Does Jeb Bush Want His Family’s Help? It’s Hard to Say, Even for Him

JEB! Bush has once again demonstrated his "decisive" leadership qualities that are a genetic trait in the Royal Family.

(New York Times) - The question came from a self-proclaimed “Bush-o-phile,” and the answer offered a fascinating, if free-form, glimpse into Bush family dynamics.

Why, the voter asked, is Jeb Bush not using his father and brother — George Bush and George W. Bush, the 41st and 43rd presidents of the United States — more on the campaign trail, to help him rise in the polls? (“Your polls not being higher than they are,” the voter prodded, helpfully.)

First, Jeb Bush tried the he’s-his-own-man trope. “People are going to vote for me,” he said, noting that he’s a “62-year-old man that has some life experience.”

Next, the former Florida governor tried the but-he’s-also-a-proud-Bushie response. “I’m proud of them, I’m not running away from them, that is total nonsense,” he said. “I’m not running away from my brother or my dad, but I know for a fact that I’m going to have to win this because I’m running for president and people have to have confidence that I have the skills to lead.”

Then he grew slightly philosophical. “And so, I spend time talking about my family in a loving way,” he said. “But you can’t ignore them because that’s weird. That’s kind of a strange thing. But you can’t over-rely on them either. There’s a balance.”

Moments later, Jeb Bush announced among the worst kept — but most closely guarded — secrets of his campaign: That his older brother George W. will likely soon be joining him on the trail. Read more.