Bush Is Running Like a Grown Up

Joe Klein: “In a week during which Rudolph Giuliani went crusader-­ballistic questioning President Obama’s ­patriotism—­indeed, questioning his ­upbringing—Jeb Bush gave a speech about foreign affairs, the third serious policy speech he’s given this winter. Giuliani got all the headlines, of course. That’s how you do it now: say something heinous and the world will beat a path to your door. And Bush’s speech wasn’t exactly a barn burner. His delivery was rushed and unconvincing, though he was more at ease during the question period. He was criticized for a lack of specificity. But Bush offered something far more important than specificity. He offered a sense of his political style and temperament, which in itself presents a grownup and civil alternative to the Giuliani-­style pestilence that has plagued the Republic for the past 25 years.”

“It has been the same in each of bush’s three big speeches. He is a political conservative with a moderate disposition. And after giving his ­speeches a close read, I find Bush’s disposition far more important than his position on any given issue. In fact, it’s a breath of fresh air. I disagree with his hard line toward Cuba and the Iran nuclear negotiations, and I look forward to hearing what he has to say about reforming Obama­care. His arguments so far merit consideration, even when one disagrees with them.”