Posted on 02/08/2016 2:29:25 AM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
"Please clap," Jeb Bush wryly told a subdued crowd in New Hampshire last week, a moment that epitomizes his problem.
The pundits call it lack of traction. Among too many voters it's lack of interest.
If Jeb bombs in New Hampshire, he's done. Even if he doesn't quit the race, it's over.
A year ago this scenario was unimaginable. He had more money, more brains, more connections and more governing experience than any other Republican wanting to be president. Like many people, I thought his nomination would be a slam dunk.
The gaseous rise of Donald Trump upended everything, but not only for Jeb. The other candidates had to scramble, too. Some did a better job.
Sure, Iowa is a silly place to start a presidential campaign. Its demographics are freakishly white, and the GOP electorate is anomalously dominated by evangelical Christians.
Still, Jeb spent plenty of time and money there, and wound up with only 2.8 percent of the vote. That's miserably weak, and there's no positive spin.
What's happening? The answer is, for better or worse: Not much.
Jeb hasn't made any huge, embarrassing blunders on the campaign trail. He's not obnoxious or unlikable. True, he's not an electrifying personality, but in most election cycles that wouldn't disqualify him.
Obviously, he misjudged the depth of the anger and division within his own party. He isn't the only candidate to get caught off guard.
But he is the only Bush on the ballot, and that's probably hurt him more than it has helped. Jeb isn't the one who invaded Iraq and basically exploded the Mideast. He isn't the one who jacked up the deficit with war spending, then left the U.S. economy teetering on a cliff....
(Excerpt) Read more at miamiherald.com ...
Oh do it! Read his book, which he readily admits is fiction. At the book club meeting, highlight how his fictitious book parallels his fictitious columns. Use his book to show the other members what a liar he is.
Yes, Gestapo tactics!
I think the extermination of brain injured patients has increased since Terri’s public execution. It’s become socially acceptable to deny necessary care to anyone with a serious cognitive disability.
I hadn’t thought of it like that, but you’re right, I should do my part in showing others what lies he spews.
Jeb Bush has become the pity date of the 2016 election. The Teri references do NOT enhance his resume.
That’s one of the funny things about Jeb. He thinks that pro-lifers like him. I’m glad he stood up for Terri at one point, but then he just caved on it all. How does he expect me to respect him after that?
I also heard him say something about how Rubio has never had to make hard decisions before, like he did as a governor. Then for evidence he talked about all the hurricanes that struck Florida in one year, and how he had to get relief to people quickly. I’m quite sure Rubio could have handled that!! Shoot, even the local dog catcher knows how to respond to that!
Of course, he didn’t use the Terri execution as an example of how he had to make a tough choice (and chose poorly in the end of it all), he used hurricanes as a tough decision!!
What an oaf!
Yeah. One FReeper said it was absolutely unthinkable that there should be a “shooting war” over Terri.
I can’t think of a BETTER reason for state police to shoot local police than to stop them in the act of committing murder.
Also Jeb’s BROTHER’S biggest act of cowardice.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.