JEB Will RUN: BET ON IT [View All]

[Demeter]

OpEdNews.com

Original Content at http://www.opednews.com/articles/genera_vince_wi_061114_jeb_will_run_3a__3cb_3ebet.htm


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November 14, 2006

JEB Will RUN: BET ON IT

By Vince Williams

Ok, Jeb proclaimed he wasn't going to run for President in 2008. So, let's get this one out of the way right up front: since when does a Party's "darling" who plays hard to get, eschew changing his mind, if DRAFTED to run. Therefore, Jeb will be the GOP's candidate with ONE very important caveat. The entire political landscape changes rendering Jeb ineligible (read: "UNelectable") if George W. is indicted and/or impeached. Like it or not, Jeb's reputation and chances hinge on his brother's escape from criminal and/or malefactorable notoriety. Naturally, at this pregnant moment in history, big brother's "OK" reputation is by NO MEANS safe. If Rumsfeld is indicted and charged ... George W. suddenly becomes "naked" to the same attack.

Now, John McCain appears to be the Repub's first choice. With his Iraq advice for BEEFING up the troop strength at first, and then effecting a phased withdrawal of troops, his approach will likely appeal to George W., as well as, perhaps, become acceptable to those who want us to get out. Frankly, if we wish to succeed in mitigating or eliminating the insurgency, adding a couple of hundred thousand troops (thereby overwhelming the al quaida and militia contingencies) looks very attractive. Taking away weapons, removing cells of resistance and negating opposition should have been Rumsfeld's answer years ago (instead of relying on his arrogance). Whether it would still work is highly questionable. However, it all depends on whether we hope to mollify the situation, or just leave and let them deal with what's left. Anyway, if Jeb fails due to the aforementioned George W. opprobrium, McCain seems best positioned to gain the nod.

So, let's look at Jeb's pluses and minuses. He's 53 years old and a converted Catholic. So, on which side of the ledger do we place any of this: of course, depending upon our OWN preferences, we'll select won't we? But, some of it is rather easy. Unlike his brother, Jeb was a fine scholar, having graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelors' degree in Latin American Studies in 1973 from The University of Texas at Austin. He registered for the draft, but the Vietnam War ended before his number came up. After earning his degree, Bush went to work in the international division of Texas Commerce Bank, which was a job he received through the influence of James A. Baker (yes, THAT James Baker). Jeb was transferred to Venezuelan capital, Caracas, to open a new operation for the bank. He spent two years there, attracting a lot of new business to that bank and gaining considerable respect for his business acumen. He moved his family there as well....