Associated Press
As Republican endorsements go, Jeb Bush's announced support for Mitt Romney seems like a relatively big deal. Not Etch-A-Sketch big, mind you, but noteworthy nevertheless.
The point, of course, is that Bush helps represent the Republican Party establishment, and his endorsement sends a signal of sorts to the GOP: we have a nominee, so let's wrap up the process.
But Jamil Smith flags the former Florida governor's full statement, and it's worth checking out.
"Congratulations to Governor Mitt Romney on his win last night and to all the candidates for a hard fought, thoughtful debate and primary season. Primary elections have been held in thirty-four states, and now is the time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney and take our message of fiscal conservatism and job creation to all voters this fall. I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our Party's nomination. We face huge challenges, and we need a leader who understands the economy, recognizes more government regulation is not the answer, believes in entrepreneurial capitalism and works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed."
That's it. That's the whole endorsement. There was no public appearance; no interview; no joint rally. Just a four-sentence press release, which couldn't have been more generic.
Indeed, look at that press release again: Jeb Bush supports Romney, not because he's a visionary leader for our times, but because 34 states have held primaries and caucuses, so it seems like as good a time as any to "unite."
This wasn't a "Romney is an inspiration and will be a terrific American president" statement, it was a "let's get this over with" statement.
I don't doubt Romney is glad to have the support, but the fact that Bush didn't volunteer to be with Romney in public to make the announcement doesn't exactly signal enthusiasm.
To this extent, Jeb Bush's endorsement seems oddly similar to the entire Republican Party's reaction to Mitt Romney through this entire nominating process. They know he's going to get the party's nod, and they know there's no one else, but the absence of passion is hard to miss.
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Another Bush endorsement. Yep, as if ol' Jeb ever had an original thought. Romney must be so...um...proud.
Talk about damning with faint praise.
Jeb should have said that Mitt will continue the inspired republican leadership shown by my brother. I am sure the Iraqis will be welcoming the news by dancing in the streets.
LOL!! Thanks for the chuckle!!!
Rep. Rodgers from Washington talks a lot of crap and bs. If it ran any deeper, it would be up to my neck.
Jeb dreads the day he is reminded he endorsed Mr. Etch-a-sketch. "All I was saying was that it was time to start to come together."
Rather than a rousing endorsement of Mitt Romney as his party's strong and decisive nominee, the decision made by Jeb Bush at such a late stage in the primary process reflects more of trepidation than certainty that Mitt is the best choice. Jeb and the other Republican establishment types really have no choice other than to hold their noses and say Mitt is their guy. What else are they going to do, back Santorum? Hardly. Since Jeb himself is branded with the Bush name an unelectable with the general electorate, Romney is all they've got. http://www.sunstateactivist.org
I don't understand how any of them could vote for Romney. These people are more ignorant than I thought. They oughta pack it up and save what money they have left. To vote for Romney would be like the final nail in the coffin of The Republican Party. If Romney happens to win the election, this country is gonna start sinking fast I mean real fast. Getting hit again with the same policies that Bush beleived in will destroy us. I don't think we could withstand another blow to the Middle Class and the poor. I really don't.
What you mean, "we," Kemosabe?
Another of the many photos of Romney that make him look like an alien.
In 2005, Governor Licence to Kill Jeb Bush signed into law the Florida so-called Stand Your Ground travesty, contributing to the death of Trayvon Martin.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-oped-0321-page-20120321,0,7296267.column
While Stand Your Ground and Paper's Please spring from the same impulse, Jeb Bush's Stand Your Ground act is even worse than Paper-Please Jan Brewer's Arizona immigration act.
At least Arizona in 2011 had policies in place that led to the immediate arrest of Jared Loughner after he shot Representative Giffords and her aids. In Florida, George Zimmerman continues to walk the street, and presumably is still armed. Nice policy legacy there Jeb!
Of course, had Jared Loughner shot Giffords in Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Maricopa County instead of Tuscon, maybe his acts would have been considered self-defense too.
Whether Zimmerman was a racist or a presumed armed nutcase like Loughner, the followup actions of the local Florida authorities suggest systemic bias.
If I were a reporter I would ask Etcha-Mitt if he has anything to say about Jeb's support of Stand Your Ground.
Boycott Florida until it repeals Stand Your Ground!
Do not vacation in Florida, retire in Florida, buy orange juice from Florida until the legislature repeals Stand Your Ground.
Not only Zimmerman, the blood of Trayvon Martin stains the hands of the Florida legislature, former Governor Jeb Bush -- and Etcha-Mitt should he not refuse Licence to Kill Jeb's endorsement.
Jeb Bush has already stated that 2016 will be "his time" to run for president. Republicans always have an appointed time to run. So I think this was just more GOP BS.
Jeb knows Obama will win in 2012. This leaves the 2016 election up for grabs because Biden will not run. Jeb thinks it will take a full 8 years for voters to forget the misery index of his father and brother. Hopefully, voters will not forget and will elect another Democratic candidate for President for yet another 8 years. We will need a full 16 years to undo the damage done by Republicans.