Dr. Rob Marsh … Delta Force soldier finds peace as country doctor

An unassuming man walked to the middle of the stage in front of a room of 300 military veterans and their guests who stood and applauded the Desert Storm veteran, now in his mid-50s. He paused and seemed to take in the faces before him, humbled at the reception. As guests sat down, Dr. Rob Marsh began his story by noting that he doesn’t often speak but, when he does, his priority is with military groups, veterans groups, and medical gatherings that may offer new medical and surgical techniques that can help our soldiers at war.

Then he paused, kind of bowed his head, and quietly said that he would talk with groups if he felt his message could honor the Lord. He went on to add.... (continue reading here)

Kay Coles James for RPV chairman: A visionary for the future of the party

The announcement by Pat Mullins last week that he will step down as State Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) on January 31, 2015, has begun the usual flurry of telephone calls and email messages that range from “Who will run for RPV Chairman?” to outright requests for support for one candidate or another.

Before the RPV State Central Committee rushes to promote from within, Virginia Republicans should step back and ... (continue reading here)

Weekend Bush fest

The support workers are lining up ... there's a growing eagerness to work another great campaign ... there's a need to pull Republicans together again. Jeb has the backing and it's growing.

Jenna's interview of her dad, President George W. Bush

Friday I posted on my Facebook page:

Fantastic interview today by Jenna Bush Hager of her dad W as they looked at the portraits he has painted of world leaders, and his memories of each. The president's mentor in politics and painting is Winston Churchill. I love the interaction between father and daughter -- these two kindred spirits. His favorite and most admired person is his dad Bush #41 ... a son admiring his father whom he considers a gentle soul. They were joined live by his mom Barbara Bush looking at W's portrait of Bush #41 who joked, "That's my husband?"

She had gotten up early -- "This is it? I got up at 4:30 for this?" she joked to granddaughter Jenna. "Love you," Jenna said. "Love you, too," Mrs. Bush told Jenna. I very much admire this family....

See Jeanna's interview here.

See more about Jenna Bush Hager here.

Larry Sabato: Jeb at top of GOP presidential field

It's no secret that I'm a Jeb Bush supporter but someone else has been paying attention to this under-the-radar possible presidential candidate.

University of Virginia's political guru Larry Sabato's latest Crystal Ball has Jeb at the top of the field of contenders:

In our first ranking of the very large and very unsettled 2016 Republican presidential field back in April of last year, we decided to not even include the name of one of the brightest stars in the GOP universe: Jeb Bush. We just didn’t think, at the time, that the former Florida governor and brother and son of presidents was all that interested in running.

But during 2013 and into this new year, we’ve gotten the sense, like many others, that things might be changing. So much so that we now consider Bush the leader of the field if he decides to run.

The bold emphasis is Sabato's. In the Crystal Ball's latest, 2016 Republican Presidential Update: A New Familiar Name at the Top, he admits that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was the preferred presidential candidate until his recent troubles with Bridgegate and falling popularity numbers. There's also a widespread distrust of politicians like Rand Paul and Ted Cruz so, for those and all kinds of other reasons, Sabato writes:

And that leads us to another reason to take a potential Bush candidacy seriously: The establishment loves him.

In recent months, we’ve noticed an unmistakable and widespread desire among some of the Republicans we talk to, particularly ones who would be classified as members of the establishment on and off Capitol Hill, for a third Bush nominee in less than three decades. In one conversation, we mentioned several other potential candidates on our list, but the chatter kept coming back to Jeb. He was the only candidate with whom these party leaders appeared to be comfortable.

Jeb is known as a strong leader who was very popular during his time as governor of Florida. His connections reach to pockets nationwide for fundraising, and his campaigning ability encompasses the Bush family and beyond, not to mention the mentoring of two former United States presidents -- his father George H.W. and brother George W.

In 1998 and 1999, the name George W. Bush kept drifting to the surface of presidential nominee talk. Few took it seriously. It feels like a similar scenario this go round. And while Sabato has seen it all with candidates rising to the top only to sink again, one constant remains: Jeb Bush:

The implications of a Bush candidacy would be wide-reaching, and -- to be clear -- we don’t know if he’s running. He probably doesn’t know himself. The reason we’re putting him first now is that if he were to run, we’d see him as a modest favorite over the other potential candidates in the field, and he might be the one Republican whose entry could keep other candidates out. For instance, Bush and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) are close, and many observers doubt that they would run against one another in a presidential contest. (Bush’s son, George P., just appeared at two Palm Beach fundraisers for Rubio; the younger Bush is running for land commissioner, a statewide elected office in Texas.) That said, stranger things have happened in politics than a hypothetical Bush vs. Rubio matchup in a GOP primary field: Political alliances are often written in pencil, not pen.

While I cannot imagine Jeb and Marco Rubio running against each other for the nomination, I can imagine Jeb as the presidential nominee with Rubio as his vice president.

Much has been made of Barbara Bush, Jeb's mom, who, when asked about Jeb running, famously responded that there had been enough Bushes in the White House. What got lost in the hurry to push out that quote was the rest of her sentiment: that surely there were other families out there with sons and daughters willing to run for president whose last names weren't Bush. But she also came back recently to say she thought Jeb was definitely qualified and would make a terrific president. And smiled firmly as she added, "Be sure you say that I said that." I noted it on my Facebook page at the time.

For an interesting read, check out the rest of Sabato's top field of Republican contenders. Sitting right there on top is Jeb Bush, the one to keep an eye on as 2014 unfolds.

Update: Jennifer Rubin at the Washington Post has been keeping up with Jeb and again wrote on Wednesday about his possible candidacy:

The most compelling argument for Jeb Bush goes like this: The country and his party need him. Eight years of President Obama will leave us internationally weakened, politically gridlocked, economically listless and stewing in partisan juices. From the Republicans’ perspective, four more years of Democratic rule, especially from Hillary Clinton, whose fingerprints are all over Obamacare and a series of foreign policy debacles, would push the country to a breaking point. Moreover, both to beat Hillary Clinton and to clean up the mess, the party and country need a grown up, a proven performer and a qualified chief executive. Choosing an ideologically extreme and/or under-qualified senator or an untested and unknown governor is fraught with peril. So, therefore, Jeb Bush becomes the most logical choice.

"The party needs a grown up." That about sums it up right there.

George and Barbara Bush share their love through more than 60 years of love letters

Jenna Bush Hager talked with her grandparents, former President George and First Lady Barbara Bush and maternal grandma, Jenna Welch, who all sent love letters when away from their significant other. Has the art of letter writing been lost in the modern age of instant communication? Jenna takes a look at long, selfless love in this interview from Valentine's Day 2011.

Jennifer Rubin: 'Don't forget about Jeb'

Jennifer Rubin's Tuesday column in the Washington Post provided good insight into former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and the opportunity for him to run for president in 2016.

Jeb, younger brother of former President George W. Bush and son of former President George H.W. Bush, has always been on my short list of candidates for 2016. His chances appear to have increased with the unfortunate circumstances of two of the other forerunners: Chris Christie and Bob McDonnell.

Don't get me wrong ... I'm not writing Chris Christie out just because of his "Bridgegate" issue. Come on, people -- if Hillary can bungle Bengazi the way she did and still be a serious contender for 2016, a little tied-up traffic can't be enough to knock Christie out of the running. But some conservatives can't get beyond the fact that Christie was, in their opinion, a little too snuggly with the President of the United States. I say the man had a huge disaster on his hands in Hurricane Sandy's tragic damage to New Jersey, and was being courteous to the man who offered help.

What is it with conservatives who think everyone needs to be snippy and nasty to those they politically disagree with? Sorry, I prefer to take a page out of the playbook of George W when it comes to civility.

Back to the list. Sadly, our own Governor Bob McDonnell is now pretty wounded by his own Giftgate issues that surfaced while in the Executive Mansion.

Which brings us back to George W's brother, Jeb. No matter what his mom said about not needing any more Bushes in the White House -- Barbara often makes off-the-cuff comments like that -- if he's the man for the job, it doesn't matter that he's a Bush.

There are many who disagree and I respect that. They think the baton should be passed on to "new blood." I say it needs to go to the person best qualified who can lead this country during the current turbulent times and, though I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, if Jeb wants the job then I certainly think he's qualified with his background and common sense Bush family knowledge.

Jennifer Rubin shoots down most of the reasons people would have against Jeb. Give her column a read ... it could open the door to back this very-electable Bush brother/son.

Jennifer Rubin: 'What about Jeb?'

He's known as the other Bush brother, the one who originally was expected to run for president before his older brother found himself in the right place at the right time. Both governors with the experience from that executive position, Jeb's name has been tossed around for a while as someone to run for president.

However, general sentiment seemed to be that the country had soured on the Bush name. Father George H.W. as president 41, and brother George W. as president 43. Would America really want a Bush president 46?

