The elder Bush's comments came amid increasing speculation, and scrutiny, over the possibility of his son's run for president in 2000. Among the questions being raised by political opponents are whether the younger Bush relied on his father's help in business, politics and military service. The 41st president, who has largely kept a low profile at his Houston home since leaving office in 1993, has begun to speak out more often as two of his sons conduct gubernatorial campaigns. Thank heavens my two sons have not been discouraged. I feel many in the media are too often intrusive and unaccountable.
Some unnamed source makes a groundless charge, and it is repeated and repeated.
It happened to me, and I expect it will continue to happen to my two decent sons in the political arena, who deserve better. The former chief executive agreed to accept two questions in writing. A spokesman in the elder Bush's office said that, because of the number of inquiries being received, Bush's time is limited. George never asked me for one darn thing in business, politics and certainly not the military. In business, he built his own company and never tried to drop my name.