Jeb’s remarks at Liberty University’s commencement

By Lynn R. Mitchell

On May 9, Governor Jeb Bush addressed the graduates at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. On Facebook, he wrote, “What an amazing day at Liberty. Here are some highlights. Congrats to all the graduates and their families.”

He added, “To the graduates of 2015, in the words of Isaiah, may you “Go out with joy and be led forth with peace … whatever the need, the affliction, or the injustice, there is no more powerful or liberating influence on this earth than the Christian conscience in action.”

Here are his remarks in full:

“Thank you very much, President Falwell. Trustees, faculty and staff, distinguished guests, parents and friends: I appreciate your kind hospitality. And to all the graduates: Thank you for letting me share in this wonderful day, as you become proud alumni of Liberty University.

Today: Jeb Bush is Liberty graduation keynote speaker

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, a likely top contender for the Republican presidential nomination, will speak at Liberty University’s graduation ceremony this morning. He’s not the first Bush to be on campus — his father, then-President George H.W. Bush, addressed students at commencement twenty-five years ago in May of 1990. Jeb has said that his dad is “the greatest man I’ve ever met or will meet.”

Jeb showed he was serious about his job as governor when, in 2006, he was privately approached to become commissioner of the National Football League. Jeb passed, responding, “I’m flattered but I’m Governor of the state of Florida and I intend to be Governor until I leave—which is January 2007. And I’m not going to consider any other options other than being Governor until I finish.”

In 2008, Jeb announced he was considering running for an open U.S. Senate seat. However, in 2009 he stepped aside and threw his support behind Marco Rubio, his mentee, who is now running against his mentor for the position of U.S. President.