The president sat down with Fox News’ Neil Cavuto last night for a variety of softball sycophantic compelling questions about the political landscape, but I was struck by Bush’s take on the 2008 presidential race. He wouldn’t comment on candidates or predictions, of course, but he spoke more generally about the landscape.
CAVUTO: But a lot of that has to do with, depending on the poll, fatigue over the candidates, Democrat and Republican. Do you think we have started this race way too early?
BUSH: Look, I started in June of 1999, it was when my first trip out of Texas. I went to Iowa and New Hampshire. On the other hand, I had — during our legislative session there, you know, we had people come down, and a lot of policy people, and some financial people all setting the ground work for a run.
It is hard for me to tell whether it is too early or not. I don’t know. I’m just glad I’m not out there running.
Given the president’s record and national support, I’m not surprised he’s glad not to be out there.
Bush also took a moment to brag about what an above-board campaigner he is.
CAVUTO: But they are all running against you, and you are not up for election.
BUSH: Are you talking about the Democrats?
CAVUTO: In this case.
BUSH: Well, I’m an easy target, yes. (LAUGHTER) But you can’t win an election if the vision is, I’m against somebody. It is very important for candidates from both political parties to say what they are for.
Does the president even remember his 2004 campaign? The vast majority of his stump speech was a direct attack on John Kerry, and 70% of his TV ads were negative attacks on Kerry/Edwards.
As for the president being an “easy” political target, I guess it’s encouraging that he’s vaguely aware of his unpopularity.