Fighting to stay alive after the New Hampshire debate, Republican presidential hopeful former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., is making his campaign a family affair as he trots out members of one of America’s leading political dynasties to help his bid.
Bush is one of a number of candidates battling for second place in New Hampshire behind businessman Donald Trump who leads the polls in the Granite State. Other Republican hopefuls in the running for second are Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Gov. John Kasich of Ohio and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida.
In recent days, Bush has showcased his family’s support with former First Lady Barbara Bush taking to the stump in New Hampshire to help the former Florida governor.
On Sunday, Right to Rise, a Super PAC backing Bush, ran a commercial in New Hampshire and South Carolina during the Super Bowl featuring former President George W. Bush speaking on behalf of his brother. In the ad, the 43rd president insists his brother has what it takes to lead the nation’s national security efforts.
“The first job of the president is to protect America,” the former president says in the ad.
“I know Jeb,” the former president says in the ad. “Our next president must be prepared to lead. I know Jeb. I know his good heart and his strong backbone. Jeb will unite our country. He knows how to bring the world together against terror and he knows when tough measures must be taken.”
Former President George H.W. Bush has also been featured in recent days by his son’s campaign as the 41st president sent out a fundraising email on the candidate’s behalf.
After Barbara Bush took a few shots at Trump on the campaign trail, he responded on Twitter.
“Wow, Jeb Bush, whose campaign is a total disaster, had to bring in mommy to take a slap at me," Trump posted on Saturday. “Not nice!”
The Bushes have not always done well in the Granite State as George H.W. Bush lost to Ronald Reagan there in 1980 but rebounded after a poor showing in Iowa to win it in 1988 and John McCain beat George W. Bush there in 2000. The GOP has not won a presidential election without a Bush on the ticket since 1972.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
