University of Mobile

October 5, 2007

Jeb Bush decries 'putrid' political climate

By GEORGE R. ALTMAN
Mobile Press-Register Staff Reporter

A "putrid" and "mean-spirited" political atmosphere for both liberals and conservatives discourages good people from seeking public office, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said Thursday.

"I can't watch the news, as a brother who loves my brother," said Bush, the brother of President George W. Bush and son of former President George H.W. Bush. "The food fight has to stop, and there needs to be a restoration of civility."

Bush spoke at a news conference at the University of Mobile on Thursday afternoon before giving the keynote address for the school's third annual Scholarship Banquet at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center.

He continued the university's tradition of retired conservative politicians being the banquet's keynote speaker. Georgia politicians Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Zell Miller, who served as that state's governor and one of its U.S. senators, spoke at previous banquets.

During his banquet speech, Bush said good leaders must set "big, hairy, audacious goals." In addition, he said, leaders should be transparent about their plans and must not be afraid to fail.

"Today, politics at the national level is risk-averse," Bush said. "Candidates are fearful of making a mistake."

But Americans yearn for bold leadership, he said.

Bush is the only Republican to have won re-election as Florida's governor.

This year's banquet also featured performances from students in the university's Center for Performing Arts.

The banquet generated about $130,000 for student scholarships and attracted about 580 people, according to school spokeswoman Kathy Dean. She said that about 700 people attended each of the two previous scholarship banquets, but despite the lower attendance the university considers the event a success.

Since 1980, a member of Bush's or former President Clinton's family has appeared on every national ticket. That trend would continue if Clinton's wife, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., maintains her lead in the run for her party's presidential nomination.

During the afternoon news conference, Bush said that in a country of about 300 million people, two families dominating the top post is "an unusual circumstance" but added that he wouldn't characterize it as a dynasty.

"To become president of the United States ... there's no coronation. You go out and earn it," Bush said. "Senator Clinton's not going to be elected unless she works hard and makes a compelling case."

If Clinton becomes president, she will likely have to do so without the help of Bush, who wouldn't single out a favorite presidential candidate other than to say "he's a Republican."

Asked whether he might someday run for president, Bush said, "I don't think about that at all."

Bush said he has traveled and enjoyed his time out of the spotlight since finishing his second term as Florida's governor in January.

"Now I'm trying to sort out what's next in my life," Bush said, "but I don't have any burning ambition."

Last modified : Wednesday, October 17, 2007 1:21 PM
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