]

8. well that's the bottom line

Presidents are popular when the economy is roaring or perceived to be roaring - just as they are unpopular when the economy is down or seen to be down. About the only exception to that rule was in 1968 when Vietnam had dragged down LBJ in spite of a booming economy.

I would have to agree with Mr.Clemons' analysis that the greatest hope so far that Obama might be able to pull it off in 2012 even if the economy is not doing so well by that time was that none of the likely 2012 GOP contenders appear capable of both satisfying the Tea Party and Fundamentalist wing and offering a big enough tent to win in the general election. But Jeb Bush is probably the one possible candidate who might actually be able to do both.

[old mark]

13. DC, many years ago, I thought Reagan running for governor of CA was a joke...

that no one would vote for him.
Obviously, I was wrong. I think many people are selling Jeb Bush short, and I think he would be yet another disaster we really don't need but may have to survive anyway if the Democratic Party can't figure out what they are doing by 2012.

I think we damn well should start now....the GOP already have plans.

mark

[Samantha]

7. As is often said in DC about politicians, don't listen to what they say

watch what they do.

I think he is being coy, and Rove sees another potential Bush president in the works.

Sam

[tibbiit]

9. yep

[indimuse]

10. JEB BUSH=Pnac

scary thought!

[Douglas Carpenter]

12. that is scary indeed.. a smiley, friendly, smart, articulate and polished right-wing extremist

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2010/11/jeb_bush_silky/

[JCMach1]

11. JEBtm will be at the bottom of the ticket... Bank on it

[countrydad58]

14. Fuck

That fat head piece of shit, & his evil traitorous family!

[xxqqqzme]

16. I will be shocked if he is not the

rethug candidate in '12. Watch the whorporate media over the next 8 months. If jebster's name starts popping up, watch out. There is evil being planned right now.

[David Zephyr]

17. It's obvious.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/David%20Zephyr/78

[FBaggins]

18. I think W ruined it for the rest ofthe family.

But he could run for Senator Nelson's seat (particularly if he thinks Nelson is retiring)