NASHUA, N.H. — Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush does not want to compare his polices to that of his father or his brother George W., both of whom are former presidents.
He told reporters Friday morning when asked how his policies would differ from his relatives, he responded, “The circumstances today are different than what they were in 2000 and what they were in 1988, so there’s a whole new set of challenges and new set of opportunities.”
“The world that we’re in is radically different than it was when my brother was up here in 1999. It’s certainly light years from the 80’s. So ideas need to be about the future,” Bush added.
The Florida Republican was pressed further about where he would stand on his foreign policy compared to his dad and brother and he replied, “We’re living in 2016, 2015, so the circumstances are different. What I have consistently said is the United States needs to be engaged in the world.”
Bush finally said to another reporter that the foreign policy comparisons between him, his brother and his father were “not particularly relevant.” He continued, “What’s relevant is what’s the role of America going forward.”
Governor Bush remarked that he had a conservative record as opposed to what some believe is moderate.
“I have a conservative record, probably, you know, the most effective conservative governor. I would match my record with anybody that’s thinking about running or any governor during the last 20 years,” he said. “It’s an ‘I’m not kidding conservative’ record — it’s one of results.”
Bush noted that he is engaging in political process as somebody who is not “angry” and wishes to “persuade” others.
“I am who I am. I do this with joy in my heart. I’m not angry. I’m not trying to divide. I’m trying to persuade. And perhaps moderate in tone is misinterpreted to moderate in terms of core beliefs.”