Free Republic

According to the dominant media narrative, Jeb Bush runs to the center. But history tells a different story Election Day 2016 is just a bit less than two years away, so you’ve got more than enough time to prepare. But if you’re not numb to it already, get used to this phrase, because you’re going to hear it constantly in the weeks and months to come: “Jeb Bush, the moderate former governor of Florida…” In terms of convenient but factually dubious crutches that will be leaned on constantly by the horse-race media, the “Bush-the-moderate” narrative is poised to blow its...

So far in the 2016 presidential race -- and we are not yet very far into it -- Jeb Bush has been the key player. His December announcement of interest completely changed the timetable of the entire field of wannabes. He's already ahead in some key state polls like New Hampshire, even before announcing a candidacy. And his fundraising prowess is apparently off-and-running, though actual numbers won't be available until mid-July's report. And while many candidates must plead with news media for coverage, the free publicity that is any campaign's lifeblood, reporters and cameras flock to every Jeb Bush appearance....

Since talking about it on Morning Joe earlier today, a few people have asked me to expound on my theory regarding what Jeb Bush would have to do to overcome the many challenges he would face on his way to the Republican nomination. It seems clear that Bush is hell-bent on not pandering to the base, so the obvious challenge he will have to overcome is winning a Republican primary while holding some positions (immigration reform, Common Core, etc.) which are anathema to the grassroots conservatives who will comprise a decent chunk of the primary electorate. The way to overcome...

Conservative leaders who had a hand in key Republican victories including Ronald Reagan’s presidency, the Contract with America and the birth of the Tea Party, are ganging up to oppose a Jeb Bush presidential bid, declaring him easier to beat than Bob Dole or John McCain. “Jeb is a very good moderate Democrat,” added top-rated talk radio host Mark Levin. “He's very boring. He doesn't elicit excitement and energy outside a very small circle of wealthy corporatists and GOP Beltway operatives. Time to move on.”

Jeb Bush revealed that a decision on his presidential ambitions is coming 'in short order', as he spoke out to condemn President Barack Obama's recent immigration order. The former Florida governor said he will make up his mind based on whether he can 'lift people's spirits and not get sucked into the vortex', and whether 'the sacrifice for my family is tolerable'. He said: 'I'm thinking about running for president. And I'll make up my mind in short order - not that far out in the future.' 'I don't know if I'd be a good candidate or a bad one,'...