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W on Jeb Bush: 'I Think He Wants To Be President'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush wants to be president.

That's according to his brother, former President George W. Bush, who recently encouraged him to enter the 2016 presidential race during a private conversation at an event honoring veterans.

"I think he wants to be president," George W. Bush said in a Thursday TV interview,  he added that he doesn't think his brother has made a final decision. "I think he'd be a great president. He understands what it's like to be president, for not only the person running or serving, plus family. He's seen his dad. He's seen his brother."

Much of the Republican establishment is encouraging Jeb Bush to enter the 2016 race, but his level of interest is unclear seven years after leaving the Florida governor's mansion. Other potential Republican candidates have been far more active in national politics recently, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Rodham Clinton is the overwhelming front-runner should she enter the race.

"He's a very thoughtful man and he's weighing his options," George W. Bush said of his brother.

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(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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