Something has clicked for Jeb Bush in the last few days

Something has clicked for Bush in New Hampshire in the past few days. What has transpired by no means guarantees him a top-tier finish in Tuesday’s Republican primary here, but the crowds turning out to see him are bigger, his delivery on the stump is crisper and some of his key rivals have stumbled. At the least, the developments have mostly silenced talk of a hasty exit and skittish donors.

“I’m feeling good,” the former Florida governor said as he jumped off his campaign bus at the Nashua Country Club on Monday morning.

Across Bush World — including his famous family members, senior aides, well-heeled donors and Florida loyalists braving a blizzard — there’s a growing sense of relief. Finally, after enduring months of bad news reports, tepid debate performances and two rounds of campaign budget cuts, some believe they’re on the verge of a good night.

“I’m really proud of Jeb,” younger brother Neil Bush said on Monday at the Rotary Club luncheon. “You know, he’s persisted and in spite of his last name, he’s showing people in New Hampshire that he is the best qualified guy and that message is resonating. He’s standing up to the bully — to [Donald] Trump — like no other candidate has, and I think he’s really gotten what we’re now calling ‘Jebmentum.’ ”