Following Jeb Bush’s campaign reset, the former Florida governor has expanded on his new “fix it” theme. Bush is focusing on how his experience and ideas make him the best candidate to fix Washington, D.C.
The Washington Examiner’s Philip Klein spoke with Bush about his policy agenda on Thursday. Bush focused heavily on the ways in which Democratic policies have hurt young people.
Bush agreed that Obamacare shifts costs from older to younger Americans, and Democrats’ unwillingness to reform entitlements hurts America’s young people.
“Under Obamacare, they’re mandated to show up for something they don’t want to do,” he added. “It’s a pretty bad deal. Plus, an anemic economic recovery that basically makes the first rung of the ladder higher and higher and higher where job growth has been pathetic for the next generation of people trying to get jobs. So I think we’ve got an opportunity here.”
Bush prefers replacing Obamacare with tax credits instead of a deduction-based approach. This model covers more people than a deduction, but also costs more. However, Bush explained, “This will allow for a transition to allow people to maintain their insurance. All of the benefits that would be similar to a deduction plan as it relates to health savings accounts, having fewer mandates — all those things would exist whether you use a credit or deduction. It’s the way you’re going to lower costs.”
He also added that, “If you’re looking for an angry agitator, I’m not your guy.” But, “if you’re looking for somebody who has a servant’s heart, who will work with passion and conviction each and everyday to fix these complex things, I hope that you’ll consider my candidacy.”
Klein adds:
Bush talked about his affinity for policy and noted he has “the most comprehensive plans of any campaign — for which I’m proud. That’s just kind of my nature. I’m a bit wonky and my nourishment comes from meeting people that I really respect and forging plans that I want to implement.”
His policy solutions also differ from those of his brother, President George W. Bush, for a reason. “Having an option for a private savings part of Social Security reform made sense 10 years ago. But that window has closed in terms of the actuarial deficits that Social Security now has. So our proposal reflects that reality.”
Bush is also set to hold an event on education reform with Scott Walker on Friday.
Scott Walker and Jeb Bush are holding an event together next week in Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/10mpOsz5xe
— McKay Coppins (@mckaycoppins) November 5, 2015
