George W. Bush told friends and former advisers at a private meeting that he worries that he “will be the last Republican president,” according to a new Politico report.
The news comes as Bush, his father, John McCain and Mitt Romney—the last four Republican presidential nominees– have all pledged to skip the Republican National Convention in protest of Donald Trump.
How’s that party unity going?
Bush, whose brother Jeb’s campaign famously imploded, has laid low this election. He only emerged to campaign for Jeb once, at which time he said this about Trump:
“I understand that Americans are angry and frustrated, but we do not need someone in the Oval Office who mirrors and inflames our anger and frustration. We need someone that can fix the problems that cause our anger and frustration.”
So, is Trump’s nomination the death knell for the Republican Party as Bush said? Twitter is reacting strongly to his prediction, with some saying good riddance the Republican Party is destroyed.
Let's hope that you are the last Republican President Mr. Bush. Lol lol. It takes too long to clean up the mess you make.
— Daphne L Portis???? (@MissLynneNYC) July 20, 2016
Some also debated who caused the fall of the GOP. Bush, Trump, the media and the Republican establishment all received blame.
G W Bush said he could be the last Republican President. What he didn't mention is that he and the GOPe are the reason.
— Joe Man ?⚔️??⚔️? (@rebrokerjoe) July 20, 2016
@POLITICOMag this is a self inflicted wound by the GOP.
— C Hunter (@mystockid) July 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/LibertarianZeal/status/755456210971791360
Others alluded to the need for a political outsider (aka, Donald Trump) after the dynasties of Clinton and Bush.
@rickklein Enough of the Bush and Clintons ! Time to clean house in Washington/ corruption !
— gafini???? (@snjtown) July 18, 2016
Bush’s legacy was not looked at fondly by many Twitter users and current Trump fans.
I didn't dislike Bush, but he wasn't a "republican." Reagan was the last real Republican president.
— Marie Theresa (@MarieTheresa4) July 20, 2016
Bush was not conservative; "no child left behind" disaster; he made Israel give up their land to muslims, etc. Be gone Bushes
— ?? JilTweet (@JilTweet) July 20, 2016
Others weighed in on Bush’s absence from the RNC and his decision not to endorse Trump.
If GW is not supporting current Republican Party, then he is only helping Democrat Party & GW should worry about that!
— ??MWilliams? (@mewakwhd) July 20, 2016
bush and Romney need to step up and RNC and republican party will be stronger.to forgive is divine
— larry bowley (@bowley_l) July 20, 2016
After all the Republican party has done for Bush family, their betrayal of the nominee is galling.
— Cayuga Conservative (@dap260) July 20, 2016
Join the conversation as a VIP Member