Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) told PBS’ Charlie Rose yesterday that “under no circumstances” would he agree to be Mitt Romney’s vice presidential nominee, but said his favorite for the pick would be Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio.
“I admire him greatly. He’s probably the most articulate conservative elected official on the scene today,” Bush said of Rubio. “He speaks with great passion about American exceptionalism. I think it would lift the spirits of the campaign and provide some energy.”
“Governor Romney is running a very good campaign right now and he’s closed the gap and leading in some polls, but I think this would be an added benefit,” Bush added.
He defended Rubio potentially being one heartbeat away from the presidency, saying that the senator has more experience than when Barack Obama ran for the White House.
“And certainly got the intellectual acumen and the fortitude to be a good president and I have a special place in my heart for him,” Bush continued. “I just — it’s hard to describe the pride I feel for his incredible success. And how well he has moved into the job of being a United States Senator with humility and not trying to be an arrogant guy; to learn the — learn the trade, if you will.”
Bush said “personal reasons, family reasons” would compel him to turn down any Romney request.
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