With the passing of time and circumstances, the time may be right, and the Washington Post's opinion writer Jennifer Rubin agrees. In her post earlier this week -- "What about Jeb?" -- she made a notable argument in Jeb's favor:

George W. Bush has bounced back in popularity, and if the Dems can run a Clinton there is no reason the GOP can’t run a Bush. Besides, experienced leadership may be in style after we survive the next three years. And to boot, GOP governors are looking like the party’s saviors these days. Moreover, the passage of time has allowed certain issue to fade and others to resolve themselves (e.g. the Bush tax cuts). Jeb Bush understandably can say “times have changed” if he chooses not to adopt a position his brother took sixteen years ago. (Yes, it’ll be 16 years between 43′s presidential run and when Republicans again start trudging through Iowa and New Hampshire.)
...
I have no idea if he will run. But I am more convinced that he could and should. He’s got a lot to tell the GOP voters.

Run, Jeb, run. He may find he has more supporters than he realizes.

Billy Graham's 95th birthday party at Grove Park Inn ... my invitation must have gotten lost

Green Park Inn. July 2013

It's hard to believe that longtime religious figure Billy Graham is turning 95 years old. This religious icon will celebrate his milestone birthday Thursday at a blow-out party for 800 at Asheville's Grove Park Inn in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, not far from his home in Montreat.

Many notable people were invited and many others will be there ... real estate magnate Donald Trump, politicians, musicians, and others, as reported by John Boyle in the Asheville-Times. Former Presidents George Bush 41 and 43 were invited but #41 doesn't travel much anymore and #43 had a schedule conflict.

It is an invitation-only event. Hmm ... my invitation must have gotten lost in the mail....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

George H.W. Bush ... class, loyalty, love

 President George H.W. Bush, 89, and his entire security detail shaved their heads in solidarity with the two-year-old son of one of his security guys. That's loyalty, class, and love all rolled into one....

KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINE -- President George H. W. Bush this week joined members of his Secret Service detail in shaving his head to show his support for the two year-old son of a detail member who is being treated for leukemia and started losing his hair.

The 89 year-old commander-in-chief took the unusual step earlier this week after learning, and seeing, that many members of his security detail had already gone under the razor to show their support for young Patrick, whose father Jon is a member of the Bush Protective Division (BPD). (Surname being withheld per family's request.)

BPD members have also launched a website at www.patrickspals.org to assist with Patrick's medical bills, and organized the Inaugural Patrick's Pals Motorcycle Benefit Run on August 10th in Kennebunkport -- a 50-mile motorcycle ride through the Maine countryside followed by a lunch and silent auction to raise funds for Patrick's treatments.

Once President and Mrs. Bush learned of this "Patrick's Pals" effort, they made a donation and President Bush volunteered to shave his head as well. The Bushes lost their second child, Robin, to leukemia 60 years ago this October at the age of four.

Photos from George Bush Presidential Library

Jenna Bush Hager reveals 5 life lessons learned from her grandparents

Jenna Bush Hager, one of the twin daughters of former President George W. and Laura Bush who is married to Henry Hager, son of Virginia's former Lieutenant Governor John Hager, recently shared five life lessons that were passed along from her grandparents. Those grandparents are former President George H.W.  and Barbara Bush.

Be sure to read Jenna's article for her expanded explanations of the five life lessons passed along from George and Barbara:

1. Don't talk too much about yourself.
2. Have lots of loyal friends -- and be one.
3. Laugh.
4. Love.
5. Write handwritten notes.

June 12: My crazy socks in honor of George H.W. Bush's 89th Birthday

Hahaha! Here are my crazy socks in honor of President George H.W. Bush who loves to wear colorful socks with his business suits ... kind of an unexpected burst of silliness in such a staid world. In honor of his 89th birthday, I've adorned my feet with these lovely foot accessories. Happy 89th Birthday, President Bush #41 ... such a gentleman and honorable man. Wishing you many, many more with gratitude for your service to our country.

June 12, 2013

Transcript: George W. Bush remarks at dedication of Presidential Library

Today's remarks at the opening of his Presidential Center were vintage George W. Bush ... poignant, funny, a reflection of his love of faith, family, and friends, and his deep appreciation of America's military and desire to better the world.

Typical of GWB, he was relaxed and enjoyed interacting with friends but seemed a little uncomfortable to have the spotlight on him for an hour on a sunny Houston, Texas, morning.

It was the first time in the history of America that a former President of the United States had both parents present for a library dedication. It obviously meant a lot to  GWB to have his dad, a visibly frail President George H.W. Bush who spent two months in a hospital during the holidays, beside him on this historic day.

