Jeb Bush About His Father: 'He's the Best Dad and the Best Man I've Ever Met'

June 16th, 2013 2:40 PM

On Father's Day, Jeb Bush had some amazing things to say about his Dad.

Appearing on ABC's This Week, Bush said, "I honestly believe that he's the best Dad and the best man I've ever met" (video follows with transcript and commentary):

JONATHAN KARL, SUBSTITUTE HOSE: Now our Sunday spotlight. Shining this Father's Day on former Florida governor, Jeb Bush. His Dad, the former president, celebrated his 89th birthday on Wednesday.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KARL: So your dad just turned 89.

JEB BUSH: Yes.

KARL: So tell me, what was Father's Day like in the Bush household?

BUSH: He's a humble guy. We didn't, like, go celebrate. Every day was Father's Day as far as I was concerned.

I don't remember having, like, a celebration of him, ever. It was always about us. So I honestly believe that he's the best Dad and the best man I've ever met.

KARL: The best man you've ever met?

BUSH: Yeah. I've met a lot of people now that I'm 60. So that's a -- I'm not kidding. The guy is unbelievable, and he keeps coming back for more. [...]


(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: I'm sad by the fact we didn't do it--

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KARL (voice-over): Losing his first campaign for governor of Florida on the same night his brother, George W., was elected governor of Texas.

When you lost in 1994, which also must have been a tough loss for you personally, running for governor, how did he react about it?

BUSH: He felt horrible about it. I didn't feel too good about it either. But I, you know--

KARL: It was tougher on him?

BUSH: Yes, it was. I think it was. I called him early and said I don't think I'm going to win, sorry. You know, I love you or whatever. He said the same thing. And he was on the elevator going down to the victory celebration where George was announcing his victory. And I ended up learning that losing actually turns out to be pretty good. It makes you better. You learn and grow. And I think my dad's post-presidency, he didn't miss a beat. He did not get into any kind of, oh, woe is me. Dusted himself off and has led an incredible life since 1993. For a guy who has been an incredible leader in every way, he is the most humble man I know. What I have learned through my dad is that humility is perhaps the most powerful tool of leadership that exists. And the world we're in today is focused on self a lot more than in previous times. A little humility would go a long way right now.

Actually, I agree with Bush's point about humility, but not about who the best Dad and the best man in the world is.

That's my father.

Happy Father's day, Dads!