Everyone basically knew but this is the first instance where Jeb Bush has openly admitted to a room full of people that he’s actively exploring the possibility of a 2016 run.
Report from Politico:
Jeb Bush on Wednesday was the most vocal he’s been about considering a run for the White House in 2016.
The Republican told a crowd of about 200 people at a Catholic Charities fundraiser in New York that he is “thinking about running for president,” according to an attendee.
The response came to one of the first questions posed to Bush at the Union League luncheon. After his answer, the room went wild, and then someone said they hoped he would take the step.
“Would you call and tell my mom?” Bush quipped, a reference to his mother Barbara Bush’s comments that there have been enough Bushes in the White House.
The former Florida governor said he would make a decision right after this year’s midterm elections.
Among those on hand was former CNBC host Larry Kudlow, who urged Bush on, the attendee said, and John Catsimatidis, the former Republican candidate for New York City mayor.
Bush was praised by Kudlow for his focus on immigration reform and urged not to back down.
Isn’t it pretty inevitable that Bush decides to run in 2016? He’s got a growing number of establishment backers so what is the downside? He’ll have the money necessary to fight off attacks and he’s got name recognition, be it good or bad.
