Bush Campaign Kicks Off "Jeb Can Fix It" Tour
TAMPA (CBSMiami/AP) - Trying to restart his underwhelming campaign, GOP president candidate Jeb Bush kicked off a four-day trip across Florida, South Carolina, and New Hampshire in Tampa.
The new slogan "Jeb Can Fix It," is designed to establish the former governor as a capable problem-solver. Bush says the race is not about personalities, it's about principles - which is a nod to his flat performance in the debate last week in Colorado.
"As you may have heard, last week, I was in Colorado for the third Republican presidential debate. If you watched the debate, you probably came away thinking this election is about sound bites, or fantasy football, or which candidate can interrupt the loudest. I'm here to tell you it's not," Bush told the gatherin at the Tampa Garden Club. "This election is not about a set of personalities. It's about a set of principles. It is about leadership."
Bush described himself as a doer, not a talker — a jab at rival Marco Rubio. The former two term governor also took a shot at Donald Trump and his lack of political experience.
"The solution won't be found in someone who has never demonstrated the capacity to implement conservative ideas. And you can't just tell Congress… 'You're Fired'… and go to a commercial break. You have to bring people together to solve problems," said Bush. "The challenges we face as a nation are too great to roll the dice on another presidential experiment. To trust the rhetoric of reform over a record of reform. After seven years of incompetence, corruption and gridlock in Washington, we need a president who can fix it. I can fix it."
Bush concluded his remarks by describing himself as someone who will work to change the culture of Washington.
""It is time we elected a Commander-in-chief. A president who knows leadership involves summoning the will and creativity to solve tomorrow's challenges and seize tomorrow's opportunities. I will be true to myself, optimistic and inclusive," said Bush. "I will win with a message that welcomes all and includes all, because I will be a president who fights for all. Join me in this journey. Fight with me as we work to fundamentally change the culture of Washington. Let us seek to redeem the promise of a fledgling Republic formed well over 200 years ago. A land full of endless promise and limitless possibility for all so blessed to be called Americans."
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