Mixed Feelings Toward Bush Candidacy in New Hampshire
By Katherine Heaney and Siri Nadler
When Donald Trump called Jeb Bush “low-energy,” not even Trump expected the label to stick. In November, he told Business Insider that there was no deeper meaning. Yet in New Hampshire, many months after the name-calling, locals are still ambivalent about the third Bush running for President. “He would make a decent President…[but] he doesn’t have the fire,” admitted three sisters who have lived in New Hampshire for over seventy years.
“I don’t like any of them,” said a voter who was unsure who she would be voting for, even though the primary is just three days away.
Since the formal declaration of his candidacy on June 15, 2015, Jeb Bush has endured criticism from his fellow GOP candidates, the media and potential voters for being “low-energy.” He has fallen from his initial peak due to weak debate and public speaking, association with his elite political family, and reliance on his Super PAC Right to Rise USA, which is the most highly funded in the race at over $118 million.
Shawn O’Connor is a New Hampshire native campaigning to be U.S. Representative for New Hampshire’s first congressional district. He is campaigning against the use of Super PAC’s and the right of corporations to make unlimited contributions, a right gained in the Citizens United Supreme Court Case. “Jeb Bush has more ads on TV because his Daddy and brother put in [millions] of dollars,” said O’Connor at a Manchester rally, “The New Hampshire Rebellion.” “That’s not one person one vote. This is not what democracy is.” The debate over campaign financing, whether it helps or hinders democracy, is part of what fuels the bad reputation for “establishment” candidates like Bush. In this election cycle, being part of the “establishment” government has taken on a negative stigma. “We thought Bush would have done well, but I guess a lot of people are tired of the Bush dynasty.”
New Hampshire voters differ from the rest of the nation. Demographically, compared to the rest of the nation, the Granite State is less diverse and more voters identify as independent . New Hampshire utilizes an open primary system in which independent voters can decide on election day which candidate they wish to vote for. This could fare well for Jeb Bush, who is considered a more moderate candidate on the Republican side. New Hampshire voters have grown accustomed to the political culture that surrounds cities such as Manchester and Concord during primary season. “The timing is important because the primary is on Tuesday. What’s so unique about New Hampshire is that most voters have already seen these candidates 2, 3, or, 4 times. These voters get a different political experience than the rest of the country because New Hampshire gets a thorough and up close look at these candidates.”
After a 6th place finish in Iowa, some worried that the Granite State may be Jeb!’s final stop. Others echoed Donald Trump’s criticism from months ago. But Bush has recently displayed more defiance and confidence.”You know what gives me confidence?” Jeb asked crowds at a Concord rally. “New Hampshire.”
