Call it the first flip-flop of the 2016 presidential campaign. Barbara Bush said Friday that she no longer feels that too many Bushes have occupied the White House.
“What do you mean, ‘Too many Bushes’? I’ve changed my mind,” she said in a carefully coordinated Skype announcement at a Bonita Springs, Florida, dinner for hundreds of her son's supporters, according to The Washington Post.
“Hey mom, can I get that in writing by the way?” said the former governor of Florida, who was standing on stage.
During an interview with NBC's "Today Show" in 2013, the former first lady was asked whether Jeb Bush should run for president.
“He’s by far the most qualified man,” she said at the time. “But no. I think it’s a great country. There are a lot of great families, and it’s not just four families or whatever. There are other people out there that are very qualified. We’ve had enough Bushes.”
“He’ll get all our enemies and half our friends," she added of her son.
It's not clear what changed since that assessment, but the governor's stock has risen dramatically since he announced he was considering a bid for the White House. He's been perhaps the most proactive potential 2016 candidate, announcing a new super PAC to raise funds and key staff hires in early primary states, as well as the support of Mitt Romney's wealthy Wall Street donors.
