Jeb Bush Showcasing Foreign Policy Skills During Euro-Trip
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is midway through his Europe trip – and the potential presidential candidate is presumably showcasing his foreign policy skills.
"This has been an extraordinary trip for me to learn from people who are on the front lines of the fight for freedom," said Bush.
Bush started his European tour in Berlin earlier in the week.
He spent Thursday in Warsaw taking meetings with Polish leaders, including the incoming president.
"Ukraine, a sovereign European nation must be permitted to choose its own path. Russia must respect the sovereignty of all of its neighbors," said Bush.
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Bush has been tough in his comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin, but careful not to alienate the Russian people.
"We need to make it clear that while Mr. Putin is a ruthless pragmatist, he will push until someone pushes back," he said.
Bush bills the trip as an opportunity to learn but it certainly is full of photo ops.
From handshakes with world leaders to Thursday visit to the holocaust memorial – all of it a platform for him to speak about foreign policy.
"I believe it's really important for the United States to stay active and to be clear about the role that we can play. When there is doubt. When there is uncertainty. When we pull back. It creates less chance of a peaceful world. It creates great challenges for us. We are seeing the impact of that in the Ukraine right now," said Bush.
In just a few days, Bush is expected to back in South Florida to formally announce his decision on whether he will run for president. Everywhere he goes in Europe, though, he's being asked.
"I don't read the polls. It's fun to see them when you are winning. Not so much when you are not. It doesn't really matter. It's June for crying out loud so we have a long way to go," he said.
This decision may be the worst kept secret.
His campaign released next week's schedule today. After that announcement Monday, he has scheduled appearances in New Hampshire, Iowa and Nevada.
Surprisingly, the last appearance in Nevada has Jeb's brother, former President George Bush, appearing alongside him.