Jeb Bush to CNN’s Dana Bash: “Jeb is different than George, and Jeb is who he is.”
Today on CNN’s State of the Union, former Florida Governor, Jeb Bush, talked with chief Congressional correspondent, Dana Bash about how he plans to break away from the other GOP contenders, how he differs from his older brother and father, and why he should be chosen for president.
Text highlights and a transcript of the discussion are below.
MANDATORY CREDIT: CNN’s “State of the Union”
TEXT HIGHLIGHTS
Bush on how he plans to break away from the other GOP candidates: “…by working hard, by being strategic, but also by asking people for their vote. I haven’t had a chance to do that. I think this transition to a candidacy will allow me to be more direct about my advocacy of the leadership skills necessary for the next president to fix a few things, so, and as a candidate, contrary to someone who was listening and learning along the way, I will offer up alternatives to the path we’re on as well so I’ll be more specific on policy.”
Bush on how he’s not “just another Bush”: “Well, Jeb is different than George, and Jeb is who he is. My life story is different. And I got to do that when I ran as governor and I got to share my passion for service when I was governor and telling that story is going to be part of this. I don’t have to disassociate myself from my family, I love them, but I know that for me to be successful I’m going to have to show my heart and tell my story.”
Bush on why he should be the next president: “I can make decisions, I have made make tough decisions; I have a life experience that’s full, full of warts and full of successes. It’s something I think has been lacking in the presidency is that someone who has been tempered by life, and along the way I’ll get to share that. And it’s, you know, I’ve lived overseas, I’ve worked overseas, I’ve been in business, I’ve served as governor, I give back to my community, I have a great relationship with my life and family, and I’ll get to share all of that.
FULL TRANSCRIPT
THIS IS A RUSH FDCH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DANA BASH, CHIEF CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: You are going to make, obviously, a very big announcement, but you’ve been on the campaign trail for six months. What’s going to be different after your big speech? How are you going to break away from the pack finally?
JEB BUSH, GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE & FORMER FLORIDA GOVERNOR: Well, by working hard, by being strategic, but also by asking people for their vote. I haven’t had a chance to do that. I think this transition to a candidacy will allow me to be more direct about my advocacy of the leadership skills necessary for the next president to fix a few things, so, and as a candidate, contrary to someone who was listening and learning along the way, I will offer up alternatives to the path we’re on as well so I’ll be more specific on policy.
BASH: But it sounds like you have been preparing people for a long haul. Do you see a long haul for yourself? Is that because Iowa is going to be tough for you, New Hampshire has been kind of mixed for the Bushes historically, and that it is going to maybe take a while for you to be able to break out?
BUSH: Yeah I think so, I think, look, I don’t know how many people are running, at last count there was double digits. It’s a very competitive field. It’ll take time, it always does, people make up their mind in the last weeks of these primaries, so my expectation is we’ll have slow, steady progress. That’s been the expectation all along.
BASH: One of your friends recently said to me, one of your challenges is to become known as Jeb, and not just another Bush. What does that mean? Who is Jeb Bush?
BUSH: Well, Jeb is different than George, and Jeb is who he is. My life story is different. And I got to do that when I ran as governor and I got to share my passion for service when I was governor and telling that story is going to be part of this. I don’t have to disassociate myself from my family, I love them, but I know that for me to be successful I’m going to have to show my heart and tell my story.
BASH: Can you give me one little example of who Jeb Bush is that makes you feel like you are the guy that people should choose to be president?
BUSH: Well I can make decisions, I have made make tough decisions, I have a life experience that’s full, full of warts and full of successes. It’s something I think has been lacking in the presidency is that someone who has been tempered by life, and along the way I’ll get to share that. And it’s, you know, I’ve lived overseas, I’ve worked overseas, I’ve been in business, I’ve served as governor, I give back to my community, I have a great relationship with my life and family, and I’ll get to share all of that. Part of that, that’s important. It’s something that took a little getting used to for me personally, to be able to show my heart, because I’m kind of introverted, but it’s important to do.
BASH: One last question, yesterday was your father’s birthday.
BUSH: Yeah
BASH: He turned 91 years old. Can you kind of reflect on that given, obviously, you have a very close relationship with your father personally, but now you’re going to embark on a journey to follow in his footsteps politically, professionally. What is that going to feel like when you give your announcement speech?
BUSH: Well I’m not going to try to think about that because Bushes have been known to cry once in a while. It’s very emotional for me. I love my dad. I called him yesterday and wished him a happy birthday and he said “I’m having a birthday?” you know I think he was joking, I hope so, He’s just the greatest man alive. And I’ll be thinking about him when I’m announcing my decision.
BASH: Thank you Governor, I appreciate your time.
END INTERVIEW