CNN reported this morning that Jeb Bush endorsed Ted Cruz for the Republican presidential nomination, saying, “Ted is a consistent, principled conservative who has demonstrated the ability to appeal to voters and win primary contests.”
In a statement provided to CNN, Bush said: “Washington is broken, and the only way Republicans can hope to win back the White House and put our nation on a better path is to support a nominee who can articulate how conservative policies will help people rise up and reach their full potential.”
Bush’s endorsement emphasizes the belief that a Donald Trump nomination would ultimately be a win for Hillary Clinton. Last month, before he dropped his own bid for president, Bush characterized Trump as a “bully” and “not a conservative.”
While Bush and Cruz might differ on immigration policy, the former Florida governor’s endorsement is in keeping with wider, shared values.
In a statement to CNN, Cruz said: “I’m truly honored to earn Governor Jeb Bush’s support. . . . Governor Bush was an extraordinary governor of Florida, and his record of job creation and education innovation left a lasting legacy for millions of Floridians. His endorsement today is further evidence that Republicans are continuing to unite behind our campaign to nominate a proven conservative to defeat Hillary Clinton in November, take back the White House, and ensure a freer and more prosperous America for future generations.”
Brittany Klein is the co-author of Jephthah’s Daughters: Innocent Casualties in the War for Family ‘Equality’ and serves on the board and academic council of the International Children’s Rights Institute.
