Jeb Bush, claiming the banner of "Reagan conservatism," went on the offensive Wednesday against GOP front-runner Donald Trump, saying his immigration plan is flat-out illegal and prohibitively expensive.
In a radio interview on
"The Doug Wright Show," the former Florida governor said the blunt-speaking Trump needs to be "held to the same standard as other candidates."
"When he says things, he needs to be – he needs to explain how he’ll pay for it," Bush said. "For example, it will cost hundreds of billions of dollars to deport 11 million people. It will violate civil liberties in this country for innocent American citizens. Building a wall and making another country pay for it is not a plan. He can’t come up with the kind of money that it would take to do this."
The Trump comments begin around the 6:00 mark:
Story continues below audio.
Bush also
reiterated recent charges against Trump that he isn't a true conservative.
"I just think it’s important to provide an alternative," Bush said. "First of all, inform people of what his views truly are, secondly to provide an alternative that gives people a sense of what conservatism, Reagan conservatism means, which is an uplifting message not one that’s focused on grievance.
"And then respect the people that are supporting [Trump] today because of their legitimate anger about the dysfunction in Washington."
Bush argued Trump’s unfiltered remarks divide the nation — and that makes him unelectable.
"Right now Mr. Trump is really good at dividing us up in our disparate parts, but we need a broader, more hopeful, optimistic message with a leader that has actually done it to be able to take this message to the – in the general election," he said.
"And I intend to be that candidate. I’m working hard with a lot of support. I’m excited about the prospects of this. I know it’s an arduous, long journey, but I believe we’re on the right path to win."
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