Bush’s comments are not only notable for being a former Republican president, but he has largely kept quiet about politics since he left Washington. He has recently written about the need for a softer approach to immigration as opposed to much of the harsh rhetoric that dominates the current GOP in the post-Trump era, but he has typically avoided direct criticism of the party.
When asked on Tuesday how he would describe the Republican Party as he sees it today, Bush told NBC’s Hoda Kotb on the “Today” show, “I would describe it as isolationist, protectionist and, to some extent, nativist. “
When asked if he was disappointed by the party, the former president said, “Well, it’s not exactly my vision, but I’m just an old man they put out in the meadow. Just a simple painter.”
Asked if a Republican who speaks warmly about immigration, is in favor of gun control, and supports a strong government presence in education, would have a shot at the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, Bush replied, “I think so.”
“I think it depends on the emphasis. I think if the emphasis is on integrity and decency and trying to work to solve problems, I think the person has a chance, yes,” he said, objecting to Kotb’s premise that such a candidate would be “pro-immigration.”
“I don’t think pro-immigration is the right way to put it,” Bush said. “I find border enforcement with a compassionate touch. That’s how I would put it. That’s what immigration basically means: let’s open the borders.”
Bush, who has recently made several media appearances to promote his book of immigrant paintings, has called on Congress to water down the “harsh rhetoric” about immigration and last week called for a two-pronged approach to immigration law.
“I want to say to Congress, please put aside all harsh rhetoric about immigration, please put aside to score political points on both sides. I hope I can help set a tone that is more respectful of the immigrant, which may lead to reforming the system, ”Bush told Norah O’Donnell on“ CBS Sunday Morning ”last weekend.
In Tuesday’s “Today” interview, Bush also expressed concern about President Joe Biden’s announcement to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, the war that Bush started after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, nearly 20 years ago.
“My first reaction was wow, these girls are going to have real problems with the Taliban,” Bush said, thinking back when Biden informed him of the decision. “A lot of gains have been made and that is why I am very concerned about the plight of women and girls in that country.”
“I think we’ll see, time will tell,” when asked if withdrawing troops was the right decision.
“I think the government hopes that diplomacy will make the girls all right. We will find out. All I know is that when the Taliban were in charge, they were cruel. ”
This story has been updated with additional details.
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