Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is a devout Catholic, but he may not receive a faith-assisted boost in the upcoming presidential campaign, according to one report.
An
NPR story argues Bush won't be able to rely on his religious views like his brother George W. Bush did as he presumably prepares to enter the crowded field of Republicans vying for a spot on next year's presidential ballot.
George W. Bush, who won the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, spoke of his faith from a larger prospective, one that could be termed evangelistic.
"America's strongest foundation is not found in our wallets. It is found in our souls," George W. Bush said in 1999, according to NPR.
The former president spoke about turning to religion with the help of the Rev. Billy Graham, and also of how he stopped drinking alcohol, reports NPR. And he said one of his hopes was that, "I think what the next president ought to do is promote a culture of life in America."
Jeb Bush, on the other hand, said during a recent visit to Iowa that converting to Catholicism 20 years ago "was one of the smartest things I've done in my whole life."
"I believe that it is the architecture that gives me the serenity I need, not just as a public leader or in life," Bush said. "It gives me peace. It allows me to have a closer relationship with my creator."
NPR points out the difference between the two brothers' messages is striking — and it could be one of the deciding factors in the Iowa caucuses.
One Republican voter in Iowa told NPR, "I would say I'm a Christian conservative, but I think at this time it's a wide open field with lots of options. Jeb just wasn't that impressive to me listening to him."
Bush has yet to announce his intention to run for president, although he's been traveling the country campaign-style, giving speeches and listening to voters. He's also been taking in
piles of money, which has raised the eyebrows of some. Once he becomes an official candidate, there will be
caps on individual contributions to his campaign and he won't be able to pull money from his super PAC.
Bush said he has not yet made a final decision on whether he'll run, but all signs point to him joining the race soon.
What could
hurt Bush's chances in the election, according to some, is his last name. He said people need to get over that.
"I love my mom and dad," Bush said last month. "I love my brother, and people are just going to have to get over that. That's just the way it is."
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