Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush called opponent Donald Trump “a jerk” on Saturday at a town hall event in New Hampshire.
“Just one other thing — I gotta get this off my chest — Donald Trump is a jerk,” Bush said, eliciting applause from the crowd.
“You cannot insult your way to the presidency,” Bush added in a line he has repeatedly used against Trump. “You can’t disparage women, Hispanics, disabled people. Who is he kidding?”
CNN reports Bush’s comments came after a man in the audience with Asperger’s Syndrome asked how Bush would help people with disabilities if elected president.
“This country is far better than that. And the idea that [Trump’s] actually running for president and insulting people is deeply discouraging to be honest with you.”
“I think we should reject that out of hand. And I hope you’re going to reject it by voting for me,” the former Florida governor told the crowd. “But a guy like that should not be the front-running candidate of our great party. That is not how we win.”
“I feel better now. I gave myself therapy there. Thank you for allowing me to do it,” Bush said.
On Friday, Trump criticized Bush on Twitter, calling him “Dumb as a rock,” among other things:
I have an idea for @JebBush whose campaign is a disaster. Try using your last name & don’t be ashamed of it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2015
Weak & ineffective @JebBush is doing ads where he shows his statement in the debate but not my response. False advertising! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2015
.@JebBush has embarrassed himself & his family with his incompetent campaign for President. He should remain true to himself.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2015
The last thing our country needs is another BUSH! Dumb as a rock! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2015
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