George P. Bush’s admiration for Donald Trump has reignited questions over why some politicians still support the former president, even when he has disparaged members of their family. While running against George P.’s father, Jeb Bush back in 2016, Trump called Jeb an “embarrassment to his family,” among other derogatory things. The 45th president also mocked George H.W. Bush. In spite of that the Texas land commissioner has not only admitted that he voted for Trump, he also recently said he spoke with him by phone and appreciated the “words of encouragement and support.” He’s clearly looking for his endorsement as he runs for Texas Attorney General against incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton.
George P. Bush’s campaign video does not mention the Republican political dynasty that preceded him. Not his father, the former governor of Florida. Nor his uncle, the 43rd president of the United States. Nor his grandfather, the 41st. The video does pay homage to former president Donald Trump.
Matthew Dowd, chief strategist of the 2004 Bush-Cheney presidential campaign told CNN:
“The Republican Party has become the party of Donald Trump … It just tells you a complete story of the Republican Party today that he would abandon his family in this regard and basically suck up to Donald Trump.”
CNN’s Brianna Keilar said this is part of a pattern with several Republicans including Senators Ted Cruz and Mitch McConnell and RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. Keilar pointed out, “Blood may be thicker than water, but apparently it’s not thicker than Kool-Aid.” Her takedown is worth watching.
