Jeb probably had too long of a hiatus, between leaving office in 2007 and only coming back in 2015 or so to run. Had he been actively seeking an intermediate office, say as congressman representing his district where he was living, or even jumped in as a candidate for senator against Bill Nelson in 2012, Jeb could have sharpened up a lot of his now-rusting political skills. But of course, in Florida politics, Bill Nelson was off limits because of some “gentleman’s agreement” that the Democrats deserved “equitable” representation in the Senate.
A few years out of the job market, and people forget just how good you might have been in the past. But they remember just about every fumble you ever made.
I’m surprised he was considered the smartest Bush at one time. I think it was probably done in jest and I didn’t pick up on it. Everyone who knew Jeb, knew he was the dumbest Bush
Jeb had this weird tone and posture when he was speaking on the campaign trail or debating. He always looked and sounded liked he was begging or supplicating. Shoulders slumped over, palms upward, voice pleading, etc. You would have thought that maybe someone on his team would have taken steps to correct this image of weakness but they never did.
I would never vote for Jeb but, from a political management standpoint, I wondered why he continued to look so pathetic. Maybe his long absence caused some “ring rust” as they say in boxing, but he was never able to bob and weave or throw punches. He was quickly KO’d and went down for the count.