(Red Oak, IA) Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush last month named “Jesus Christ” as his favorite political thinker, but when pressed on Friday in Iowa, Bush named his father as his number one “role model.”
“I’ve got a series of great role models, I’ll start with the role model that’s closest to me. I would say my dad is a great role model,” Bush said in response to a question from the crowd gathered for a campaign rally in the Montgomery County fairground’s auditorium.
Bush said he’s often asked if he seeks his father’s advice.
“What my dad does for me is give me fatherly love, which is a powerful feeling to know that you’ve got a parent that loves you,” Bush said.
Bush went on to name Ronald Reagan as a great role model for future Presidents.
“He seized the moment. He has such an optimistic point of view about life…he was able to lift the spirit of America and he was able to set an agenda that changed the country,” Bush said.
In rhetoric reminiscent of his father’s “thousand points of light,” Bush also said he considered everyday Americans excellent role models.
“I see people who provide those quiet acts of kindness. I bet you know them in your community as well, kind of the unsung heroes of the communities of America who take the extra step to help somebody in need,” Bush said.
During a December debate, Bush was asked to name his favorite political philosopher, and he replied “Jesus Christ,” and when asked “Why?” he spoke briefly about the kind of life-changing event the “born again” experience is considered by evangelical Christians.
On Friday, Bush also named Winston Churchill as one of the century’s great heroes because he was “bold, aggressive, visionary” — and “very funny.”
Bush’s campaign staff paid local radio station KOAK to air the campaign stump speech live, and Bush told the crowd to “get their caucus hats on.”
“We’re getting close to decision time here in Iowa,” Bush said.