The former president has been troubled by a Republican electorate that — so far, at least — prioritizes Trump’s anger and projected strength over Jeb’s qualifications and experience, friends and former advisers said.

“He knows that all the qualities it takes to be a good president are not necessarily all the qualities it takes to be elected president,” said Donald L. Evans, a confidant and former secretary of commerce. “Entertainment and show­­time is one thing, but being the leader of the free world, being the leader of this country in these troubled, difficult times, is something totally different.”…

The 43rd president, however, is unlikely to attack any candidate.

“Having been in the Oval Office, you can expect him to be a statesman and focus on extolling the virtues of his brother and sharing observations about what he thinks the requirements are for the next president,” said Karl Rove, Bush’s longtime chief strategist.