Unseen, but Looming Over the Race

[IDemo]

He does not speak on the stump or appear in television ads. Campaign audiences rarely hear his name.

But aside from President Obama and Mitt Romney, no one has shaped the 2012 election more than George W. Bush — on the economy and on the foreign policy issues in the spotlight during the final presidential debate on Monday.

For Mr. Romney, the battered reputation of Mr. Bush, the last Republican president, represents a burden to minimize in a tight race for the White House. The two have not appeared together this year.

When an audience member asked about Mr. Bush in the debate last week, Mr. Romney separated himself from what he characterized as Mr. Bush’s shortcomings on the budget deficit and on trade with China.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/23/us/politics/unseen-but-looming-over-the-race-george-w-bush.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

[joycejnr]

1. "Mr. Bush’s shortcomings on the budget deficit and on trade with China."

And isn't that a joke!

[Myrina]

2. Georgie ought to be on all the talk shows

The Sunday before the election, ya know ... just as a friendly reminder ...

[SunSeeker]

3. Romney actually mentioned Bush tonight.

I can't remember the context, but I remember how jarring it was to even hear Romney say "Bush."