Former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-FL) clarified that he was not endorsing Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for president during a TV appearance but rather expressing his support and appreciation for his work in politics.
Bush appeared in a Fox Nation special stating that DeSantis should run for higher politics and usher in "generational change" into the political landscape, an emerging theme among 2024 presidential candidates and congressional members.
JEB BUSH THROWS SUPPORT BEHIND DESANTIS TO CHALLENGE TRUMP
“I was praising, not endorsing," the former governor said to Politico after his comments were taken as an all-out endorsement for DeSantis, who has not yet announced if he intends to run for the White House this cycle.
Bush has supported DeSantis for a long time, as he was the only former governor to attend DeSantis's inauguration in January. In the special, he called DeSantis an "effective governor" and someone who could push Florida to be "a model for the country."
“He’s been a really effective governor. He’s young," Bush said. "I think we’re on the verge of a generational change in our politics — kind of hope so. I think it’s time for a more forward-leaning, future-oriented conversation."
The special drew criticism from supporters of former President Donald Trump, for whom Bush has publicly expressed his dislike. Trump beat Bush in the 2016 primary and has repeatedly disparaged his brother, former President George W. Bush.
Trump announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election late last year, shortly after a large Republican loss during the 2022 midterm elections. DeSantis ended the midterm elections with a large victory for himself and Florida Republicans.
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The former president and his campaign have begun launching attacks at candidates, such as former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and those who have not stepped into the arena, such as DeSantis.
He recently compared DeSantis to Bush, former White House deputy chief of staff Karl Rove, and former House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) — all conservatives he believes have "not been good for the Republican Party."