Phil Ammann
For most Americans, the days before Christmas can get more than a little hectic.
Add to that the frenetic pace of a presidential campaign, and it’s no surprise that things can get unbelievably busy.
Jeb Bush spent much of the past week busy on the campaign trail in New Hampshire. However, the approaching holidays provided him an opportunity, along with millions of other Americans, to give thanks for the sacrifice made by our troops and their families every day.
In the spirit of the season, the Bush campaign released an update of his Christmas week, including the launch of a new digital clip called “Armband,” demonstrating the candidate’s commitment to the military, particularly those serving overseas away from family during Christmas.
In the minute-long video, Bush is seen talking with veterans about an armband given to him by Jane Horton, who was his guest during November’s CNN Republican Party debate. After Horton’s husband Chris was killed in action in Afghanistan, Jane Horton had devoted her life to become an activist, defending and fighting for military families.
“They’re both heroes,” Bush said during the debate.
In addition to the video, the former Florida governor also sat down with editors of the Conway (New Hampshire) Daily Sun this week, in an effort to give New Hampshire voters get an idea of what Bush is “made of,” in advance of the state’s Feb. 9 Republican primary.
“I’m trying to give people the sense we can fix some big complex things and tell the Jeb story along the way,” Bush said to the editorial board. “And show my heart, show my brain and my spine.”
Bush spent much of his time in New Hampshire’s North Country, where he talked about his proven experience as Florida governor and the need for a “serious leader” for these “serious times.”
But it was in the final 48 hours before Christmas that Bush was – again, like millions of Americans – prone to last-minute holiday shopping. After landing in Miami from New England, Bush and his son – followed by a television news crew – went to a local Wal-Mart for a few eleventh-hour gifts.
“A self-proclaimed, ‘speed shopper,’” writes Jordan Frasier of NBC News, “Bush suggested the possibility of a pantsuit for Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton this holiday season, but added, ‘she kinda looks like she has everything.’”
As for his plans for the Christmas weekend, Bush wished everyone “a restful holiday time and time to reflect on God’s blessings.”
