He sent his campaign manager, Joe Allbaugh, to Dallas for a meeting with his father’s old friend and former secretary of defense, Dick Cheney. Bush was able to ride this wave of support to the Republican nomination.Īs his primary victory became secure, Bush turned to the important task of finding a running mate. The momentum gained in South Carolina, and his extensive grassroots efforts, carried him to victory in nine of thirteen primary states on Super Tuesday. Bush won the crucial southern state with 53 percent of the vote. The campaign shifted to expanding grassroots efforts and holding more town hall meetings. The focus then turned to South Carolina where the Bush campaign chose a new theme, “Reformer with Results,” in order to counter McCain by bringing attention to Bush’s bipartisan accomplishments as governor of Texas. Rather than blaming his staff, Bush took personal responsibility for the loss and told them that they would finish the race as a team. McCain defeated Bush in New Hampshire, forcing Bush to regroup, with his wife urging him never to allow someone else to define him again. McCain, a political maverick, touted new ideas for reform, in contrast to Bush whom he portrayed as part of the establishment. His candidacy appealed to many moderate and independent voters, which outnumbered Bush’s more conservative supporters in the Granite State. In New Hampshire, the competition stiffened, led by Senator John McCain of Arizona. When he was asked which political philosopher he most identified with, Bush replied, “Christ, because He changed my heart.” The answer caused consternation in the national press but seemed to play well in Iowa, especially among evangelical Christians, and Bush placed first in the caucuses. During the Iowa caucuses, however, his campaign hit some rough spots. National name recognition, family connections, and fundraising ability made Bush a strong presidential candidate. Bush felt a calm confidence that he was meant to run for President and authorized Karl Rove to begin preparing for a national campaign. During the service, Bush’s mother leaned toward him and said, “He is talking to you.” The sermon concluded with a message about the opportunity that each individual has to find his calling. The church sermon that day described the calling of Moses by God to lead his people from Egypt. She was not sympathetic, suggesting that her son should simply decide. On the morning of his second inauguration as governor of Texas, Bush told his mother that he was still struggling with the decision. After Bush won reelection as governor of Texas in 1998 with a resounding victory, many national political figures urged him to run for the presidency.
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