Jeb Bush in CNN "State of the Union" interviews during 2015

On Foreign Policy: Islamic terrorism has co-opted Islamic religion

Q: On Twitter last night criticized the Democratic candidates for being unwilling to use the phrase radical Islamic terrorism at the debate. Hillary Clinton said she's following the example of your brother, George W. Bush, after 9/11.

(VIDEO CLIP) GEORGE W. BUSH: The face of terror is not the truth faith of Islam. That's not what Islam is all about. Islam is peace.

Q: Is Islam peace?

JEB BUSH: I know what Islamic terrorism is. And that's what we are fighting with ISIS, al Qaeda, all of the other groups. And that's what our focus should be on. This is not a question of religion. This is a political ideology that has co-opted a religion. And I think it's more than acceptable just to call it for what it is and then organize an effort to destroy it. The simple fact is that these are Islamic terrorists that has have co-opted a faith that is peaceful. But, nevertheless, this is something we need to fight.

Source: CNN SOTU 2015 interview series: 2016 presidential hopefuls Nov 15, 2015

On Homeland Security: Let military experts determine troop count

Q: Do you think we should send more troops into Syria, more troops into Iraq?

BUSH: I would listen to the military commanders and give them the mission, which is, how do we destroy ISIS? It is Islamic terrorism. It's not a law enforcement engagement. And listen to them and then develop a clear strategy. I can't tell you the force levels required to do this. I do know that it has to be done in unison with our allies. We can't do this alone, but we must lead.

Source: CNN SOTU 2015 interview series: 2016 presidential hopefuls Nov 15, 2015

On War & Peace: NATO should consider declaring war on ISIS

Q: The pope called the Paris massacre part of World War III. President of France Hollande called it an act of war. Should NATO invoke Article V, an attack on one is an attack on all, and declare war on ISIS?

BUSH: I think the president should convene the North American Council to discuss that. And I do think that it's worthy of consideration, for sure. If that's what the French want, as our longest and strongest and most loyal ally over our entire history, we should certainly consider it. Our hearts go out to the people of Paris and to France. This is the second time they have had an atrocious act of terror in their country. We need to show complete solidarity with them.

Source: CNN SOTU 2015 interview series: 2016 presidential hopefuls Nov 15, 2015

On Social Security: Allow diverting over 10% to private savings accounts

While his brother, former President George W. Bush, pursued a controversial plan to privatize Social Security, Jeb Bush said in August that he doesn't plan to take a similar path. "It would have made sense back then, now we're way beyond that," Bush said

Earlier this year, Bush took heat from critics after saying that he wants "to phase out this program for others and move to a new system that allows them to have something." After Democrats pounced, accusing the candidate of wanting to destroy entitlements, Bush pushed back, saying he wanted to "reform" the program, not eliminate it.

To help increase retirement savings plans, Bush would encourage "starter 401(k) plans" for small business employees. He also favors the idea of letting small bu

Source: CNN 2015 coverage of 2016 presidential hopefuls Oct 27, 2015

On Gun Control: Reduce gun violence and protect 2nd Amendment

Florida is a pro-gun state. Gun violence has dropped. There's a reason for it. We created a balance that's focused on lowering gun violence but protecting the Second Amendment, and it's a model for many other countries and many other states because of that. These cases of people who are just mentally deranged--we as a society better figure out how we identify these folks long before they feel compelled to take up a gun and kill innocent people. Source: CNN Politics 2015 coverage of 2016 presidential hopefuls Jun 27, 2015

On Environment: Let the market decide on RFS' ethanol in gasoline

In his first 2016 visit to Iowa, Jeb Bush sought to delicately explain his desire to see the RFS [Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires corn-based ethanol] disappear over time. "The market's ultimately going to have to decide this," he told the audience at the agriculture summit which took place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Bush acknowledged that the mandate, which passed in 2007, has helped lower dependence on foreign oil and boost corn-heavy economies. "But as we move forward over the long haul, there should be certainty for people to invest," he argued, saying ethanol will no longer need help from the government. "So at some point we'll see a reduction of the RFS need, because ethanol will be such a valuable part of the energy feedstock for our country." He declined, however, to suggest when exactly that may happen.

Bush's frank statements on the RFS indicated that he plans on sticking with his positions, no matter how unpopular they may be to certain audiences.

Source: CNN coverage by Ashley Killough, of 2015 Iowa Ag Summit Mar 7, 2015

On Immigration: Immigrants are an engine of economic vitality

Q: At Congressman King's Iowa Freedom Summit, a whole host of potential Republican candidates for the presidency appeared, but someone who was not there is former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. He said this at an event in San Francisco:

JEB BUSH (VIDEO CLIP): Immigrants are an engine of economic vitality. We need to find a way, a path to legalized status for those that have come here and have languished in the shadows. There's no way that they're going to be deported. No one is suggesting an organized effort to do that.

Q (to SEN. RICK SANTORUM): Is he right that immigration is the engine of economic vitality?

SANTORUM: Immigration can be, if immigration is done the right way. Immigration policy in America has to put America and American workers first. The focus of immigration policies [should be] on where we need certain skills or certain people to come to this country to help gin up and encourage our economy.

Source: CNN SOTU interview on 2015 Iowa Freedom Summit Jan 25, 2015

The above quotations are from CNN "State of the Union" interviews during 2015 (Candy Crowley interviewing candidates for 2015 and 2016 races). Click here for other excerpts from CNN "State of the Union" interviews during 2015 (Candy Crowley interviewing candidates for 2015 and 2016 races). Click here for other excerpts by Jeb Bush. Click here for a profile of Jeb Bush.
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Page last updated: Nov 30, 2021