NH Now: JEB Is Showing Lots of Energy

After his strongest debate performance yet, GOP Presidential candidate Jeb Bush joined Chris Ryan to talk about the state of the race 11 days out from the NH Primary. Despite Donald Trump’s absence, Thursday’s debate had larger ratings than the previous Republican Debate. Governor John Ellis Bush (JEB) pointed out that that 13 million viewers showed an exceptional amount of increased interest when compared to about 3 million viewers for the Republican Debates four years ago. When he was asked if his improved performance could be attributed to being more relaxed without having to fend off attacks by Donald Trump, Bush credited being more comfortable with the process. Governor Bush prefers the town hall format where he has the time to explain his positions and draw on his background to give more detailed answers to questions. The governor feels that the debates are more a performance than a debate. JEB compared this recent event to the previous debates. He admitted that when Trump is on the stage, there is more crowd noise and reaction. Bush felt that without Donald Trump this past debate was more substantive.

Another candidate who does better in the town hall format, for many of the same reasons, than the debate stage is Ohio Governor John Kasich. JEB gave Kasich credit for his experience and accomplishments. However, Bush questioned Kasich’s conservative credentials because Ohio accepted the Obamacare Medicare mandate.

Once the Iowa Caucuses are over, JEB Bush will devote all of his campaign’s energy on the Granite State. This full court press begins at 6:30 PM in Manchester on Monday, February 1st. That will kick off intense campaigning with lots of town hall meetings and appearances.