Jeb Bush says he's more qualified to be president than Marco Rubio, charging that the Florida senator's lack of political experience and his "canned" talking points during Saturday's Republican presidential debate make it doubtful he's fit lead the United States.
"He is more qualified than Hillary Clinton is and I would trust him more, but I am more qualified than Marco Rubio," the former Florida governor said Monday to Ed Berliner, host of
Newsmax TV's "The Hard Line."
Bush said he was surprised at Rubio's shaky performance at the GOP debate in New Hampshire, during which he repeated the same four talking points to criticize President Barack Obama. His repetitive answers appeared to prove New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's claim that he is unable to speak off script.
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"It was so canned … he kept repeating the same thing, kind of validating Chris's argument. For a guy as gifted as Marco is, which he is, it was unusual. He can turn a phrase, I've seen it, he is a really gifted orator," Bush said.
"But in that particular case is validating a belief that notwithstanding how charismatic he is, he does not have a record and it creates some doubt.
"Barack Obama for seven years has divided this country, has not led, has not forged any consensus — and [Rubio] has a similar kind of background. Very little in terms of executive experience."
Bush — who hopes to blow away Rubio's third-place showing in last week's Iowa caucuses by finishing in the top three in the New Hampshire primary, following months of low polling numbers — said as president he will strengthen the nation's military.
"I'm proud of the 12 Medal of Honor recipients and the 30 admirals and generals that have been advising me on military policy … People know that I'd be a steady hand as commander-in-chief and have the back of the military," he told Berliner.
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