Jeb Bush not so subtly trolls his competitors for the Republican presidential nomination in his campaign’s first televised advertisement.
The former Florida governor, speaking directly to the camera in a 30-second spot targeted at New Hampshire voters, says: “If you want more D.C. politicians or more self-promoters, you’ve got options. I’m offering something different.” The rhetoric takes square aim at the collection of U.S. senators running for president, and billionaire businessman/entertainer Donald Trump. Here’s the full script:
“We have an important choice to make about the direction of our country. If you want more D.C. politicians or more self-promoters, you’ve got options. I’m offering something different: leadership, ideas and a proven conservative record. As governor, I cut taxes, cut spending, balanced budgets and Florida led the nation in job creation. Anybody can talk. I’ve delivered and I hope to earn your support. I’m Jeb Bush and I approve this message.”
Bush’s first ad buy hits airwaves Wednesday. The Floridian, a fundraising juggernaut, struggled over the summer to gain traction with GOP primary voters. He has particularly lost ground in New Hampshire, host of the first primary of the 2016 campaign and second nominating contest overall; the state is deemed important to Bush’s overall prospects.
The ad is part of an initial $500,000 buy will that will run on Boston broadcast television, important for reaching New Hampshire voters, as well as WMUR and statewide cable television, through Sept. 29. Bush was running third in New Hampshire, according to the RealClearPolitics.com average, with 9.3 percent, trailing Ohio Gov. John Kasich (11.7 percent) and Trump (27 percent.)
Disclosure: The author’s wife works as an adviser to Scott Walker.
