NEW YORK -- In 1774 the Continental Congress, which became the governing body of Unites States, split with Britain to move away from the dynastic rule of the Hanoverians. More than 240 years later, the country is on the cusp of returning to bloodline dominion with news that Jeb Bush, brother of George W. Bush, son of George H. W. Bush, is throwing his stetson in the ring for a run at the White House.
That’s right - for the third time in 27 years an oil-soaked, Texas-born Republican from the same family could become president of the United States. Increasing the nation's desperation, the most likely Democratic candidate is Hillary Clinton, whose husband Bill enjoyed the top job (and the occasional intern) from 1993 to 2001.
La Clinton is currently 6/5 favourite the win the entire race, with Jeb second at 11/2. Should Bush or Clinton emerge victorious in late 2016, by the following election a member of one of the two families will have occupied the Oval Office for all but eight of the last 31 years.
Jeb versus Hillary in 2016... who will win the crown?
On Tuesday, 61-year-old Jeb, who is currently Governor of Florida, announced via Twitter that he is “actively exploring the possibility of running for President of the United States”. The Tweet linked to a Facebook page in which Jeb ticked all the token themes required for this type of declaration – family, future, leadership, prosperity and, of course, America.
So it’s a Bush or a Clinton to once again "lead the free world"? Not so fast…
In 2008, the Democratic nomination was Hillary’s to lose, but lose it she did with a hitherto unknown senator from Illinois upsetting the coronation. Fortunately for America (and quite possibly the world), both parties have candidates that could end the Bush/Clinton merry-go-round for good. Here are some of the most likely:
Republicans:
Chris Christie
The portly Republican Governor of New Jersey has been besieged by scandal for much of 2014, but he is still likely to have a tilt at the presidency in 2016. Whether he can appeal to Republican voters in the Bible Belt or the Deep South is another matter entirely.
Odds: 14/1
Rand Paul
The son of Libertarian stalwart Ron Paul, Rand is one of the Republican Party’s more nuanced members, opposed to the wanton interventionism that has become the GOP’s hallmark. The Kentucky Senator, who also appeals to many younger voters, could lead his ailing party in a much-needed new direction.
Odds: 16/1
Mitt Romney
Mitt… again? Yes. After two unsuccessful runs at the White House, Romney could be in line for a hat trick of loses, despite the former Massachusetts Governor insisting his political campaigning is done. Still, some Republicans want him back for 2016. So, presumably, do many Democrats…
Odds: 25/1
Democrats:
Elizabeth Warren
American is ready for its first female president and should Hillary falter, Elizabeth Warren could well take the nomination. She’s left of the party, despises bankers and represents a break from the corporate cronyism of which the Clintons are inextricably linked. Warren is smart, socially attuned and fiercely combative… which means she’ll probably lose.
Odds: 20/1
Joe Biden
The gaffe-susceptible VP has absolutely no chance of returning to Pennsylvania Avenue post-Obama, however the paucity of viable candidates outside Clinton and Warren means "Scranton Joe" might just run... though no one outside his immediate family is likely back him.
Odds: 33/1
John Kerry
Having “lost” the 2004 election to George W. Bush (and by lost I mean probably won), the 71-year-old Secretary of State is unlikely to be tempted by another run at the White House, particularly after spending the past two years on a plane trying (with limited success) to sort the world’s problems.
Odds: 40/1
Here's Jeb's "excited" announcement:
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
Like many of you, our family was blessed with the opportunity to gather together over the recent Thanksgiving holiday.
Columba and I are so proud of the wonderful adults our children have become, and we loved spending time with our three precious grandchildren.
We shared good food and watched a whole lot of football.
We also talked about the future of our nation. As a result of these conversations and thoughtful consideration of the kind of strong leadership I think America needs, I have decided to actively explore the possibility of running for President of the United States.
In January, I also plan to establish a Leadership PAC that will help me facilitate conversations with citizens across America to discuss the most critical challenges facing our exceptional nation. The PAC’s purpose will be to support leaders, ideas and policies that will expand opportunity and prosperity for all Americans.
In the coming months, I hope to visit with many of you and have a conversation about restoring the promise of America.
Best wishes to you and your families for a happy holiday season. I’ll be in touch soon.
Onward,
Jeb Bush