‘Real News From The Blaze’: Is Jeb Bush Right That Reagan and Bush 41 Would Struggle in Today’s GOP?
- Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:10pm by
Christopher Santarelli
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Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush often runs in high-esteem with many in the GOP and media for his pragmatic approach to education and immigration policy, as well as a his “big tent” outlook for expanding the party. The former governor may have taken some aback though with recent comments he made about today’s GOP and former presidents Ronald Reagan and his father George H.W. Bush.
While speaking to a group of reporters and editors at the Manhattan headquarters of Bloomberg LP Monday morning, Bush said that the current “ultra-conservative” climate of today’s GOP may have been an unwelcome place for Reagan and Bush 41. BuzzFeed reports:
“Ronald Reagan would have, based on his record of finding accommodation, finding some degree of common ground, as would my dad — they would have a hard time if you define the Republican party — and I don’t — as having an orthodoxy that doesn’t allow for disagreement, doesn’t allow for finding some common ground,” Bush said, adding that he views the hyper-partisan moment as “temporary.”
“Back to my dad’s time and Ronald Reagan’s time – they got a lot of stuff done with a lot of bipartisan suport,” he said. Reagan “would be criticized for doing the things that he did.”
The notion sparked debate amongst the “Real News” panel. Not in regards to whether Reagan would be welcome amongst todays Republicans, but whether it is today’s Democrats that are a shell of their former self. S.E. Cupp first reminded Jeb that while Reagan was reasonable and practical from the Oval Office, he held the conservative line on welfare reform, hawkish foreign policy, opposition to the PATCO strike, support of capital punishment, advance of the War on Drugs and attempt to nominate Robert Bork to the Supreme Court. The discussion got especially interesting though when the debate shifted to where liberal icnon John F. Kennedy would find himself in today’s Democratic Party; considering his 1 percent wealth, neoconservative foreign policy approach, balanced budget pledge, and push for lower income and corporate tax rates. From there, look just two decades back to Bill Clinton‘s support of Don’t Ask, Don Tell, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, and North American Free Trade Agreement. A clip from Monday’s below:
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Comments (55)
Stoic one
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 4:55amSounds to me as if some one is trying to be relevant again.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:53amJeb wants more Progressive/Socialist in the GOP; I want them all gone!
Report Post »sndrman
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:19am“WELL NOW, THERE YOU GO AGAIN“ the only reason bush 41 on the ticket was REAGAN need a ”moderate” well a rino to round out the ticket…..REAGAN WAS A TRUE BLUE CONSERVATIVE….you never hear the liberals,socialists,commies,hippies,democrtiens governors,congressmen,presidents or anyone on the left say we need to work with republicans, Conservatives now do you? what you hear from the left is buzz words………why does our side always need to give in,sorry need to work with democretins,our side is quick to go along to get along….
Report Post »Rhondar
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 3:28pmOh God NO
Not ANOTHER BUSH
Report Post »GeneralEarly
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:03pmI’m in Fl and the Bushie Syndicate is strong here amongst Repubs, but not so much among Conservatives. Many of us have understood Jeb’s NWO Progressive Scam. Reagan was not a Rockefeller Republican, Bushies ARE.
Report Post »pompey
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 6:12pm……I am afraid that Jeb’s relevancy is in smoldering ruins……the “common ground” that he longs for has cost the country $16 trillion in debt………never mind, just another Bush, move along, nothing to see here….!
Report Post »dataweaver
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 2:17amToday’s Republican party is so radically conservative that Reagan would have trouble being nominated? I don’t think so, and I can sum up my reasons why in a single word: Romney. Romney is arguably to the left of where Reagan was in every way; but he has managed to get the Republican nomination. Reagan would have done just fine in today’s GOP.
Report Post »GETLIFE
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 3:37amI agree. The great divide in Washington is caused more by a radical left than a radical right. “Gridlock” is normal when there are revolutionaries in the WH.
