BULLETIN – JEB MAKING HIS MOVE – AT 10:21 A.M. ET:  Jeb Bush has just issued a major statement on his political future.  From the Washington Times:   

Jeb Bush is exploring a 2016 presidential bid.

The former Florida governor said in a post on Facebook Tuesday that over the Thanksgiving holiday there was a lot of discussion about the future of the nation.

"As a result of these conversations and thoughtful consideration of the kind of strong leadership I think America needs, I have decided to actively explore the possibility of running for president of the United States,” Mr. Bush said.

Mr. Bush said he plans to establish a Leader PAC next month to “help me facilitate conversations with citizens across America to discuss the most critical challenges facing our exceptional nation.”

“The PAC’s purpose will be to support leaders, ideas and policies that will expand opportunity and prosperity for all Americans,” he said.

Mr. Bush’s shadow has lingered over the 2016 discussion for months, and many GOP insiders have raised questions about whether his support for the K-12 Common Core education standards and immigration reform that includes a path to legalization could put him at odds with the grassroots conservatives, who play a pivotal role in the nomination process.

Still, Mr. Bush leads the nomination races in national polls. He is running fourth in Iowa, which traditionally kicks off the nomination race with the caucuses, and is running second in New Hampshire, home to the first-in-the-nation primary.

COMMENT:  Okay, we're listening.  I'm assuming that Jeb wouldn't be making this statement unless he was serious about running.  He is an engaging personality with a fine record as governor of Florida.  His wife is Hispanic, and he speaks fluent Spanish.  He has, though, liabilities.  He is not beloved on the Republican right, which sees him as a moderate.  And the name Bush might conjure notions of a dynasty.  (However, if Hillary is the Dem nominee, she, as the wife of a former president, can hardly use that issue.) 

We must elect a Republican in 2016.  I'm prepared to give each candidate a full hearing.  I think we all should.  Look at the alternative. 

We're going to have a fascinating two years in American politics.

December 16, 2014