Former President George W. Bush has made it clear that he will not publicly endorse any candidate in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

In what could be seen as disappointing news for Donald Trump, Bush’s office confirmed that neither he nor former first lady Laura Bush would be giving their backing to any presidential hopeful this time around, as Fox News reports, marking a continuation of Bush’s long-standing practice of distancing himself from active presidential politics since leaving office.

Bush’s decision comes at a time when his former vice president, Dick Cheney, has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 election.

The contrasting approaches from Bush and Cheney have drawn attention, especially as Cheney’s support for Harris came with pointed criticism of Trump, a dominant figure in Republican politics.

Dick Cheney’s Endorsement and Trump’s Response

Dick Cheney, who served as vice president during Bush’s two terms, made headlines by endorsing Harris. His endorsement occurred just a day before Bush’s office confirmed his non-involvement in the election. Cheney's announcement included sharp rebukes of Trump, whom he described as "a greater threat to our republic" than any individual in American history. This statement highlights Cheney's increasing divergence from mainstream Republican figures who have rallied behind Trump.

In response to Cheney’s remarks, Trump took to Truth Social to dismiss Cheney, calling him "an irrelevant RINO" (Republican in Name Only). Trump's use of this term underscored his ongoing friction with traditional Republican figures, particularly those who have criticized his conduct or refused to support him.

Bush Maintains Distance from Political Fray

For George W. Bush, this decision to stay silent on the 2024 race is in line with his post-presidential conduct. Since retiring from office in 2009, Bush has largely avoided the political spotlight, choosing to remain quiet on many divisive issues. His office reiterated this stance when asked if Bush would be endorsing a candidate, with a simple "No." It also emphasized that Bush retired from presidential politics years ago and continues to stand by that decision.

While Bush had previously endorsed candidates in the 2008 and 2012 elections, such as John McCain and Mitt Romney, respectively, his approach shifted in the years following Donald Trump's rise within the Republican Party. Bush notably avoided commenting on Trump during the 2016 and 2020 elections.

History of Bush’s Endorsements

Despite his more reserved approach in recent years, Bush was not always so distant from electoral politics. In both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, he openly supported the Republican nominees. However, by 2016, the former president and first lady opted not to vote for either major party candidate, a sign of the deepening fractures within the Republican Party.

Bush’s reluctance to engage with Trump’s candidacy became even more apparent in 2020. Instead of voting for either major party nominee, Bush reportedly wrote in former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on his ballot. This further solidified his preference for remaining neutral, at least publicly, when it comes to Trump’s dominance in the GOP.

Harris Reacts to Cheney’s Support

While George W. Bush remains on the sidelines, Dick Cheney’s vocal endorsement of Kamala Harris has added a significant dynamic to the 2024 race. Harris, in response to Cheney’s backing, expressed gratitude and remarked on the mutual respect they share for the country. She called it an honor to receive his support, though her campaign did not issue any formal response to inquiries regarding Bush’s decision to abstain from making an endorsement.

Cheney’s endorsement came at a critical time for Harris, who has been navigating her own challenges within the 2024 race. While it remains to be seen how Cheney’s support will impact the broader election, it signals a notable shift from a key figure within the Bush administration.

Trump Campaign Remains Silent on Bush’s Non-Endorsement

As Bush chose to remain out of the spotlight, the Trump campaign has also opted not to respond publicly to Bush’s non-endorsement. This silence is somewhat notable given Trump’s tendency to engage with critics or high-profile figures who refuse to back him. However, Bush’s decision to avoid commenting on Trump since his emergence in 2016 may explain the lack of reaction from Trump’s team.

The decision by Bush not to endorse in 2024 could reflect the wider struggle among many Republicans over how to position themselves in the Trump-dominated political landscape. For now, Bush’s silence on the matter speaks volumes about the state of the party he once led.

Conclusion: Bush Stays True to Political Retirement

In the end, George W. Bush’s decision not to endorse a candidate in the 2024 election reflects his longstanding retirement from presidential politics.

While his former vice president, Dick Cheney, has taken a public stance in support of Kamala Harris, Bush has chosen to maintain his distance.

His history of endorsements and his decision to avoid engaging with Trump’s political rise underscores his preference for neutrality in this deeply polarized political era.

It remains to be seen whether Bush’s silence will influence others within the party, but for now, the former president continues to quietly observe from the sidelines.