And even more fundamentally, was it the founder’s intent to have a Congress –left OR right– churning out bills? Gridlock is forcing a slow down, and forcing the administration to show their true character by slithering around the rules. I’m all for it.
Report Post »sophillyjimmy
Posted on June 15, 2012 at 4:47amPresident Reagan would be very adaptable to today’s government. Even the people that didn‘t care for his politics couldn’t help but to like him since his charisma, sense of humor and timing was always there. His being an actor helped him considerably especially when it came to the former Soviet Union, his referrals to the fictional Star Wars nuclear defense system, claiming that he would send an army of Rambo‘s if necessary to defend the US and it’s allies, his great quote “Mr Gorbchav, Knock Down That Wall” all came into play to break the Soviet Unions will and took down the Iron Curtain. Even some of his corny jokes made light of important subjects such as him stating that nuclear missiles are heading right now toward Moscow on an open microphone I think was an intentional accident, and when he was shot, while he was in the OR, his joke to the doctors saying he hoped that they were Republican’s, knowing well at his age he might die while laying on the operating table was classic. He was elected at a perfect time, while Jimmy Carter and his dysfunctional family made the US the laughing stock of the world, Reagan brought us back to our greatness and would again now that Obama has once again made us the laughing stock of the world since he is a paper tiger with no balls whatsoever.
Report Post »Presidents like him come once every 100 years or so and we haven’t had one like him with his charm and charisma since Abraham Lincoln, so Reagan would fit in any time in the history o
MrButcher
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:51pmThis is good, fun talk.
As someone who grew up in Washington Dc, I can attest that the Real News crowd needs to be encouraged.
DC has such a totalitarian mind-set, you wouldn’t believe.
Just go to the Hawk ‘n Dove on friday night and try to strike up a conversation…
this is the way it is meant to be.
Report Post »E.Z. Las Vegas
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:51pmRonald Reagan “compromised” by cobbling together a coalition of Boll Weevils and conservative democrats along with the Republicans. When that failed, he went over the heads of Congress to get the approval of the American People for his agenda.
George HW after telling us to “read his lips” went into his first tax summit with Democrats and “compromised” by asking them how much they needed to raise taxes.
Reagan saw America as a “shining city on a hill” and the “last hope of freedom on earth”. George HW introduced us to the term “new world order” and believed we should community organize as a “thousand points of light.”
To suggest that these men were two peas in a pod is an insult to both of them. I used to like Jeb Bush, but he has clearly taken leave of his senses, and his ability to render a verdict on history or politics. Time for Jeb to take a very long vacation, at a very VERY remote location.
Report Post »RAGEAGAINSTTHEMACHINE
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:41pmOn a completely different subject…
Report Post »Thanks, S.E. for your recommendation of Duck Dynasty, now we’re hooked :)
Great, wholesome entertainment!!
ddg7
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:22pmHey Jeb! Just go away.
Report Post »HatesLiars
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:02pmComplaining about voters and some politicians being more conservative is like a Kennedy complaining why the voters won’t elect him again, after he drowns another woman in the same river, that Ted did. So extreme!
Report Post »He can thank his Dad and his brother, who helped raise the debt. Obama made it so bad, we dont have a choice. We need extreme measures and Bush lite wont get it done. They are big government republicans. Their friendships are more important than the country.
RAGEAGAINSTTHEMACHINE
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:59pmAnd the point is? Reagan didn’t have to counter commies throughout all levels of government! While I agree he too was big government, it also didn’t hold a candle to the Nanny State of today!!
Report Post »Deacon1
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:58pmI think J. Bush is way off the mark on this one, if we are such Rednecks and such terrible right wingers, than why did we nominate Romney to Run, Romeny is far more left than Reagan ever thought of being.
Jeb may be right about his brother not being nominated if he ran today, because he stepped on everything that traditional Conservatives hold dear, for example we as Conservatives are more anti-War than Democrats are, we don’t believe in Wars unless attacked or we are directly threatened, Bush failed in this area.
