JEB BUSH BACK IN ACTION - AT 9:40 A.M. ET:  Former Governor Jeb Bush of Florida is back in political action, lending his weight to getting the GOP back in fighting shape:

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said Saturday that it's time for the Republican Party to give up its "nostalgia" for the heyday of the Reagan era and look forward, even if it means stealing the winning strategy deployed by Democrats in the 2008 election.

"You can't beat something with nothing, and the other side has something. I don't like it, but they have it, and we have to be respectful and mindful of that," Mr. Bush said.

The former president's brother, often mentioned as a potential candidate in 2012, said President Obama's message of hope and change during the 2008 campaign clearly resonated with Americans.

"So our ideas need to be forward looking and relevant. I felt like there was a lot of nostalgia and the good old days in the [Republican] messaging. I mean, it's great, but it doesn't draw people toward your cause," Mr. Bush said.

COMMENT:  There's some wisdom in what Jeb is saying.  Ronald Reagan always looked forward ("it's morning in America"), not back.  We have to remember that Americans 20 and under were born after Reagan left office, and those under, say, 30, probably don't recall him at all.

At the same time, you can't turn off the middle-aged and older voters who are part of the GOP base.  It's a careful balancing act.

As for Jeb running in 2012, I don't know.  The Bush brand has been unfairly damaged by awful press reporting and the recent president's own failings in explaining himself and defending himself.  I'm not sure the party wants to go back to that family again.  And yet, of all the Bushes, Jeb is the most attractive.  Watching him maneuver will be high political sport. 

Jeb Bush is part of a listening tour, gauging public attitudes toward Republicans, and collecting suggestions.  That's a good idea.  There's a congressional election next year, and I firmly believe that, with clearly articulated policies and a positive message, the GOP can begin a serious comeback.

May 4, 2009