Former President George H.W. Bush says his son Jeb should run for president in 2016 despite his wife’s claim that the country has “had enough Bushes” in the Oval Office.
In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Jeb’s younger brother, Neil Bush, made it clear that his dad had a strong desire to see another son become commander in chief, and that Barbara Bush’s stance wouldn’t affect Jeb’s decision.
{mosads}”If you asked Dad the same question ‘Should Jeb run?’ he’d say yes,” Neil told CNN. He said he’s heard his father’s response before, but hasn’t asked him directly.
The remarks come amid growing speculation that the former Florida governor will seek a 2016 bid, and offers a rare and candid glimpse inside the long-standing political family.
Speaking at a Catholic school benefit in New York on Wednesday, Jeb said he’s “thinking about running for president,” his most direct statement yet.
He’s previously said he’ll decide whether he wants to run for president in 2016 by the end of the year.
During the interview, Neil also described his family’s reaction last year when his mom told “The Today Show” there’s been “enough Bushes” in the White House, ahead of of an event at the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Texas.
“We were all watching Jeb standing in the corner just like … What’s your response to that? I don’t know,” Neil recalled.
“You know, Mom is just going to say what’s on her mind and she just really believes that it’s time for the country to look at different families, but it’s not going to affect Jeb’s decision,” he continued.