I deeply admire and respect George W. Bush because he deeply loves America, and I try to immulate his leadership in the shark tank known as politics. Here are his remarks. At the end, he choked up. I have bolded the parts that most especially stood out to me.

Thank you for your pragmatic, bipartisan leadership, Mr. President.

Remarks: George W. Bush Presidential Center Dedication, April 25, 2013

Oh happy days. I want to thank you all for coming. Laura and are I thrilled to have so many friends, I mean a lot of friends here to celebrate this special day.  

There was a time in my life when I wasn't likely to be found at a library, much less found one. [laughter]  Beautiful building has my name above the door but it belongs to you.

It honors the cause we serve and the country we share. For 8 years, you gave me the honor of serving as your President. Today I'm proud to dedicate this center to the American people. [applause]

I am very grateful to President Obama and Michelle for making this trip.  [applause] Unlike the other Presidents here, he's actually got a job.  [laughter]  President, thank you for your kind words and for leading the nation. [applause]

I appreciate my fellow members of the former Presidents Club; 42, 41 and 39. I want to thank you all for your kind words and the example you have set. [applause]

Alexander Hamilton once worried about ex-Presidents wandering among the people like discontented ghosts.  [laughter]  Actually, I think we seem pretty happy.  One reason is that we have wonderful first ladies at our side. [applause]

Hillary and Roslyn, thank you for your service and your generosity. Mother and Laura, you know how I feel. Condi introduced the world leaders with whom I had the privilege to serve.

Your good friends and I'm honored to have you here in the promised land. I want to welcome the members of Congress, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate you coming and the diplomatic corps, I know you will all be happy that this speech is a lot shorter than the State of the Union. [laughter]

I thank the governors, from our own home state and other governors, mayors, state and local officials who have joined us.  I welcome members of my cabinet, the White House staff and administration, especially Vice President Dick Cheney.  [applause]

From the day I asked Dick to run with me, he served with loyalty, principle and strength.  I'm proud to call you friend. [applause]

History is going to show that I served with great people; a talented, dedicated, intelligent team of men and women who love our nation as much as I do.  I want to thank the people who have made this project a success. President Gerald Turner runs a fantastic university. [applause]

A university with active trustees, dedicated faculty and a student body that is awesome. [cheers and laughter]

I want to thank David, Alan Lowe, and the professionals at the National Archives and Records Administration who have taken on a major task and I am confident you all will handle it.

I appreciate the architects, landscapers and designers especially Bob Stern, Michael Vanvakenberg and Dan Murphy.  I want to thank the folks of Manhattan Construction as well as all the workers who built a fine facility that will stand the test of time.

I thank the fantastic team of the George W. Bush center, headed by Mark Langdale and Jim Glassman and my long time pal Donnie Evans.  Much to the delight, much to the delight of the folks who worked on this project, we have raised enough money to pay our bills. [applause]

We have over 300,000 contributors from all 50 states and Laura and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  [applause]

This is the first time in American history that parents have seen their son's Presidential library. Mother, I promise to keep my area clean. [laughter] You know, Barbara Bush taught me to live life to the fullest, to laugh a lot and to speak my mind.  A trait that has sometimes got us both into trouble. Dad taught me how to be a President, before that he showed me how to be a man.  41, it is awesome that you are here today. [applause]

I welcome my dear brothers and sister as well as in-laws, cousins, nieces, uncles, all of you for joining us.  For family has meant more to me than anything and I thank you for making it so.

Not so long ago, this campus was home to a beautiful West Texan named Laura Welch. When she earned her degree in library science, I'm not sure this day is exactly what she had in mind. [laughter]

She's been a source of strength and support and inspiration ever since we met in O'Neals backyard in Midland, Texas. One of the joys of the Presidency was watching Laura serve as First Lady. The American people rightly love her and so do I. [applause]

Laura's going to be even better at her next role, grandmother.  It was a joy, I can't tell you what a joy it was to hold little Mila.  And I am really happy that Mila's mother and father, Jenna and Henry, could make it here today.  Thank you all for coming. [applause]  So if you don't have to do in the morning, tune in to the Today Show, Jenna is a correspondent.

Thereby continuing the warm relations the Bush family has with the national press. [laughter]

And I'm really proud of Barbara, who is with us, for her incredible work to serve others and save lives. [APPLAUSE]

Today marks a major milestone in a journey that began 20 years ago when I announced my campaign for Governor of Texas. Some of you were there that day. I mean a lot of you were there that day. I picture you a little younger. You probably pictured me with a little less gray hair. In politics, you learn who your real friends are. And our friends have stood with us every step of the way. And today's the day to give you a proper thanks.