Conservatives believe in a Balanced budget, Bush did not.
We believe is less Government, Bush did not.
We believe in less Government in our lives, Bush did not.
In fact when I look back on Bush, I can not think of a single thing he did as President that was Conservative, he was a Lib AKA Socialist all the way through.
Report Post »FindOut
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:09pmW was a real American.
Report Post »That is what counts for me.
Jeb is a loser and is tasting the sour grapes coming his way.
If he thought he was the real one he should have tried the primaries.
Now he needs to shut up and don’t become Ron Reagan Junior.
TunaBlue
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:53pmJeb,
This ain‘t your Daddy or Ronnie’s time. We’ve moved way past that. Reagan would take a stand far right of Mitt’s. He would understand that what he feared most about the Left was upon us.
Report Post »idaho1
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:42pmW, H and J are all Rhinos at best, to listen to this Rhino espouse what should be and what is, is ridiculous. Today’s version of Republicans are what the Democrats were 25yrs ago. Today’s Democrats are what Putin has always wanted. Time for the pendulum to swing the other way.
Report Post »Maxim Crux
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:08pmAnyone that has followed long enough knows what Bush H compromised away. Reagan was nearly assassinated for being a real American Patriot. George H Bush does not even hold a flicker to what Reagan was.
Report Post »Maxim Crux
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:04pmJeb said the other day that the Republican party has strayed too far right. Too bad he was not kidding. What an ignoramus.
Report Post »GeneralEarly
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:15pmWe are trying to elect a real Conservative Constitutionalist in the Florida Republican primary and having to fight the Republican Establishment of Bush & Company.
http://www.Stuart2012.com
Marielena Stuart just won the influential Republican Pinellas County straw poll against all odds, the grassroots rejected the “endorsed” candidates.!!!
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:03pmReagan would not struggle, because he was a leader. Sounds simple, but that’s really all it takes to change course.
Report Post »kfouche
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:52pmJeb is wounded because he has high negatives due to the sad and sour note the last incarnation of the Bush dynasty ended on, they are moderates. It’s sad but true. I think the best days of W were immediately post 9-11, he was a united the. I like him, but not enough to go for another Bush. No more RINO’S.
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:46pmJeb can say what he wants, but he only adds stupidity to inequity. In a very short timeframe the democrats have morphed from liberal/progressive/socialist to straight out Marxists.
We now have two options; fight them with everything available at all legal levels, or ignore them, letting them win or giving them any ground is not an option anymore.
Report Post »scuba13
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:54pm“But he only adds stupidity to inequity”. Just like Encinom’s brain function.
Report Post »chicago76
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:42pmCheck out Stossel on republicans voting to protect corporate welfare. Does anyone really think that the federal government has any control over its spending? If you do then read it. The Republicans have no more control than the Democrats. The best thing that could happen to our government right now is the collapse of the dollar. It is the only thing that will save our republic. After the initial turmoil, the whole system will have to reboot, we will have to get rid of those parts of government, by necessity, that are destroying freedom. If not then there will be civil war. The government will have to decide whether it will make slaves of us all to feed its appetite or decide to shrink. If it tries to make slaves of us all, which it is trying to do, then there will be civil war. If it decides to shrink then we will get our country back. Those are our two alternatives. There is no compromising that will change it. Just like before the civil war. You cannot compromise over slavery. Where is the compromise point now? The people are becoming slaves of the government and government expansion of power. Eventually the government will demand payback for what it gives when it is powerful enough and does not fear the populace. Then those supported by the government will do what the government says, just like the Indians did in the 19th century. Ask the Indians how that turned out.
Report Post »Sicboy
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:42pmBush, yes. Regan no. Thanks for the New World Order and Voodoo economics. And Those two republican “not conservative” sons you gave us.
