Former President George W. Bush said in an interview released Friday that he hopes his brother Jeb runs for president in 2016, and that members of his family should not âbe afraid of entering the arenaâ even if some will vote against them simply because of their name.
Just days before he dedicates his new presidential library and museum, Mr. Bush publicly mulled the possibility of a third President Bush. Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, has said he will consider a run for the White House as he seeks to help his party find its voice again after two consecutive defeats.
Is the country ready for another Bush? âThatâs for Jeb to figure out, you know what I mean?â his older brother told Mark K. Updegrove in Parade magazine. âI would hope that people would judge, if Jeb were to run, on his merits and his track record.â He added, âSo I hope he will run.â
Mr. Bush was also asked about his advice for his nephew George P. Bush, Jebâs son, who is running for state land commissioner in Texas. âDonât worry about what people say about you, but have an agenda that is positive, forthright and that people can understand,â the former president said. âAnd if you want to be the land commissioner, have a platform for the Land Commission.â
He acknowledged certain liabilities, as well as advantages, in coming from one of Americaâs best known political dynasties. âMy first advice would be, donât be afraid of entering the arena, win or lose,â Mr. Bush said. âItâs a great experience. I told him, âPeople are going to automatically not vote for you because of your name. On the other hand, people will listen to you because of your name, so I wouldnât even worry about that. Just go out there and tell people whatâs in your heart.â
The interview, conducted jointly with his wife, Laura, peeled back the curtain a bit on the former presidentâs post-White House life. Much attention has focused lately on word that Mr. Bush has taken up painting. Mrs. Bush told Mr. Updegrove that her husband picked it up because he quit smoking cigars and was looking for something to do.
âHe gave them up when we moved back and he was desperate for a pastime,â she said. Mrs. Bush added that John Lewis Gaddis, the Yale historian, was in Dallas and recommended the former president read Winston Churchillâs book, âPainting as a Pastime.â
Mr. Bush did, and he also started using an iPad sketch application. âAnd he communicated with me if I was on the road or with Barbara and Jenna with these very funny stick figure drawings of him in bed with Barney: âGood night,ââ Mrs. Bush said. âThen the active stick figure in the morning: âGood morning.ââ
She showed them to an artist friend who thought they were creative and recommended an instructor.
âHeâs having a really wonderful time painting,â Mrs. Bush said. âGeorge is very determined and heâs very disciplined. He paints for a lot of hours a day, and it transports him. You know, heâll go up to clean his brushes and then glance at his watch and heâs been up there for two hours.â