Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush said Thursday Florida Sen. Marco Rubio does not have the leadership skills to fix America on “Morning Joe” (RELATED: Trump: Rubio And Bush’s Relationship Is ‘Political Bulls**t’)
“Marco was a member of the House of Representatives when I was governor, and he followed my lead, and I’m proud of that,” Bush insisted Thursday.
In June 2012, however, Bush praised Rubio’s experience and expertise.
Rubio “has more experience than Barack Obama had when he ran, more practical experience,” Bush told Charlie Rose in 2012. “And certainly got the intellectual acumen and the fortitude to be a good president. And I have a special place in my heart for him.”
Later, when asked about Rubio’s ability to be a possible vice president for Mitt Romney, Bush insisted, “Marco Rubio is my favorite because we have a close relationship. I admire him greatly. He’s probably the most articulate, conservative elected official on the scene today. He speaks with great passion about American exceptionalism. I think he would, you know, lift the spirits of the campaign and provide some energy. Governor Romney is running a very good campaign right now, and he’s closed the gap, and is leading in some polls, but I think this would be an added benefit.”
Bush complemented Rubio suggesting, “I have a special place in my heart for him, it’s hard to describe the pride I feel for his incredible success, and how well he has moved into the job of being United State Senator with humility, not trying to be an arrogant guy, to learn the trade if you will. He’s got great people in Washington, I really admire him.”
John Heilemann asked Bush Thursday, “Are you saying that Sen. Rubio does not have the leadership skills to fix things?”
“There were two thoughts in that sentence that I had. But, yeah, I think I have the leadership skills to I think I fix things, and that’s my strength, and that’s what I talk about,” Bush replied. “And Marco was a member of the House of Representatives when I was governor, and he followed my lead and I’m proud of that.”
“But you don’t think he has the leadership skills to fix things?” Heilemann pressed.
“It’s not — no,” Bush said. “Barack Obama didn’t end up having them won them, and he won an election based on the belief that people had that he could, and he didn’t even try.”