Report Post »GardenoftheGods
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:42pmI don’t care what Jeb Bush thinks! Ronald Reagan is a “Rock Star” of today’s Conservatives, he would be welcomed–many of us wish he was here right now. Personally, I think it‘s the Democrats who’ve moved further away from the middle; and much closer to Socialism…that would’ve pissed Reagan off then & ****** us Republicans off today. As soon as Obama is out of office, and we‘ve got more power in Congress you’ll see a whole lot more getting done. Right now we’re witnessing Democrat obstructionism…Heck, Harry Reid has 28 jobs bills passed by the House sitting on his desk right now, and won’t even bring them for a vote. Nuff said!
Report Post »chicago76
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:51pmReagan compromised many times with the democrats to get what he wanted, stronger military, lower taxes. But Reagan did not, DID NOT, shrink government. He expanded it. Reagan may have done the right thing at the right time, but this is a time where more government expansion and debt would not help. We are at a crossroads in history. Which way shall we go?
Report Post »Liberty_Effect
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:10pmI dont even understand what Jeb is talking about. Sounds like a lot of ego and complaining
Report Post »mhojai
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:35pmJeb Bush is a delusional Rino clod. His progressive daddy obviously taught him well about how to be “moderate” (see spineless) “politician” (see liar).
Report Post »inblack
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:34pmReagan had principles and was a big tent guy. So no, he would have insisted on the things that are important and given ground on the superficial unimportant issues.
Bush 41 would never be elected today, since we have seen that he was just a guy looking for a job.
Report Post »Dougral Supports Israel
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:34pmReagan would make mincemeat of Obama in an election today. Reagan could communicate very effectively without a teleprompter and a bevy of Ivy League czars. It would only take a few “There you go again” lines and Obama would be on the ropes.
One of the things people forget is that Obama makes reasonable conservatives appear to be extreme because Obama is an extreme leftist who poses as a centrist. The media goes along with this and the unthinking assume that the new center is what used to be the extreme left.
Obama is the new Carter and we even have stagflation back. If Reagan were here today he’d win the day and Iran would fold on day 1 like they did in 1981.
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:19pmnot if the Establishment rigs the elections like they did for Romney.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:05pmMr. Earmark couldn’t have won the nomination if everyone else dropped out. Get over it.
Report Post »M13
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:07pmHey Fed-Ex called, your shipment of tin-foil hats will be delivered between 9a.m. and 1p.m. tomorrow.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:18pmThe Bush’s are all PROGRESSIVES and should be Democrats! Reagan was Democrat and became a Republican, because he acknowledged the Failure of Socialists.
Report Post »ModerationIsBest
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:14pmReagan would struggle with today’s GOP as far as the ballooning debt but he would fit right in with both Bush and Obama in expanding the powers of the Presidency.
Report Post »chicago76
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:44pmReagan exploded the debt by compromising with the democrats. That is what compromise gets you.
Report Post »ModerationIsBest
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:40pm@CHICAGO76
Learn your history. Reagan exploded the debt because of his overseas backdoor military operations. It‘s why I say he’s right in step with Bush and Obama. His tax cuts also exploded the debt, much like Bush and Obama.
2 party, 1 headed system.
Large military operations + tax cuts = large debt.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:49pmRon made a deal with the DEMOCRATS. Then, like today they are lying sacks of excrement. He kept his end of the agreement, the DEMOCRATS cut Nothing. I say cut , cut, and cut and make these liars scream.
Report Post »ModerationIsBest
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:55pmWall street has hijacked Washington(and vice versa).
Look at how none of the big heads have rolled.
Look at how Jon Corzine can just say “I don’t know where a billion dollars went.” and nothing happens.
Look at the revolving door that goes from Washington to places like Goldman Sachs. Look at how VPs and Heads of international banking in Goldman Sachs now are in power in countries around the world(if you want me to list them I can).
I saw two problems with both the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street.
The Tea Party only protested Washington
and Occupy Wall Street only protested Wall Street.
They both had the right idea, but were missing a key component to the problem. Washington and Wall Street are in bed with each other.
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