George W. Bush, the former U.S. president, has opted not to endorse any contender in the 2024 presidential election. This decision is noteworthy given the politically polarized climate, and the range of positions other leading Republicans have taken on the race.
According to a communication sent to NBC News by Bush’s office: “President Bush retired from presidential politics years ago.” This succinct remark encapsulates the 43rd President’s current perspective on political engagement, a continuation of his recent approach to presidential races.
Contrasting with Bush’s stance, former Vice President Dick Cheney, chose to back the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the upcoming election. Cheney’s choice was unexpected and his reasoning was unambiguous. He claimed that Donald Trump poses an unparalleled threat to the American Republic, accusing him of attempting to maintain power illegitimately after losing the previous election through deceptive and violent means. Cheney strongly asserted that Trump should never again be given a leadership role.
It is not unprecedented for Bush to refrain from endorsing a presidential candidate. In the 2020 election, he also did not publicly back any contender. A later interview with People magazine revealed that Bush had written in the name of Condoleezza Rice, his former Secretary of State, on his ballot. In the 2016 election, it was confirmed by Bush’s spokesperson that the former president did not fill in the presidential section of his ballot.
Bush’s interaction with presidential politics has evolved since he left office. He endorsed Republican nominees John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012 during his post-presidency. However, he has been absent from a Republican National Convention since 2004, when he was the standing President seeking re-election. His last convention appearance was in 2008 when he addressed remotely from the White House.
Bush’s decision to withhold endorsement aligns with the current struggle within the Republican Party due to internal divisions and the persistent influence of former President Donald Trump. As of July 2024, the majority of current Republican senators and representatives have backed Trump’s 2024 campaign. This includes 42 of the 49 Republican senators and 192 of the 220 Republican representatives.
Distinguished Republican figures who have endorsed Trump include Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, and Representatives Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan. On a state level, 25 of the 27 incumbent Republican governors have supported Trump’s bid for president.
However, Bush is not the only one who has chosen to abstain from endorsing. Among the living GOP presidential and vice presidential nominees, only Sarah Palin, McCain’s running mate in 2008, has publicly backed Trump for the 2024 race.
On the Democratic side, Vice President Kamala Harris has secured endorsements from various party leaders and officeholders. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and Tim Kaine have all expressed their support for Harris, as have Governors Gavin Newsom of California and Kathy Hochul of New York.
The 2024 presidential race has also witnessed some notable cross-party endorsements. Apart from Dick Cheney, several other Republicans have announced their intention to back Harris, including former members of Congress and state legislators. On the other hand, a few Democrats, including some former governors and state legislators, have crossed party lines to endorse Trump.
As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, the endorsements or decisions to abstain from political figures like George W. Bush are anticipated to be a central point of discussion and analysis. While some announce their support openly, others, like the 43rd President, remain on the sidelines.
