Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is ending his presidential campaign, after a poor showing in South Carolina on Saturday, the same state that helped propel his brother, former President George W. Bush, to the 2000 GOP nomination.
“I’m proud of the campaign that we’ve run to unify our country and to advocate conservative solutions that would give more Americans the opportunity to rise up and reach their God-given potential, but the people of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina have spoken and I really respect their decision,” Bush said. “So tonight, I am suspending my campaign.”
With votes still outstanding, Bush was looking at a distant fourth place finish at best in a state that was supposed to play a central role in his comeback strategy. Once considered by some to be a favorite to take the nomination given his broad network of connections and financial resources, Bush hasn’t placed better than fourth in any state despite spending tens of millions of dollars.
Known as a policy-minded governor, Bush had trouble connecting with an electorate craving an outsider — and coming from a family that already produced two presidents proved more of a curse than an advantage. He became a punching bag for GOP front-runner Donald Trump, who tagged him early as “low energy” and has relentlessly attacked him for months. In a debate last Saturday, Trump attacked Jeb’s brother, saying President Bush lied the nation into the Iraq War.
Signs of Bush’s struggle were evident at many of his events in the Palmetto State. Whether it was raising his hand when a speaker asked for Democrats to identify themselves, jokingly calling a reporter by the wrong name, or getting angry at his own supporters’ advice, Bush never seemed to find his groove. After South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Bush admitted his disappointment. Days before losing the endorsement, Bush called Haley’s choice “the most meaningful endorsement.”
Bush tried to salvage his South Carolina showing with the help of his mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, presidential brother, and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, but it did not matter in the end.
Sorry Mom
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) September 17, 2015
He told discouraged supporters on Saturday night, “I remain optimistic and with the right kind of leadership that we all need to work to make sure happens, America’s best days are ahead. With strong conservative leadership, Republicans can win the White House and we can get back to being on the verge of the greatest time to be alive and that’s what I honestly believe.”
