Jeb Bush puts Donald Trump on defense, then lets him off easy

[bkepley]

Jon Ward
Senior Political Correspondent
Yahoo Politics

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — Jeb Bush still doesn’t know how to go for the jugular.

The former Florida governor came to the second Republican presidential debate at the Reagan Library here Wednesday evening ready to put Donald Trump on defense, and he did so. But once he maneuvered Trump into an uncomfortable position, Bush let the current frontrunner off the mat.

Early in the CNN-hosted debate, moderator Jake Tapper asked Bush if he was a “puppet” for donors. It’s a charge that Trump, a wealthy businessman, has repeatedly lobbed at his rivals. It’s a big reason why many Trump supporters say they like him. Trump can’t be bought, his supporters say.

Bush quickly pivoted to a real-life example of a rich donor who had tried to influence his decisions when he was governor of Florida, from 1999 to 2007.

“The one guy that had some special interests that I know of that tried to get me to change my views on something, that was generous and gave me money, was Donald Trump. He wanted casino gambling in Florida,” Bush said.

This is a true story. It was reported by CNN two weeks ago, with extensive documentation, no doubt with the full cooperation of the Bush campaign. Trump hosted a fundraiser for Bush, gave money to the Florida GOP, and had hired a lobbyist to push for an expansion of gambling in the state with hopes of building a casino. Bush killed the idea.

But when Bush started in on this topic, Trump denied it. “I didn’t,” he said.

“Yes you did,” Bush said.

“Totally false,” Trump maintained.

“You wanted it and you didn’t get it because I was opposed,” Bush said. “I’m not going to be bought by anybody.”

Having flatly denied a story that is demonstrably true, Trump switched tactics, employing sarcasm.

“I promise if I wanted it, I would have gotten it,” Trump said to some laughter.

After a few more moments of back and forth, Bush stopped talking. Rather than pressing in with more details, he let the issue drop. He could have mentioned the fundraiser Trump held for him or the $50,000 Trump gave to the Florida GOP, or named the lobbyist that Trump hired to press for an expansion of gambling in Florida. But he eased up.

More here: https://www.yahoo.com/politics/jeb-bush-puts-donald-trump-on-defense-then-lets-129257872771.html

[libertybele]

I lived under Bush as governor.  He was less than truthful then.  I didn't find him truthful last night and wouldn't expect him to change his tune as president in fact I would venture to say he would be even more dishonest. 

I did agree with him on one point.  His brother, "W", kept us safe.  One, he is not his brother and with his pro-amnesty open borders stance I certainly don't see him keeping us safe, nor do I see him maintaining the sovereignty of this country.

[bkepley]

I lived under Bush as governor.  He was less than truthful then.  I didn't find him truthful last night and wouldn't expect him to change his tune as president in fact I would venture to say he would be even more dishonest. 

I did agree with him on one point.  His brother, "W", kept us safe.  One, he is not his brother and with his pro-amnesty open borders stance I certainly don't see him keeping us safe, nor do I see him maintaining the sovereignty of this country.

Looks like he told the truth in this case though.

[MBB1984]

JEB? looked terrible last night and this makes two consecutive debates where he was weak.  I am sure his donors are anxious now and are looking to other candidates.  He lacks fire in his belly and like Romney, I question whether he really wants the job.

[libertybele]

JEB? looked terrible last night and this makes two consecutive debates where he was weak.  I am sure his donors are anxious now and are looking to other candidates.  He lacks fire in his belly and like Romney, I question whether he really wants the job.

Agreed.  Let's face it.  As Trump has pointed out this country is a disaster and the world is on fire.  We need a president who will be a strong leader.  Bush is weak and just doesn't have the backbone, passion and conviction that is going to be needed.  Trump, Cruz, Huckabee and Rubio have that backbone, passion and conviction that will be needed on day one of their presidency. 
 

[NavyCanDo]

Fact Check on Florida Casino's nails Donald Trump as a liar.
 
“If Miami doesn't do casinos, that would be a terrible mistake,” Trump told The Miami Herald in 2013.


The real story behind Trump's Florida gaming fixation

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/debate-donald-trump-florida-gaming-213765#ixzz3m12MJIMd


Trump said at the debate that he didn't want casino gambling in Florida. Two decades of Florida history tell a different story.

for more than 21 years, Trump did. He and his company have repeatedly been on record trying to get casino deals in one form or another in Florida.

From hiring lobbyists to taking a former business partner to court, Trump’s interest in getting a piece of Florida’s gaming industry has been documented in news articles from Tallahassee to Miami. Trump’s involvement in expanding Florida gaming—an effort that regularly fails in the state Capitol due to the influence of conservative lawmakers—is well-known among state capital reporters, politicians and lobbyists alike.

“Donald Trump has tried almost every year to have a casino, even before Jeb was governor,” said Danny Adkins, president of Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach. “It’s not even a secret.”