Bush Name No Longer a Hinderance for Jeb?

[dmmidmi]

This may depend entirely upon what his brother does in the coming months/years. It looks like he's beginning to publicly defend his time as President, and we'll have to see how that pans out. I know that Nixon's exploits in doing so didn't directly affect the electoral success of other Republicans, but it might be different if the Republican in question is a blood relative.

[dmmidmi]

I would think again before being sure people will not hold his name against him. The whole dynasty effect would turn a lot of people off.

I completely agree......the name is toxic in my view, but if not, the dynasty issue will turn almost everyone off.

The "dynasty" thing might be one of the biggest issues. Myself included, I'm sure that most people under the age of 35 don't really remember a Republican President whose last name wasn't Bush.

Either way, I think America is done with the Bushes for a while.

[dmmidmi]

Even if GWB would increase in popularity, I think Gramps is right.  We're not a monarchy.

Can you think of any other Republican who can win in 2012?  I know the old saying about presidential popularity being the ceiling for voting support, but how did that work out for Harry Reid?  Assuming any Republican wins because Obama will be unpopular doesn't hold water with me.

Mitt Romney - Can't connect with voters and failed in 2008
Tim Pawlenty - Possible, but a real snoozer
Sarah Palin  - Only if all Democrats and Independents die before 2012
Mike Huckabee - He's limited to the Bible belt
Rick Santorum - Is this guy that stupid?
John Bolten - Got milk?
Newt - Too divisive
Haley Barbour - Possible, but he's foghorn leghorn
John Thune - Possible, but tough to win the early primaries
Mitch Daniels - Needs a charisma injection, but possible
Bobby Jindal - Running in 2011 hurts any run in 2012
Chris Christie - Interesting, but has said it ain't happening in 2012
Jon Huntsman - Interesting, but too moderate for some

I know the knock against Jeb is his last name, but the others I mentioned have real problems.  Obama, from my perspective, looks to be in great shape because the field for Republicans is so awful.

 "Lost in 2008"

Reagan lost in 1976.

Bush lost in 1980.

Dole lost in 1988.

McCain lost in 2000.


The Republicans go by the turn rule, losing a previous primary is a prerequisite.

With all due respect, I think you made my point.

Reagan was a different issue because he took on a sitting president.  That's very different from taking on a crowded field of newbies.

Reagan also had an unsuccessful run in 1968.