No such overarching fusion of personal and political destiny is evident in Jeb Bush. He’s running, it seems, because his wealthy supporters think that there is a vacuum in the GOP. The party needs to put a more moderate visage and the other major candidates are too far to the right. But the role of Jeb-the-moderate sits uneasily with the candidate’s own political instincts, which are more in sync with the party’s right-wing base than commonly recognized.

George H. W. Bush won the presidency by promising a “kinder, gentler America.” His son attained the same office by a program of “compassionate conservatism.” Jeb has, historically, been far less eager to hedge ideological commitments to the right. He once described himself as a “a head-banging conservative” and as governor of Florida ran an administration that was more solidly to the right, completely with support for “stand your ground” laws and a steep tax cut for the rich, than his brothers had been in Texas.

Perhaps having to adopt a mask of moderation has contributed to Bush’s lackadaisical campaign. Personal reasons might also play a factor. His wife, Columba, doesn’t enjoy the political limelight or the ordeal of the campaign trail. As a Bush supporter told The New Yorker, “I remember having heard Columba say, ‘Jebby really loves politics,’ and kind of sigh.”