Explaining the Rick Perry-Bush Clan Divide
At 9:45 this morning, George H.W. Bush will open up his West Houston home to the press to make what is, for the octogenarian former president, a rare overtly political announcement: In the intra-Republican party fight for Texas governor, 41 has chosen U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison over Gov. Rick Perry. He joins his close friend, longtime consigliere, and former White House chief-of-staff James Baker, who endorsed Hutchison earlier this week, and a long list of his son George W. Bush's closest associates in lining up behind the challenger to the incumbent. Hutchison has the public ...
Comments (5)
jdaemmr
Thanks for the great background info. I've been wondering about this...
DAnderson
Great gossip column, when do we get the democrat version.
JJ Baskin
I think there is another dimension: "It's personal. Perry really cannot stand Bush." Perry stated so in personal conversations, cocktail parties, and dinner parties. The comment about fiscal conservatism was just the first time he broke the code of silence publicly. His disdain for W. was palpable to those that heard him. It came across as petty jealousy and not particularly Christian.
The Bush family is loyal. They are loyal to their friends, and their friends are loyal to them. If you break the bonds of that loyalty, it is game over.
Ken Collier
I'm sure the Bush family grew weary of Perry's habit of selectively attacking W and his legacy when it suited his political needs. I suspect they consider Perry a fair weather friend and a lack of loyalty is a serious offense to these people.
Robbie Cooper
Elise --- great analysis.
I found myself sitting next to Gov. Perry at lunch on Saturday, so I showed him this article, and asked him to comment on your four theories.
He was pretty candid about why he thought the Bushies were lining up behind KBH, and it is one of the four theories you've suggested.
I posted my interview of Gov. Perry at my blog (http://urbangrounds.com/2010/01/perry-vs-bushies) with the answer to your question.