Feature

The GOP needs to draft an alternative

Jeb Bush, whose “reform-oriented conservatism” made him a highly popular governor in Florida, is the only available Republican who might still be pressed into running, said Artur Davis at NationalReview.com.

Artur Davis
NationalReview.com

To avoid “a November catastrophe,” said Artur Davis, Republicans should draft Jeb Bush as their presidential nominee. The bitter primary fight between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney will likely be protracted, leaving “two candidates so bruised that neither remains competitive with Obama.” Jeb Bush, whose “reform-oriented conservatism” made him a highly popular governor in Florida, is the only available Republican who might still be pressed into running.

“A hero of the conservative base,” Bush would also have broad appeal to the general electorate, because of his successful efforts in Florida to reform education, rein in medical tort liability, and turn the state into “a national laboratory for controlling health-care costs.” He’s popular with seniors, Jewish voters, and, as the husband of a Mexican-American, Hispanics.

Jeb presumably chose not to run this year because of lingering negativity about the last Bush presidency. But it’s the Obama presidency that’s now the issue, and the GOP can’t afford to wait until 2016 for one of its brightest stars to run. Bush “should measure his reluctance against the risks looming for his party and, potentially, his country.”

Recommended

Saving Spots initiative protects wildcats and cultural traditions in Zambia
A leopard in the wild.
a leopard can change its spots

Saving Spots initiative protects wildcats and cultural traditions in Zambia

Thousands march for democracy in Poland
Protesters march in Poland against the government.
A Polish Protest

Thousands march for democracy in Poland

10 things you need to know today: June 4, 2023
The aftermath of a deadly train crash in India.
Daily briefing

10 things you need to know today: June 4, 2023

More than 260 killed and 900 injured in Indian train crash
The aftermath of a deadly train crash in India.
Rest in Peace

More than 260 killed and 900 injured in Indian train crash

Most Popular

Is Trump's wall working?
International Border Wall Between Tecate California and Tecate Mexico.
Briefing

Is Trump's wall working?

Can Chris Christie make a comeback?
A black and white photo of Chris Christie waving
Profile

Can Chris Christie make a comeback?

YouTube to stop deleting false claims about 2020 election
The YouTube logo seen in London in 2019.
Reversing Course

YouTube to stop deleting false claims about 2020 election