@PatriciaMazzei
A Miami television station caught up with Jeb Bush on Tuesday afternoon after the former Florida governor formally jumped into the 2016 Republican presidential campaign.
"This is a time when we should be celebrating the incredible opportunities that exist in this country, and yet most people really don't feel it," Bush told WTVJ-TV, the local NBC station. "They think the government doesn't work for them."
Bush spoke to reporter Steve Litz outside the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, where the former governor has long had an office.
"If I can get comfortable with being a candidate that gives people hope that we can fix some of these big problems that we have, so that we can take advantage of our opportunities, that's what I'm pursuing," Bush said.
He noted, though, that just because he's going to "actively explore" a 2016 run -- and create a political action committee to raise money -- he could still decide not to run.
"It's not an easy decision, though, because it is a life-changing one for a long while," Bush said.
UPDATE: NBC 6 aired the interview over two newscasts. In the second one, Bush said, "I'm really kind of focused on Christmas right now, to be honest with you."
He stressed he will see early next year if his political message resonates with voters -- including on immigration, where some in the GOP have accused him of being too moderate.
"We've got to protect the borders, enforce the law, be respectful of the rule of law, and at the same time be able to enocurage young aspirational people to come to our county," Bush said. "It's a win-win; I have no problems advancing that idea."
"And a lot of your base disagrees with that," Litz said.
"We'll see," Bush responded. "If I run, we'll see."
Comments