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Bush, George W.

Bush's Past Drug Use Continues to Haunt Presidential Bid

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As questions about Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush's past illegal drug use persist, his GOP rivals weigh in on whether he should answer them directly. Meanwhile, Bush's competitors and supporters argue that past indiscretions, including possible use of illegal drugs, should not disqualify someone from becoming president. The issue has sparked a debate within the Republican Party, with some calling for Bush to be more forthcoming about his past while others defend his right to privacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bush has not denied using illegal drugs in the past, but has admitted to formerly drinking heavily and making "mistakes" as a youth.
  • Bush has said he had not used illegal drugs within the past 25 years, but would not elaborate.
  • Other GOP presidential contenders, including Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and former Vice President Dan Quayle, have weighed in on the issue.
  • Conservative GOP presidential contender Gary Bauer said that candidates will "have to answer questions that go to law breaking," while Quayle called the issue "a sideshow" in the campaign.
  • Democratic rivals, including Vice President Al Gore and Bill Bradley, have admitted to smoking marijuana during their youth.
  • Republican Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico, who has acknowledged using marijuana and cocaine while in college, said that the question of past drug use is irrelevant in the presidential campaign.
  • Johnson noted that 78 million Americans have tried illegal drugs, and that they "would want to disqualify themselves from becoming president of the United States or want to disqualify themselves from serving in public office."

Statistics:

  • 78 million Americans have tried illegal drugs (source: Republican Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico)
  • Bush has said he had not used illegal drugs within the past 25 years (source: Bush previously stated)
  • Other GOP presidential contenders have not commented on their own history of drug use (source: various news outlets)

Sources:

  • NBC's Meet the Press (Sen. Orrin Hatch)
  • CNN (Sen. John McCain)
  • Fox News Sunday (Conservative GOP presidential contender Gary Bauer)
  • ABC's This Week (Former Vice President Dan Quayle)
  • NBC (Republican Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico)

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