George Bush: The Unauthorized Biography - Get a Free Blog

During June, there were hints from Bush and his retinue that he might not run for
president again in 1992. This was largely a cynical public relations ploy, attempting to
generate a story when it was clear that Bush was monomaniacally obsessed with holding
onto power as long his he could and by any means. On a visit to Los Angeles, Bush
alluded to this question, and tried to portray himself as a man whose sense of duty to the
voters would only allow him to consider re-election if he were in perfect condition.
Would he run again? "I haven't decided. It's too early. Don't push me." There was the
testy note again. Any reasons why he might not? "Can't really think of a reason except,
certainly, health."
I'd owe it to the American people to say, 'Hey, I'm up for the job for four more years.' I
think [my] health's in good enough shape to certify, but I want to take a look at it later on.
I can't tell you I feel perfect yet, but I'm getting there....I want to get off all this medicine.
[fn 45]
I'm absolutely convinced on that one -- if you had to ask me on that one today -- I think
health's in good enough shape to certify, 'Yeah.' But I want to take a look at it later on. I
don't know. I've got a strong-willed wife. Oh, she's strong. The Silver Fox, boy.
It wouldn't be decided running from a battle. The fact if there's a battle, and there will be,
that would make me inclined to say I'm going to be a candidate. [fn 46]
As part of this same deception number, Barbara Bush also floated a trial balloon that
George might renounce the second half of his birthright. Speaking of the period 1993-
1997, Mrs. Bush told a reporter, "I wouldn't mind if he gave [those years] to me. I
wouldn't mind if he didn't, I would not be terribly disappointed if he didn't run." In the
course of this interview, Mrs. Bush also revealed that George, despite his hyperthyroid
treatment, was still manic enough to want to play golf at the crack of dawn: "Sometimes
he says to me at 5 in the morning, "If you played golf we could go out and play right
now.'" Mrs. Bush admitted that she was now taking golf lessons; "I want to be with
George," she explained. [fn 47]
But six weeks later, during the course of the Moscow summit, Mrs. Bush rose above her
personal concerns to look historical necessity straight in the eye: "I really think he has to
run again, honestly." And why was that? "For the country's sake. I think he's got a lot left
to do, and I think he has to. Now, I don't want that to be a public announcement." How
about lingering doubts on Bush's physical condition? "He is well. And you know myths
get started, and we've got to stop it. The president is very well. He jogged on Sunday and
played 18 holes of golf. Plus we had a large group for dinner. The president is great."
Repeating this line for ABC and NBC television, Mrs. Bush denied that she would try to
talk George out of a bid for a second term. She suggested that such ideas were largely the
creation of the press, a slightly disingenuous posture. [fn 48]
As for the burning issue of Dan Quayle's precious bodily fluids, the tests ordered in May
revealed that there was some lead in the old pipes at the Naval Observatory. Marilyn
Quayle shared this vital intelligence with a group of Republican fat cats at a fundraiser in