By contrast, this is a bright, accomplished individual with plenty of options. He's the new chairman of WPP Group PLC, the world's largest advertising and communications company, which keeps him hopping back over to London, where he just ended his stint as ambassador to the Court of St. James. He's senior adviser to Morgan Stanley International, an investment bank, and a new partner in the South Carolina law firm of Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough. He's just bought a home in Charleston. In recent days he has lunched with Henry Kissinger, accomplished two acquisitions for WPP, and stayed up late helping his daughter study for her comprehensive exams.
Life is full, and interesting.
So he doesn't live to seek office. He'd be walking away from a lot to do so. But he's keeping the option open, as he confirmed to me in a phone call from London. He said he appreciates the encouragement he's received from some to run. I'd like to see him do it.