'Upsetting': Dem calls out Bush's 'disappointing' silence as ex-staffer defends old boss
Former President George. W. Bush has so far remained mum about the 2024 election, even as his vice president endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Bush's silence became the topic of discussion on CNN's "NewsNight" on Tuesday night, with a Democratic strategist calling the Republican's refusal to endorse "upsetting."
Anchor Abby Phillip played two clips of Bush in which he asked Americans to be "citizens, not spectators," and to participate in the country's "active public square."
"My hope is you will speak out on issues that matter to you," Bush said in a 2015 clip. "By taking part in American Democracy, you will make our country stronger."
However, in 2024, Bush's office said earlier this month he "retired from presidential politics years ago."
Phillips asked her panel whether Bush bears responsibility or obligation to speak out given many feel democracy is "on the ballot."
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Republican strategist Scott Jennings, who played significant roles in both of Bush's presidential campaigns in 2000 and 2004, and later served as a special assistant to the president in 2005, defended his old boss.
"I don't think he has a responsibility to speak out," said Jennings. "Once he left the presidency, he has basically stayed out of politics."
Jennings said Americans "ought to respect" Bush's decision to stay away from politics, contrary to other former presidents.
"He has personally chosen not to wade into this personally and I think we ought to leave him alone about that," said Jennings. "It's his right to do that."
Jennings' answer was met with skepticism from Karen Finney, who worked in Bill Clinton's White House and served as senior advisor for communications and political outreach as well as senior spokesperson for Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.
"Hmm," she said, cocking an eyebrow. "You're right it's absolutely his right. You're correct on that. To me, what is more upsetting and disappointing is the fact we were just having a conversation about how low the Republicans can actually go in North Carolina. Lower than many of us ever thought possible. And yet, how about the fact that the former president who is now trying to go back to the White House actually incited an insurrection and violence at our Capitol where people died."
Finney said while Bush doesn't have to speak out, "if you don't speak out, this is what happens to your party."
Watch the clip below or at this link.