Bush’s comments are notable not only because he is a former Republican president, but he has largely remained silent about politics since he left Washington. He has recently written about the need for a softer approach to immigration in contrast to much of the harsh rhetoric that dominates the current Republican Party in the post-Trump era, but has typically avoided directly criticizing the party.
Asked on Tuesday how he would describe the Republican party as he sees it today, Bush told NBC’s Hoda Kotb on “Today”: “I would call him an isolationist, a protectionist, and, to some extent, a nativist.”
When asked if the party disappointed him, the former president said, “Well, it’s not exactly my vision, but I’m an old man who was left to graze. Just a simple painter.”
Asked if a Republican who speaks calmly about immigration, promotes gun control and supports a strong government presence in education would have a chance to run for the Republican presidency in 2024, Bush replied: “Think so”.
“I think it depends on the emphasis. I think if the emphasis is on integrity and decency and trying to work on solving problems, I think the person has a shot,” he said, objecting to Kotb’s premise that such a candidate it would be “proimmigration”.
“I think immigration is not the right way to say it,” Bush said. “I think the application of borders has a compassionate touch. That’s what I would say. That’s what immigration basically means, we open borders.”
Bush, who recently made several media appearances to promote his immigrant picture book, called on Congress to reduce “harsh rhetoric” on immigration and last week advocated a bipartisan approach to immigration legislation.
“I want to say to Congress, please put aside all the harsh rhetoric about immigration, put aside trying to add political points on both sides. I hope I can help establish a more respectful tone with the immigrant, which can lead to system reform, “Bush told Norah O’Donnell on CBS Sunday Morning over the weekend.
In Tuesday’s “Today” interview, Bush also expressed concern over President Joe Biden’s announcement to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, the war Bush started after the September 11 terrorist attacks. of 2001 almost 20 years ago.
“My first reaction was wonderful, these girls will have real problems with the Taliban,” Bush said, recalling when Biden informed him of the decision. “A lot of gains have been made and therefore I am deeply concerned about the situation of women and girls in this country.”
“I think we’ll see, time will tell,” when asked if withdrawing troops was the right decision.
“I think the administration hopes the girls are okay with diplomacy. We’ll find out. All I know is that the Taliban, when they took control of the place, were brutal.”
This story has been updated with additional details.
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