Jeb Bush campaign shines light on dynastic politics

By Sun Xiaobo Source:Global Times Published: 2015-6-17 0:28:06

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush, son and brother of two former US presidents, officially announced Monday his campaign for the US presidency in Miami, although his desire to run has been an open secret for some time.

Jeb Bush, 62, struck a moderate tone in his campaign announcement, but with his conservative principles upheld. Although being part of the celebrated Bush clan has earned him extensive attention, his path toward the highest office will not be smooth as the GOP field is crowded with competitors for the nomination. As Hillary Clinton has also launched her campaign and stands a good chance of becoming the Democratic nominee, Jeb Bush may be pitted against the wife of another former president once he is nominated, making the 2016 election an inviting one. 

But his family name may prove to be a huge barrier. A poll by Bloomberg in April showed that 42 percent of Republicans and independents do not want to vote for a third Bush. When he was grilled about his take on the invasion of Iraq staged by his brother, former president George W. Bush, he said he wouldn't have done the same thing. Apparently, he wants to avoid using his family name that may be considered by some as a political liability. It's been widely pointed out that his campaign logo features just "Jeb" and an exclamation mark and does not mention his family name. His father and brother were not at his rally and he also pledged to "take nothing and no one for granted."

It's not unusual to see the hereditary tradition in the US, but this time the possible Clinton vs Bush battle would still surpass the past examples of political dynasties. This inspires discussions about equality and political efficiency, while observers are upset that it may lead to a compromised form of democracy that the US has brandished.

Even though half an Earth away, the campaign season, still at the initial stage, has caught the attention of some Chinese. Many are puzzled by the concept of a "hereditary democracy" and joke about a monopoly on the position of president. A netizen for example said isn't the game of thrones a bit like that of North Korea? Another joked it would be a matter of time for Jeb Bush (if he was elected) to use weapons of mass destruction. Nonetheless, the uncertainty will continue to plague the US political scene until the Americans make their choice.



Posted in: Observer

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