“Is there any circumstance in which you would take that pledge?” asked National Review Editor Rich Lowry.

“No,” Bush said firmly — and began, as he does when he is asked this question, to lay out his record: as Florida governor, he reminded Lowry, he cut taxes every year.

“My record is clear,” Bush concluded. “In fact, my record is as good or better than any.”

But Lowry pressed Bush on the pledge. “So, it’s a principled opposition to pledges of that sort?”

“Yeah,” Bush said.

“So, will you promise not to raise taxes?” Lowry tried, to laughter from the crowd.