In democracy, the purpose of public office is not to fulfill personal ambition. Elected officials must serve a cause greater themselves. The political winds blow left and right, polls rise and fall, supporters come and go. But in the end, leaders are defined by the convictions they hold. And my deepest conviction, the guiding principle of the administration, is that the United States of America must strive to expand the reach of freedom. [APPLAUSE]

I believe that freedom is a gift from God and the hope of every human heart. Freedom inspired our founders and preserved our union through civil war and secured the promise of civil rights. Freedom sustains dissonance bound by chains. Believers huddled in underground churches. And voters who risked their lives to cast their ballots. Freedom unleashed creativity, rewards innovation and replaces poverty with prosperity. And ultimately freedom lights the path to peace. Freedom brings responsibility.

Independence from the State does not mean isolation from each other. A free society thrives when neighbors help neighbors. And the strong protect the weak. And public policies promote private compassion. As President, I tried to act on these principles everyday. It wasn't always easy and it certainly wasn't always popular.

One of the benefits of freedom is that people can disagree. It's fair to say I created plenty of opportunities to exercise that right. [LAUGHTER] But when future generations come to this library and study this administration, they're going to find out that we stayed true to our convictions. [APPLAUSE]

That we expanded freedom at home by raising standards at schools and lowering taxes for everybody. [APPLAUSE] That we liberated nations from dictatorship and freed people from AIDS. And when our freedom came under attack, we made the tough decisions required to keep the American people safe. [APPLAUSE]

The same principles defined the mission of the Presidential Center. I'm retired from politics, happily so, I might add. But not from public service. We'll use our influence to help more children start more life with a quality education. To help more Americans find jobs in economic opportunities. To help more countries overcome poverty and disease. To help people from every part of the world live in freedom.

We'll work to empower women around the world to transform their country. Stand behind the courageous men and women who have stepped forward to wear the uniform of the United States to defend our flag and our freedom here at home. Ultimately, the success of the nation depends on the character of its citizens.

As President, I had the privilege to see that character up close. I saw it in the first responders who charged up the stairs into the flames to save people's lives from burning towers. I saw it in the Virginia Tech professor who barricaded his classroom door with his body until his students escaped to safety. I saw it in the people in New Orleans who made homemade boats to rescue their neighbors from the floods. I saw it in the service members who laid down their lives to keep their country safe and to make other nations free.

Franklin Roosevelt once described the dedication of a library as an act of faith. I dedicate this library with an unshakeable faith in the future of our country. It's the honor of a lifetime to lead a country as brave and as noble as the United States. Whatever challenges come before us, I will always believe our nation's best day lie ahead. God bless. [APPLAUSE]

Video from George P. Bush: April 15 is ‘Obama’s favorite day of the year’

From the Daily Caller:

George P. Bush is running for Texas Land Commissioner. And he’s out to nationalize the race. Today, his team released this timely video.

In the ad, Bush calls tax day, “Barack Obama’s favorite day of the year,” and says he “celebrates higher taxes and bigger government.”

George P. Bush represents the new generation of conservative Texas leadership. A successful businessman and civic leader, he is the son of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the nephew of former President George W. Bush, and the grandson of former President George H.W. Bush.

Don't let his famous family connections fool you. This 36-year-old has many accomplishments including a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Look for him to continue moving forward in his political career.

George W. Bush raises $500 million for presidential library, dedication is April 25

The George W. Bush Presidential Library is ready for its dedication on April 25, 2013, and it will open knowing the lofty fundraising goal of $500 million set by the former President has been surpassed. It is one of the most successful post-presidential fundraising events ever.

Politico reported:

About half of the lump-sum will go toward building the library and museum on Southern Methodist University’s campus in Bush’s honor. The building will be dedicated April 25 and opened to the public the beginning May. Some of the funds will go to a mandatory endowment to the government and yet another portion will be gifted to the University, and the rest of the money will go to the George W. Bush Institute, a public policy center in Dallas founded by the former president and his wife, Langdale told Time.

Under construction for two years, the presidential library, museum, and policy institute sits on 23 acres at Southern Methodist University. More than 43,000 artifacts from the Bush presidency as well as numerous records and documents will be included.

At the dedication, President Bush will host President Barack Obama as well as former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and his father, George H.W. Bush.

The library will open to the public May 1.