Last week, it was widely reported that Barbara Bush, the daughter of former President George W. Bush, had donated $2,500 to Lone Star Rising PAC, which supports Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. The news wasn’t all that surprising. After all, she campaigned in Pennsylvania for former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 and spoke at a Planned Parenthood rally in 2017 in support of reproductive rights.
The animosity between President Donald Trump and the Bush family, which began with Trump’s attacks on Jeb Bush during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, is well known.
On Saturday, it was reported that Neil Bush, the former president’s brother, had voted for Talarico. But the bigger story was the lengthy endorsement he had posted on Facebook earlier in the week, explaining his decision, which began:
“I have never posted a political message on Facebook not wanting to offend friends whose views may be very different than mine. I’m breaking that tradition because I voted early today, and I voted for James Talarico for the United States Senate.My vote was motivated by two things: deep concern about Ken Paxton’s record and genuine admiration for the character and principles I see in James Talarico.”
Bush wrote that he has been “deeply troubled by [Republican Senate candidate Ken] Paxton’s conduct as Texas Attorney General, particularly his decision to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election … to help Donald Trump remain in power.”
He sees that “effort as an affront to our democratic institutions and the peaceful transfer of power.”
“I believe Donald Trump and those who have enabled him have done enormous damage to the Republican Party. I worry about a political culture in which loyalty to an individual takes precedence over loyalty to principle, and where those who hold power begin to believe they are no longer accountable.”
Then Bush lavished so much praise on Talarico, whom he’s never met, that I was almost embarrassed for him.
“I have been enormously impressed by the way he approaches complicated and controversial issues. He speaks with respect, seeks common ground, and seems genuinely interested in bringing people together rather than driving them apart. His faith appears to be a deeply rooted source of humility, compassion, and conviction rather than a political weapon.I see in him the qualities I admire most in public servants: integrity, civility, humility, and a willingness to listen to those with whom he disagrees. My impression is that he is a principled, pragmatic leader who understands that public office is a responsibility to serve, not an entitlement to power.”
He explained that while he’s been a Republican for most of his life,
“Character matters more than party affiliation. Our democracy depends on leaders who respect our institutions, tell the truth, accept accountability, and seek to unite rather than divide.Today, I voted against a style of politics that I believe has damaged our country. More importantly, I voted for the kind of character and leadership I hope will help heal it.”
I wonder if Neil Bush thinks that packing the Supreme Court will help heal our country. Below, Talarico tells a Fox News reporter he is “open to a discussion about expanding the number of justices.”
Does Bush support Medicare for All, an entitlement that the White House projects would cost the U.S. $47.4 trillion over the next decade? In a recent interview with Fox News, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) pointed out that 16 states currently have Democratic trifectas, meaning the party controls the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature. The reason none of these states have adopted Medicare for All, he said, is, “because every state that’s looked at it realized it would bankrupt the state and destroy their health care system.”
How does Bush feel about rolling out the welcome mat at our southern border for foreigners, then asking American taxpayers to foot the bill for their health care?
Bush notes that Talarico’s faith “appears to be a deeply rooted source of humility, compassion, and conviction rather than a political weapon.” I would argue that Talarico uses “his faith” to justify his political positions. At a recent town hall, he claimed the Bible is silent on abortion. The voter he was speaking to wisely replied that was not true. She cited one of the Ten Commandments, “Thou Shall Not Kill.”
Does Bush agree that “God is nonbinary” and Jesus Christ is a “radical feminist”?
Is he a big supporter of transgender rights? Does he think it’s okay for biological men to compete against women in sports?
Talarico once bragged about being one of the most progressive members of the Texas House.
Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) summed up the Democratic candidate perfectly in a March post on X, “Texans should not be fooled. Talarico might not have BLUE HAIR, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a full-on RADICAL LEFTIST!!”
Bush noted that he “worries about a political culture in which loyalty to an individual takes precedence over loyalty to principle.”
But isn’t Bush putting loyalty to his brother Jeb (and the decade-long family grudge that followed) ahead of what’s best for Texas, and indeed, the nation?
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY