Jeb Bush’s Crisis of Character

George W. Bush’s seclusion from the public has been so long and so complete that some, including Bush himself, have called it his “afterlife.” On Monday, for the first time in Jeb Bush’s long and troubled campaign, the former President appeared onstage alongside his younger brother, in North Charleston. Bush, who is still popular here, said he was happy to be back in South Carolina; he praised its spirit and its bacon. Then he moved to heavier themes. “I was particularly touched by the way your community banded together to comfort the victims of last year’s shooting at Mother Emanuel church, and then protest against racism and hate,” Bush said. There were a couple of proud whoops from the audience; Bush soldiered on. “I applaud your governor’s response to that tragedy,” the former President said. “And I applaud you for putting her in office.” He was speaking about Nikki Haley, a Republican of Indian descent, and her decision to take down the Confederate flag. With Donald Trump in mind, he chose to be pointed. “Thank goodness our country welcomed her parents when they immigrated here in 1969.”