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After having a husband and a son in the White House, Barbara Bush said she did not miss âone darn thingâ about life there. And she does not want another reason to go back, even if it means depriving the country of the âbest-qualified man.â
On Thursday, Mrs. Bush, the former first lady and first mom, announced on the âTodayâ show that she does not want her son Jeb Bush to run for president.
âHeâs by far the best-qualified man, but no. I really donât,â Mrs. Bush told Matt Lauer when asked if she wanted to see Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor, make a White House bid. âI think itâs a great country, there are a lot of great families, and itâs not just four families or whatever. There are other people out there that are very qualified, and weâve had enough Bushes.â
Since before President George W. Bush left office, the political prospects of Jeb Bush have been a constant source of speculation in Republican circles. And it seems to always be Barbara Bush and former President George H.W. Bush who put a damper on the presidential rumors.
Ahead of the 2012 presidential campaign, the elder Mr. Bush told Larry King in 2010: âI think the bottom line is, he just doesnât want to try, doesnât want to do it.â
(In that same interview, Mrs. Bush said of Sarah Palin, who was also thought to be considering a 2012 bid: âI sat next to her once. Thought she was beautiful. And sheâs very happy in Alaska, and I hope sheâll stay there.â)
Mrs. Bush joined the wife and daughters of George W. Bush on the âTodayâ show ahead of the dedication ceremony for the younger Mr. Bushâs library in Dallas.
âI donât think heâll run,â she said of Jeb Bush. âHeâll get all our enemies, half our friends.â
However, members of Jeb Bushâs own generation in the family are expressing a different preference.
In an interview with ABC Newsâs Diane Sawyer that was broadcast on Thursday morning former President George W. Bush had one piece of advice for his brother: âRun!â