Iraq War comment puts Jeb Bush on the defensive
- By Mitchell Blatt
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E-mail China.org.cn, May 30, 2015
This is the last thing Jeb should be doing. His brother is a big boy who knows what it is like to be criticized by the press and the public. He doesn't need Jeb to protect his feelings. George W. Bush is a big weight dragging Jeb down, and Jeb needs to distance himself from his older brother.
The other Republican candidates took advantage of Bush's flub. Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Ohio Governor John Kasich, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie all said they wouldn't have invaded Iraq.
Even if the war in Iraq supposedly ended in 2011, now that ISIS is there, the United States' military is still active in Iraq. Furthermore, the question will impact Bush's viability as a candidate because candidates are evaluated on their ability to handle media relations. The primary campaign is just as much about establishing that you will be able to challenge the opposing party's candidate effectively as it is about establishing that you would make the best president.
Bush finally came around to answering Kelly's question on May 14, saying, "Knowing what we now know, what would you have done? I would not have engaged." But he couldn't help adding that, "[T]he world is safer because Saddam Hussein is gone."
Syrians and Iraqis facing tyranny at the hands of ISIS or hostages with knives to their necks might beg to disagree. Asserting that the world is safer without Saddam is close to asserting that the war was a good decision.
It's early in the campaign, so it is possible Bush will recalibrate and improve his performance, but, knowing what we know now, Jeb Bush isn't likely to win the presidency.
The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/MitchellBlatt.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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