When asked by Fox News’ Megyn Kelly whether “knowing what we know now would you have authorized the invasion [of Iraq in 2013],” Bush gave his now infamous “I would have” answer.
But, like a little kid wanting to share blame for a naughty act, Jeb could not help himself to gratuitously compare himself to Hillary Clinton by blurting out “but she did it too” “and so would have Hillary Clinton…”
According to many sources — Republican and Democratic — that comparison has fallen flat on style, substance and fact.
Even conservative radio talk show host Laura Ingraham came to Hillary’s defense: “No Hillary wouldn’t!…Hillary wouldn’t authorize the war now, if she knew what she knows now,” she said on her show.
Conservative group ForAmerica headlines at its site, “Conservatives Blast Bush Over Iraq Comments: ‘A Step Backward’ For GOP’” and in an upcoming ad the organization compares Jeb Bush to Hillary Clinton, but that comparison is not what Bush would have hoped for.
In the ad that will be launched Wednesday in early voting states, the organizations claims, “Almost all Republicans understand Hillary Clinton would make a terrible presidential…”
The Hill, the news source reporting on this, does not finish the text of the sentence.
But, whether the missing word is “candidate” or “nominee,” or perhaps even “office holder”, it is far less damaging than what ForAmerica chairman Brent Bozell says about Jeb Bush.
Referring to either a speech Bush made in September 2013 or to his most recent remarks to Fox News’ Megyn Kelly, Bozell says that Bush’s speech makes him “unelectable” because Bush has handed Hillary Clinton “the ammo to bury him,” according to The Hill.
By the way, the occasion for the September 2013 speech by Jeb Bush was the presentation to Hillary Clinton of the Liberty Medal award for her career in public service and as an advocate for women’s rights around the world.
“Former Secretary Clinton has dedicated her life to serving and engaging people across the world in democracy,” said National Constitution Center Chairman Governor Jeb Bush at the time. “These efforts as a citizen, an activist, and a leader have earned Secretary Clinton this year’s Liberty Medal.”
Whether Republicans find Jeb Bush “electable” or not, Hillary Clinton’s spouse and former president, Bill Clinton, believes very much that his wife is electable.
In an appearance Tuesday night on the Late Show with David Letterman, Bill Clinton not only reiterated “It’d be a good thing for America if she won,” but also wistfully added, “If she wins the election, the chances are 100% I’ll move back…If I’m asked.”
I believe you are “electable” for that second stay at the White House, Mr. Clinton.
