George W. on brother Jeb Bush: 'I hope he runs' for president

WASHINGTON, May 1 (UPI) -- Former President of the United States George W. Bush endorsed his brother Jeb making a 2016 bid for the White House in an interview with CNN Thursday.

“I hope Jeb runs,” Bush told the network. “I think he would be a great president. I have no clue what’s on his mind and we will talk when he’s ready. I noticed he’s moving around the country quite a bit.”

The former Florida governor already said “I’m thinking about running for President” during a closed-door speech at a benefit for Catholic School’s in New York City last month. "Somebody call my mother and ask her,” he joked, referencing Barbara Bush’s public disapproval of the idea earlier this year. But despite the former first lady’s misgivings and the New York Times speculations on whether Jeb Bush’s business dealings might harm a potential campaign, a recent poll pegged the younger Bush as competitive.

“I can guarantee you he’s not looking at a poll to decide whether or not he wants to run,” though, W. said, adding some insight to what his brother might be thinking. “He’s checking his core, and as he said publicly, ‘I’m thinking about my family.’ And of course, he knows full well what a run for the presidency can do on family. After all, he’s seen his dad and his brother run for president.”

As is if to reiterate what a political dynasty the Bushes are, the 43rd president then addressed his busy brother through the media, “Hey Jeb, if you need some advice, give me a call.”