I Emailed Jeb Bush About Guacamole, And He Actually Responded

— -- It all started yesterday while poring over 33 years of Jeb Bush’s tax returns.

In a demonstration of transparency, Bush, the former Florida governor and Republican presidential hopeful, tweeted out his e-mail address, inviting those curious about his finances to “email me directly.” (As governor, Bush encouraged Floridians to e-mail jeb@jeb.org. Many got a personal response).

Bush campaign aides said jeb@jeb2016.com was meant for use by voters eager to hear from the candidate himself, but this reporter decided to give it a shot.

So, I drafted an email, knowing that it might drop into the dustbin of cyberspace.

Rather than dwell on his economic plan or some other weighty subject, I decided to ask about an even more pressing matter: The raging debate, sparked by a recipe published in The New York Times, suggesting that peas might be an appropriate addition to guacamole. (Bush, of course, is a major guacamole aficionado).

Imagine my surprise when I saw this:

From: jeb@jeb2016.com

Date: July 1, 2015 at 3:20:59 PM CDT

To: Smith, Candace M.

Subject: Re: Hello!

I have not nor will I start now! Jeb

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 1, 2015, at 3:41 PM, Smith, Candace M. wrote:

Hello Governor,

I don't know if you'll ever see this but figure I'll give it a shot!

What's the oddest question you've ever gotten to any of your public email accounts?

Also- have you ever actually had guacamole with peas?

Many thanks,

Candace Smith

I couldn't figure out what to feel: Shock that the governor responded to me directly, or crushing defeat that I had wasted a question on dip.

Though, for the record, President Obama responded to the question today too. He and Jeb are on the same page. (This reporter couldn't agree more).

Throughout this campaign season, many candidates will make many claims of transparency and accessibility. Right now, Bush has released more years' worth of tax returns than any candidate in modern history.

But Gov. Bush, if you happen upon this article, I would like the answer to my other question.