Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush explained his campaign logo, discussed the differences between himself and his brother and even got a little debate prep from Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show” on Tuesday.
In an online clip of the interview, Colbert also offered some suggestions on how Bush could make his answers sound more Trump-like at the next Republican debate. Playing the moderator, Colbert asked Bush what his reaction was to the Iran nuclear deal. Bush then read a response that Colbert had written for him.
“I will build a wall between the United States and Iran and make Mexico pay for it,” Bush said. “Trucks are strong. I will turn the National Mall into a luxury golf course and China will respect that. I promise to put Meat Loaf on the $10 bill and give Lil Jon a cabinet position which would send the message that this great nation will never turn down for what.”
Bush was the first political guest on Colbert’s show, which debuted Tuesday, and stayed largely on script during his appearance.
When Colbert asked Bush to describe how he was different from his brother, former president George W. Bush, the former Florida governor had a quick answer: “I’m younger and better looking.”
When Colbert asked Bush to name a policy difference, the former Florida governor said that his brother had not done enough to control Republican spending while he was president — a criticism he has said before.
“I think he should have brought the hammer down on the Republicans when they were spending way too much because our brand is limited government.” He added that his mother was “just joking” when she said that there shouldn’t be another Bush in the White House.
Bush also said that his campaign logo, which is just “Jeb!,” “connotes excitement.” The comment came after Donald Trump, who is also seeking the Republican nomination for president, criticized Bush for being “low energy.”
Bush also portrayed himself as someone who could unite Washington and find common purpose among Republicans and Democrats.
“I don’t think [President] Barack Obama has bad motives. I just think he’s wrong on a lot of issues,” Bush said. “If you start with the premise that people have good motives. You can find common ground.”
Colbert himself didn’t exactly endorse Bush on the show, but told him that there was a “nonzero chance” he would vote for him.
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