# GOP dopers in support of Jeb! Bush: Why? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [July 12, 2015, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910 "2015-07-12T03:05:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2015, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/21 "2015-07-12T17:44:04Z")
> [@Freudian\_Slit](#): > > Not to hijack, but what’s with the exclamation mark? Haven’t seen it anywhere else. Bush’s campaign slogan is just “Jeb!” ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2015, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/22 "2015-07-12T17:49:49Z")
Jeb is currently at 16% of GOP voters. You are looking for the reasoning of SDMB GOPers for supporting Jeb. What is 16% of 2 again? ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2015, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/23 "2015-07-12T17:50:03Z")
This thread is better suited to the Elections forum. I’ll move it there. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2015, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/24 "2015-07-12T17:57:02Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I’ve said here before that, among Republicans, the Bush name is not a problem. They may be willing to accept that the George W. Bush presidency was a failure; the economy, deficit, and national security results are pretty persuasive. I’ve never heard them dig any deeper to explain why. It wasn’t a problem with his leadership, or his policies, or his appointments, or his agenda, or his ideas, or his upbringing, or his name. . Harriet Miers? Michael Brown (FEMA)? Here’s [a list](http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2009/01/17/34948/bush-43-worst/). His appointments sucked. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2015, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/25 "2015-07-12T20:33:30Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Harriet Miers? > > Michael Brown (FEMA)? > > Here’s [a list](http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2009/01/17/34948/bush-43-worst/). His appointments sucked. Are you, or were you, a supporter of George W. Bush? My point is that I almost never hear his supporters criticize any of those things about his presidency. Bad things may have happened on his watch, but they can’t bring themselves to believe it was because of anything he did. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2015, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/26 "2015-07-12T20:40:09Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > Are you, or were you, a supporter of George W. Bush? My point is that I almost never hear his supporters criticize any of those things about his presidency. Bad things may have happened on his watch, but they can’t bring themselves to believe it was because of anything he did. No, I’m not. But I do remember well that it was the Republicans that seemed most upset about Ms. Miers appointment to SCOTUS. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2015, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/27 "2015-07-12T20:57:21Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > No, I’m not. But I do remember well that it was the Republicans that seemed most upset about Ms. Miers appointment to SCOTUS. I don’t remember who opposed her nomination, but she wasn’t confirmed. When looking back on the Bush (the Younger) presidency, even I’ll admit that nominating Harriet Miers didn’t cause any of his poor results. Besides, even if they criticized the Miers nomination then, I’m not sure it means anything now. Have you seen any real change in the GOP as a result of Bush? What lessons did they learn from him? I’m starting to like my answer more and more; Jeb! is popular because he’s so much like his brother, among people who still think it shoulda worked. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2015, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/28 "2015-07-12T22:06:42Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I don’t remember who opposed her nomination, but she wasn’t confirmed. When looking back on the Bush (the Younger) presidency, even I’ll admit that nominating Harriet Miers didn’t cause any of his poor results. She was never nominated. Her name was floated around, but conservatives didn’t like her because she was (possibly) pro-choice and liberals (and even pro-choice or more thoughtful conservatives) didn’t like her because she didn’t have the qualifications that modern SCOTUS nominees typically have. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2015, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/29 "2015-07-12T23:12:32Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > She was never nominated. Her name was floated around, but conservatives didn’t like her because she was (possibly) pro-choice and liberals (and even pro-choice or more thoughtful conservatives) didn’t like her because she didn’t have the qualifications that modern SCOTUS nominees typically have. I think you might be wrong on that. All the cites I can find say she was nominated, and then the nomination was withdrawn. [CNN article from October 4, 2005](http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/03/scotus.miers/) ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2015, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/30 "2015-07-12T23:52:43Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I think you might be wrong on that. All the cites I can find say she was nominated, and then the nomination was withdrawn. > > [CNN article from October 4, 2005](http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/03/scotus.miers/) OK. I was using “nominated” in the sense of being sent to the Senate for a vote. I guess she was “nominated” but only a few weeks later she was “un-nominated” without the Senate voting on her. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2015, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/31 "2015-07-13T02:51:49Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > Bush’s campaign slogan is just “Jeb!” I still want to know if the Spanish version of his slogan is “¡Jeb!”. And if he gets much further along, I really hope someone brings up Terri Schiavo. A lot of people who don’t know much about his governorship will remember that, and the behavior of Jeb Bush, the Florida legislature, and the freaking US Congress (and President Bush) was just shameful. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2015, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/32 "2015-07-13T03:57:25Z")
