Parade magazine will run an interview on Sunday with former U.S. Rep. Joe Scarborough, the Republican who represented the Panhandle for six years in Congress before turning cable news host.
In the interview, Scarborough played down talk that he would join New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on an independent presidential ticket in 2012, but said it was possible he could make a political comeback.
A Pensacola lawyer who was elected to Congress in 1994 after longtime U.S. Rep. Earl Hutto retired, Scarborough served three full terms before resigning in the middle of his fourth to spend more time with his family. Since 2003, he has hosted the "Scarborough County" and "Morning Joe" news programs on MSNBC.
There has been buzz about Scarborough making a political comeback before -- everything from taking on Katherine Harris in 2006 in the Republican primary to challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, and in 2009 when Mel Martinez left the U.S. Senate. On each occasion, Scarborough turned down the opportunity to run.
As his television show continues to elevate his profile, Scarborough has been the subject of 2012 whispers. There is a Draft Scarborough Internet site and, earlier in the year, there was buzz that Scarborough would run with Bloomberg in 2012.
In the interview with David Browne for the Jan. 2 issue of Parade, Scarborough played down the notion that he would join the New York mayor on a presidential bid.
If someone could figure out which one of us has the capacity to be vice president, I'd like that person to explain it, said Scarborough. I've been around Mayor Bloomberg, and people who've been around me would laugh at the notion that either of us [could settle for being second-in-command].
However, the former congressman said that he may not be through seeking elective office. Asked if he missed being in Congress, Scarborough did not rule out a return.
Not yet, said Scarborough when asked if he wished he were back in Congress.I think I may (run) at some point. We have more influence doing the show. There are 435 members of Congress. There's one "Morning Joe" show. Hopefully, we can keep hammering the argument that you can disagree with other people and have debates but remain civil.
Scarborough added that he would consider returning to office due to the lack of leadership at the national level on issues ranging from the national debt tomilitary affairs and the economy. But he also expressed reservations on the political system.
Look what's happened to Barack Obama over the last two years or George Bush for eight, said Scarborough. It's a blood sport. But at some point I may feel the need to run for office again.
The former congressman also offered advice to the incoming class of congressional freshmen -- including seven from the Sunshine State.
Move your family to Washington, said Scarborough. Do not listen to consultants who tell you to keep them down in the district for PR purposes. Do not miss your children's childhood. Do not be away 200 nights a year as I was. Do not put strains on your marriage or family.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
