Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Jeb Bush will not vote for Donald Trump in November.
Nor will he cast a ballot for Hillary Clinton.
In a lengthy Facebook post Friday, the former Florida governor congratulated Trump “on securing his place as the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee.” However, Bush said the New York Republican would not receive his support — or vote — in the general election.
“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,” said Bush in his statement. “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.”
Bush was one of more than a dozen Republicans vying for their party’s nomination in 2016. Bush’s campaign failed to take off, and he suspended his campaign after the South Carolina primary.
In his statement Friday, Bush said there is no doubt Trump “successfully tapped into the deep sense of anger and frustration so many Americans around the country rightfully feel today.” He said the anger felt by the electorate is the result of people being fearful of the future and frustrated by the failure of those in Washington, D.C., “to make anything better.”
“American voters have made it clear that Washington is broken, but I’m not optimistic that either of the leading candidates for President will put us on a better course,” he said.
As for Clinton, Bush said she “has proven to be an untrustworthy liberal politician who, if elected, would present a third term of the disastrous foreign and economic policy agenda of Barack Obama.”
“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,” he said. “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.”
