"In 2008, Bush Said He âProbably Wonât Even Vote Forâ McCain"
With stories about President Bushâs new memoir dominating the headlines this week, Financial Times Westminster correspondent Alex Barker reports on his âfavourite Bush anecdote,â which he writes, âfor various reasons we couldnât publish at the time.
The venue was the Oval Office. A group of British dignitaries, including Gordon Brown, were paying a visit. It was at the height of the 2008 presidential election campaign, not long after Bush publicly endorsed John McCain as his successor.
Naturally the election came up in conversation. Trying to be even-handed and polite, the Brits said something diplomatic about McCainâs campaign, expecting Bush to express some warm words of support for the Republican candidate.
Not a chance. âI probably wonât even vote for the guy,â Bush told the group, according to two people present.âI had to endorse him. But Iâd have endorsed Obama if theyâd asked me.â
Barker said that British officials looked âdumbfoundedâ and that Brownâs âpoker face gave way to a flash of astonishment.â
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/11/09/bush-wont-vote-mccain/
.
With stories about President Bushâs new memoir dominating the headlines this week, Financial Times Westminster correspondent Alex Barker reports on his âfavourite Bush anecdote,â which he writes, âfor various reasons we couldnât publish at the time.
The venue was the Oval Office. A group of British dignitaries, including Gordon Brown, were paying a visit. It was at the height of the 2008 presidential election campaign, not long after Bush publicly endorsed John McCain as his successor.
Naturally the election came up in conversation. Trying to be even-handed and polite, the Brits said something diplomatic about McCainâs campaign, expecting Bush to express some warm words of support for the Republican candidate.
Not a chance. âI probably wonât even vote for the guy,â Bush told the group, according to two people present.âI had to endorse him. But Iâd have endorsed Obama if theyâd asked me.â
Barker said that British officials looked âdumbfoundedâ and that Brownâs âpoker face gave way to a flash of astonishment.â
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/11/09/bush-wont-vote-mccain/
.