NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) – George W. Bush says it’s even-money that Jeb Bush that will try to become the third member of his family to occupy the White House.
The ex-president told CBS’ Face the Nation Sunday that his younger brother, a former Florida governor, is “wrestling with the decision” of running for the Republican nomination for president in 2016.”
“I think it’s 50-50,” Bush said. “He and I are very close. On the other hand, he’s not here knocking on my door, you know, agonizing about the decision. He knows exactly … the ramifications on family, for example. He’s seen his dad and his brother go through the presidency. I’d give it a tossup.”
The former president’s estimate was more cautious than one offered two weeks ago by Jeb Bush’s son: George P. Bush, elected Nov. 4 to the position of Texas land commissioner in his first bid for elective office, said it was “more than likely” that his father would run for president.
George W. Bush is promoting 41, a book about his father George H.W. Bush, the nation’s 41st president.
“One of the lessons you learn from George H.W. Bush is that you can go into politics and still be a good father,” the 43rd president said when asked if it’s worth putting a family through a presidential campaign. “I put our family through it,” he responded.
Bush said he would be “all in” for Jeb if he decides to run for the office and would do whatever he asks, including staying behind the scenes if that’s his brother’s preference. As for mother Barbara Bush’s statement some time back that enough Bushes have run for president, he said, “Sometimes her prognostications haven’t been very accurate.”