Jeb Bush: Never Trump

Former Governor and presidential candidate Jeb Bush says he will not be voting for Donald Trump (or Hillary Clinton) this year. Bush published a statement on his Facebook page explaining his decision. The statements opens with his congratulations to Trump on “securing his place as the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee.” However, a few paragraphs later Bush says Trump doesn’t have the temperament for the job:

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The American Presidency is an office that goes beyond just politics. It requires of its occupant great fortitude and humility and the temperament and strong character to deal with the unexpected challenges that will inevitably impact our nation in the next four years.

Donald Trump has not demonstrated that temperament or strength of character. He has not displayed a respect for the Constitution. And, he is not a consistent conservative. These are all reasons why I cannot support his candidacy.

Which leads to his conclusion that he will not support Trump but will support down-ballot GOP candidates:

In November, I will not vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, but I will support principled conservatives at the state and federal levels, just as I have done my entire life. For Republicans, there is no greater priority than ensuring we keep control of both chambers of Congress. I look forward to working hard for great conservatives in the Senate and House in the coming months.

Bush’s decision comes on the same day that Sen. Lindsey Graham affirmed his commitment to not supporting Trump using very similar language. In his statement Graham said Trump had not “displayed the judgment and temperament to serve as Commander in Chief.”

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Jeb Bush’s father and brother have said they will not endorse anyone this year and would not be attending the GOP convention. Neither former president has gone so far as to say he will not vote for Trump. Previous nominees John McCain and Mitt Romney are also skipping the GOP convention.

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