Any takers on a Bush '08 run?

So, I was reading the latest from our esteemed pope, and the article stated that Jeb Bush attended the Pope's Mass of Investiture. I didn't know Jeb was Catholic (the article states he's a convert). There's been speculation about a Jeb run for the White House in 2008, and for good reason. One, he is probably the highest regarded of governors among Republicans. Two, he's a Bush, and it would seem natural to keep the party going, as it were, keep the dynasty going. Three, he's "business" friendly. Four, depending on who you ask, he's the "smart" Bush son.

Well, Jeb's been anywhere from vague about a presidential run, to completely denying it. Since it's common knowledge that he's Catholic, you may have to wonder if he won't be running. I mean, a Catholic president from the South (or anywhere)? When was the last time we had a Catholic POTUS? JFK, right? And don't think this is a Democrat thing. Clinton and Carter are heavily Protestant. If they were Catholic, the last Democrat as president would have been LBJ, and would be indefinitely. And Kerry didn't lose because he was Catholic (but that story's for another time; as you've noticed, I haven't really blogged since before the election). It just happened to be another convenient mark against him. He was going to lose that election any way you look at it because... (argh, almost got me to vent. Nope. Not gonna do it. Not yet).

Pat Buchanan, a social conservative's wet dream, is Catholic (I haven't researched this recently, but last time I checked, his denomination of choice was of the Pope-arse-kissing variety; ironic, since he's not a fan of Europeans and foreign influence). He got whooped by Bush Sr. for the GOP nomination in 1992. Because he was Catholic? Who knows? But look at it this way. Considering he's from the South and holds most of the stereotypical Southern beliefs, he still lost to the most boring incumbent President who blew his popularity despite the first Persian Gulf crusade War and raised taxes when he promised not to. The reddest of Republican land runs strongest in rural and suburban areas where most evangelicals live. Especially in the South. Hell, it seems like an exaggeration, but if you're a southern Republican running for president, and you say you're devoutly Catholic (by today's standards, you're not going to be too successful if you're not a devout something or other Christian) you might as well say you're a Gay Republican :) Anyway, by contrast, the bulk of Catholics (even most of the most conservative ones) live in or close to urban areas.

So, if Jeb runs and wins, it won't be because of his choice of where he currently goes on Sunday morning. It will be on name recognition and business friendly practices. Because a Bush always gets away with it somehow. But because he's a Bush, Karl Rove will see to it that religion gets put back into the campaign arsenal. Don't be surprised in 2006 if Jeb takes on a sudden pious tone, peppering his speech to keep the faithful interested. Maybe he turns Baptist or something. It won't be the first time a Bush "conversion" paved the road to the White House.

Papal Angst

So, we've got a new Pope. Most progressive Catholics like me aren't too keen on this choice. This guy has a history of sticking to stricter traditions of Catholicism, like forbidding women to join the clergy, descrimination against gays, and prohibiting birth control (even in overcrowded third-world countries, where most Catholics come from; personally, JPII should have gotten slapped around for that stance). John Paul II, a traditionalist, elevated most of the current cardinals, so the electing body that gave Benedict his new post is a reflection on JP. Much good was done in JP's papacy, but we could have come further. Indeed, I think we're going backwards, especially since we've got this new guy. If Opus Dei is pleased about this, then you know we're screwed. Maybe that's a bit much for me to say, but it's not good. Don't be surprised if there's another big Vatican convention to roll back much of what was decreed in VaticanII. Hey, Jews, don't be surprised if you're officially back on the hook for killing Jesus...

Okay, fine. It's kind of admirable to stick to one's guns, but some of the most important Church edicts (and this applies to other Christian sects, too) don't fit in this modern world. The upper echelon of Catholic power is out of touch with the people. This Pope and his cronies would be wise to guide the Church in the direction where the most down-trodden of its congregation needs it to go. As the number of Catholics in this country continues to dwindle, look for the rest of the world's Catholics look for guidance elsewhere as well.