Odds of Jeb Bush running for president are ’50/50′

WASHINGTON — President George W. Bush is giving even odds about whether another Bush will try to occupy the White House.

Brother Jeb, a former Florida governor, is “wrestling with the decision” of running for the Republican nomination for president in 2016, George W. Bush says.

“I think it’s 50-50,” the former president told CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

“He and I are very close. On the other hand, he’s not here knocking on my door, you know, agonizing about the decision. He knows exactly, you know, the ramifications on family, for example. He’s seen his dad and his brother go through the presidency. I’d give it a tossup.”

The former president was more conservative in his estimate than another family member. Jeb Bush’s son George P. Bush said two weeks ago it was more likely than not that the former Florida governor would move forward.

George W. Bush is promoting “41,” a book about his father, former President George H.W. Bush.

“One of the lessons you learn from George H.W. Bush is that you can go into politics and still be a good father,” George W. Bush said when asked if it’s worth putting a family through a presidential campaign. “I put our family through it,” he responded.

George W. Bush said he would be “all in” for his brother if he decides to run for the office and would do whatever he asks, even if it’s to stay behind the scenes. As for their mother’s position that enough Bushes have run for president, he said, “Sometimes her prognostications haven’t been very accurate.”

NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press