George W. Bush needs to put down his god damn paintbrush and get off his ass to help President Biden save America from Donald Trump. The stakes for American democracy have never been higher, and Bush’s influence could be crucial in this fight — especially given the respect with which some Republican voters hold him. Bush made his presidency — and post-presidency — about promoting democracy, which makes it all the more glaring that he’s knee-deep in watercolours and maintaining a truly unpatriotic silence. Painting however is a hobby, defending democracy shouldn’t be. As Bush once said, “I believe that freedom is the deepest need of every human soul,” - now is the time to act on those words.
As we well know, 43 has a history of disdain for Trump. He didn’t vote for Trump in either the 2016 or 2020 elections, making it clear he doesn’t support the direction Trump wants to take America. It’s all fine and well to hand Michelle Obama candies at funerals or to tell Hillary Clinton at Trump’s inaugural that his speech was some “weird shit,” but enough with the colloquialisms. Bush swore an oath to protect the nation, and that responsibility shouldn’t have ended on January 20, 2009.
Maybe the paint fumes have lead him to forget how he emphasized the importance of leadership that unites rather than divides in his eulogy for John McCain. Somebody should remind him of his words, “John’s voice will always come as a whisper over our shoulder: We are better than this. America is better than this.” These sentiments are more relevant than ever with the baying MAGA hordes and Orange Hitler a few swing states away from turning the White House into the Kremlin on the Potomac again. Whether you love him or hate him, Bush can help bridge the partisan divide and reinforce that democracy must be preserved at all costs by endorsing Biden and condemning Trump. 43 has often said that he doesn’t care what history says about him because he won’t be around to see what’s written — all the more reason that he should step into the ring and help KO Tiny Don.
Yes, no question, Bush has an incredibly unfavorable reputation on the left, but his legacy and respect within the Republican Party still hold weight. He has spoken about the need for national unity, noting, “The fact that people from all walks of life feel the same sense of betrayal and anger because their government is not representing them as it should—that’s a unifying factor.” His voice and actions now could help steer the country toward a future that upholds democratic values versus careening into authoritarianism
It’s time for Bush to stop painting and start acting. The nation faces a critical juncture, and his involvement could be key in protecting the principles America was founded on. Democracy needs defenders, and Bush must be one of them. The time for sitting on the sidelines is over; America needs him to step up and speak out against Trump to help ensure a future grounded in democratic ideals and unity. That may be his greatest legacy of all.