"I see dead campaigns."
-PJ
Posted on 11/12/2015 6:13:01 AM PST by Gil4
ATLANTIC, Iowa -- The Jeb Bush that greeted veterans at an old Coca-Cola manufacturing plant on Wednesday was technically the same man voters saw last week. His stump speech was the same, he spoke with just as many voters as he usually does and went over his normal allotment of questions.
But there was something different about this Bush. For the first time in days, his appearance wasn't mired in talks of campaign cuts or failed jabs at Marco Rubio. Today, it was just about Jeb.
"I hope you want a president that loves his country and means it," Bush said
As he spoke to voters in three different cities in the Hawkeye State, he rode high on his debate performance. Though he may not have won, it propelled his struggling campaign to more comfortable heights, amid discussions of a wavering donor base concerned about their candidate's prospects.
"It was his best debate yet," one bundler told ABC News.
Another Bush backer enthusiastically reached out as the debate was in session. "I think he was by far the best he has been in any debate!"
Along with an endorsement from former U.S. Senator Bob Dole, Bush's Campaign Manager, Danny Diaz, announced on Twitter that the campaign had secured an elusive donor.
Curtis Fett, a financial services advisor who lives in West Des Moines, attended the evening town hall in Waukee. He couldn't help his enthusiasm when he stood up to ask a question.
"You did a great job last night," Fett began. He added, "We need you in the White House."
When asked if the tides were perhaps turning, Bush told reporters that he felt optimistic.
"Look I'm running hard and I'm running to win," he said. "And I think I will win, I honestly believe it."
This was the debate his staff had been hoping for, one that focused on substance and gave candidates the chance for elongated answers -- a policy wonk's dream. Bush's team hired media coach John Kraushar, who helps train Fox News anchors and helped his father, the 41st president, with his syntax.
"He just bought some logic to being able to say what you think, just don't get tripped up with the questions," Bush said. He conceded that it's taken him time to learn the art of political circumlocution.
"I'm learning the new art of acknowledging the question and being respectful of the questioner, of course, and then answering what's on my mind," he said.
Betsy Moniz, of Oakland, Iowa, was another voter who came to hear him speak, posing a question to the former Florida governor on immigration. While she found Bush to be knowledgeable, she, like so many others, favors an outsider.
"I am tired of career politicians. Look at the mess that both sides have created and I think it's time for somebody fresh with new innovative ideas," Moniz said.
But while candidates, like Donald Trump and Ben Carson, who have never held political office, currently lead the polls, Bush and his supporters are fretting over another politician in the race; his former protege, Marco Rubio.
Bush's Super PAC, according to sources familiar with their plans, is moving into an attack phase, or the "comparing and contrasting phase" as it is sometimes publicly called. Their focus will be targeting Rubio, among other candidates. The New York Times reported that the Super PAC was developing an advertisement focused on Rubio's hard line abortion stance, reportedly hoping to weaken his chances among women. The source denies that plan.
Bush did not appear to favor that plan, telling reporters that he is the most pro-life candidate of all the Republicans.
"I don't think anybody should attack someone who is pro-life," he said, when asked if he would disavow his Super PAC should they go forward with that plan.
But for now, Bush is letting his surrogates handle the attacks. During Tuesday's debate, he declined to engage with Rubio and kept his focus mostly on Hillary Clinton, whom he sees as the presumptive Democratic nominee. In Iowa, he was asked if Rubio would be able to best Clinton in a head-to-head match-up.
"I'm the better bet," he said, an assured smirk on his face.
Tom Wheland, of San Francisco, was visiting Atlantic with his wife as political tourists. The registered Democrat agrees.
"Well, of course he would be the most potent Clinton opponent," Wheland said. He added, "But I'm not sure he can get through debates."
Throw him an anchor!
Anyone telling him it was his best debate is lying like hell to him. Senoir Jeb was terrible and he and Kasich exposed themselves to be nothing in the world but democrat-lite with their shameful open doors policy on immigration. Bush is done and the longer he sticks around the pooer his donors will be. He’s been a terrible candidate with no message to offer except his last name and America wants no more Bushes in the White House. The 3rd Bush RINO in the last 25 years is a bridge to far and it’s not happening.
Keep in mind that each state’s GOP chairman, national committeeman and national committeewoman (yes, affirmative action) each have a vote in the Republican National Committee.
It is important that everyone know who their RNC voting members are, and make clear to them that ‘shenanigans’ will not be tolerated.
“I hope you want a president that loves his country and means it,” Bush said
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I do and that’s why I won’t vote for Yeb!
He loves Mexico
I want a President that loves the USA and its citizens.
Yeb! loves citizens of other countries who broke into our country.
Well, the letter networks trying to do the bidding of the GOPe. Ain’t workin’. Yebbie falling like a rock!
We have a floater in the toilet bowl
You beat me to it by seconds.
“Dead Cat Bounce” a temporary recovery in share prices after a substantial fall, caused by speculators buying in order to cover their positions
*Buoy* Isn’t that something that floats in water?
Buoyed by a lead life vest whilst floating down the river denial...
CC
Remember when Mama Barbara said “No more Bushes, there have been enough. Time for someone else”? She got dragged off the stage with a big hook and I haven’t seen her since.
Apparently, Tippie-toes-nails-for-breakfast misunderstood the poll numbers on the Drudge Report after the debate.
Bush is either psychotic or knows something we don’t. For example, he may have purchased all the delegate votes and the primaries are Kabuki Theater for “The Folks.” Any normal politician would have by now accepted the fact the electorate does not want him.
"I see dead campaigns."
-PJ
Only 12 at the time, but remember the riots.
Learned how it went down when I was in HS
Remember...the speaker of the louse...er House...Rino, is going to be Cantored in 2016. And so are some others.
Bad enough we have to fight the demonrats but we have to fight off those who claim to be on our side as well.
Every penny they waste on Tree is one less penny they have to use against us.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
:-)
My thought exactly. The GOPe and its foreign masters, the Central Bankers, won’t give up the keys to the exchequer easily. Years ago in Utah the GOPe pulled some nasty shenanigans to get their boy, “Prozac” Mike Leavitt, the nomination for re-election as Governor after it was certain he would lose the floor vote at the convention. The GOP is controlled by criminals and will go to any lengths to keep control. Remember what happened to RFK.
“I see dead campaigns.”
I don’t know if I remember seeing this many dead campaigns at one time.
That’s too bad. Delusional is right.
Buoyed and relieved knowing it’s almost over, drop two more points and drop out.
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