Bush offers hints of his views on 2008 election

Bush offers hints of his views on 2008 election

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush stayed mum on his preferred candidate in the U.S. presidential race on Thursday, but dropped plenty of hints about what he thinks are the top qualifications for the job.

...Firm principles matter most, he said. Getting "unvarnished" opinions from policy advisers was also crucial.

...He will campaign for whomever wins the Republican nomination in the general election contest with the Democratic candidate. The months-long selection process begins in two weeks with the Iowa caucus.

"I just want to know whether or not somebody's got a sound set of principles from which they will not deviate," Bush said. "What are the principles that you will stand on, in good times and bad times? What will be the underpinning of your decisions?"

I was a big fan of Bush until he wouldnt take us out of the war. But his comments were really good and im hoping that someone from tthe republican campiagn wins 2008 election. I agree with what he said bout the qualitys a president should have.