Newsweek Says Jeb Bush May Run In 2008

So why did Jeb Bush order a new investigation into the length of the 911 call in Terri Schiavo affair?

Forget all the talk from Dad George Bush that his son won’t go for it in 2008, Newsweek in effect says, Jeb Bush is — in his own mind and in the minds of some GOPers — a viable political option in 2008.

Read the whole item yourself. Here’s the key part:

Ill-advised or not, Bush’s maneuver only fueled speculation about a possible presidential run in 2008. Given a GOP field that lacks a standout contender, Bush “would automatically be the one to beat” were he to enter, says Mac Stipanovich, a former Bush campaign manager. He’s a popular governor who has embarked on pathbreaking reforms in such areas as education and Medicaid, and presided over a robust Florida economy. And he’s embraced by the GOP’s conservative base. So is Bush planning a run? Though he has repeatedly denied it, “that decision remains to be made,” says one of the confidants. Another, who declined to be named so as not to jeopardize his relationship with Bush, believes Bush will end up going for it. “I think the national party will call on him,” says this adviser, “and it will be tough to resist.”

Would the unquestionable emergence of a political Presidential dynasty fly? A few thoughts:

• It’s hard to believe that other ambitious GOPers would simply roll over and just give Jeb the 2008 nomination. Even the politically hapless Bill Frist, who changed his position on the John Bolton vote after lunching with President GWB, might want to march to his own (admittedly seriously off beat) drummer this time.
• Would Americans accept the idea of letting the brother of someone who served 8 years just move in and continue governing the country? Or would this be political baggage, at least in 2008?
• A key factor will be what happens between now and 2008 with the country’s political center. If it shifts to the right (as many expect) and the GOP maintains its hold on all three branches of government after 2006 (add to that a virtual takeover of Public Broadcasting), a Jeb Bush nomination might be viable. But if the country shifts more to the CENTER –if polls show a centrist/conservative Democrat (they do exist) backlash against issues such as Terri Schiavo, the nuclear option etc — Jeb Bush would be political dead meat. He has cast his lot with the social conservatives, which can work for or against him depending on what happens the next few years.

Overall, it’s hard to believe Florida’s governor would have a cake walk if he wants it. Already you can see some of GWB’s clout waning.

And then there are those political polls: polls show GWB going down faster than Mike Tyson in his last fight.

Will Americans want to entrust themselves to another Bush or feel a new face — and last name — might be a wiser idea?