The Bush name is shit but Jeb is better than the name and can turn it around if he campaigns well. The Clinton name is gold, but Hillary is not better than the name and can destroy it with a bad enough campaign. That being said, I have no interest in Jeb Bush as President. I’ll vote for him if he gets the nomination, which is more than I can say for some of the GOP candidates, but that’s the limit of my enthusiasm. I also like Clinton just enough to support her over the worst of the GOP candidates. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2015, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/33 "2015-07-13T03:57:32Z")
How will he get through the primaries with his views on immigration and other issues driving away the GOP base. Romney and McCain were picked in the primary of 12 and 08 because they were the ‘most electable’. Is the GOP going to pick the ‘most electable’ candidate a third time? ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2015, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/34 "2015-07-13T04:24:43Z")
THey always do, but first Jeb has to convince them he’s the most electable. Rubio and Paul also have fairly moderate views on immigration and are doing better in general election polling. Both can make the case that they are more electable than Jeb. ---
**Author:** ![Nema98](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d2c977/32.png) [@Nema98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nema98)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2015, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/35 "2015-07-13T04:49:25Z")
I have to say George Pataki is a sane candidate and moderate, so it’s not only Jeb. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2015, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/36 "2015-07-13T05:31:50Z")
I like Pataki a lot, but he’s actually too moderate to win. Shame too, because by all accounts he was a skilled governor and would be a uniting figure if he was President. Still, couldn’t hurt to choose him as a VP if you want to reach out to moderate voters and be assured that if something happens to the President you have a VP who is ready. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2015, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/37 "2015-07-13T14:53:47Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > I like Pataki a lot, but he’s actually too moderate to win. What does that say about your party? > [@](#): > > Shame too, because by all accounts he was a skilled governor and would be a uniting figure if he was President. If he’s a uniting figure, how come he couldn’t unite even the Republicans? Is that because it can’t be done, around any principle other than oppositionism? And if he’s so skilled at politics, how come he hasn’t even been in it for over a decade? > [@](#): > > Still, couldn’t hurt to choose him as a VP if you want to reach out to moderate voters and be assured that if something happens to the President you have a VP who is ready. Won’t help if the candidate at the top of the ticket is a hostage to its id-driven base, will it? ---
**Author:** ![DinoR](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dinor/32/2821_2.png) [@DinoR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DinoR)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2015, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/38 "2015-07-14T00:09:08Z")
As self identifyingl Republican, just one who’s not religious or socially conservative… - I don’t evaluate by name. His Dad is actually my favorite President of the last 50 years. He doesn’t get points for that…or against him because of his brother. - He’s distinctly to the [moderate side of the field](http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/why-george-patakis-candidacy-is-virtually-hopeless-in-two-charts/). (see chart down a ways) - It’s early, but he looks like he has a realistic path to the nomination. - Flipping the bird to the too dominant socially conservative and authoritarian part of my party as they fail to get “A Real Conservative” nominated yet again… priceless. 😃 I wouldn’t say I support him. He’s in my early top three from my side of the aisle - Pataki, Kasich, Bush. I’d put him at three behind the other two. He’s the one with the best shot of pulling the nomination, though. ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2015, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/39 "2015-07-14T04:10:13Z")
> [@2ManyTacos](#): > > I’m honestly going to do my best to refrain from turning this thread into a Jeb! Bush shit-thread, but this is truly one of the cases where I just CANNOT - as hard as I try - understand why Jeb! is pulling in such widespread support among the GOP electorate. I am neither a Republican nor a Bush voter, but I think any thinking person should understand why he appeals to some folks. He did a good job as governor of Florida. [ul] [li]He cut taxes to among the country’s lowest.[/li][li]He kept spending decently low.[/li][li]He kept the level of state regulations decently low.[/li][li]Because of the previous three things, economic growth was strong during his terms.[/li][li]So was population growth.[/li][li]He introduced charter schools and vouchers, helping thousands of poor children get a better education and dramatically improving the state’s public schools.[/li][li]He eliminated affirmative action in public universities and government contracting.[/li][li]He improved environmental protections for the Everglades and other areas.[/li][li]He killed off an expensive high-speed rail system.[/li][/ul] What’s not to like? ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2015, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910/40 "2015-07-14T14:15:00Z")
> [@sparky\_1](#): > > Exactly. > > It’s like you’re stuck on some really long flight and your choice of movies is either a collection of terrible straight-to-dvd religious turds or a bad Will Ferrell movie. Every Will Farrell movie is a bad Will Farrell movie, in an odd parallel with every Republican candidate. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-dopers-in-support-of-jeb-bush-why/724910.md?page=3)