Columnist Charles Krauthammer said Jeb Bush’s probable entry into the 2016 presidential race makes him the “instant frontrunner” for the GOP nomination on “Special Report” Tuesday. The conservative commentator also said his entry will “discourage” some of the fringe candidates” from running.
Earlier Tuesday, Bush said in a Facebook post that he will “actively explore” a 2016 candidacy “in the coming months.”
“As a result of these conversations and thoughtful consideration of the kind of strong leadership I think America needs, I have decided to actively explore the possibility of running for President of the United States,” Bush said. “In the coming months, I hope to visit with many of you and have a conversation about restoring the promise of America.”
KRAUTHAMMER: “I think it is a big deal because those who would be on his wing of the spectrum are going to have to rethink whether they are going to go up against Jeb Bush and how good of a chance they’re going to have. I think it will clear out some of his wing. As for the others, there are a lot of people who would otherwise be on the fringe. It would look like a free for all. It would look like the most open seat in the history of the presidency, so why not throw in your hat. And I think it will, because it creates an instant frontrunner, for good or for ill, it will discourage some of the fringe candidates. I think it will make your job on the first debate a little easier because it won’t be a four score and seven candidates.”