PELLA, Iowa — Jeb Bush answered a lot of questions on Wednesday.
First, he took several questions from voters at a backyard gathering at house of the Mangold family in rural Washington, Iowa. Then, he spoke to reporters for nearly 15 minutes after shaking hands, staying even after a press aide tried to pull him away. A few hours later, he took nearly a dozen questions during a town hall meeting under the blazing hot sun in the town of Pella.
This is typical of candidates in Iowa, where voters are known for having certain expectations of a candidate, but it's a lot of work for someone who, people close to him have said in the recent past, might not even try to win the Iowa caucuses. Jeb, people say, is already running like a general election candidate, focusing more on fundraising and "shock and awe" than on the retail politicking characteristic of this early stage in the cycle. Bush is lagging in Iowa polls (fifth, in the latest Real Clear Politics average), and the recent decision not to name longtime Iowa operative David Kochel as campaign manager, as had been expected, but instead keep him as a chief strategist focusing on the early states was interpreted as a sign that Bush knows he is underperforming in Iowa. But in Iowa on Wednesday, following his official campaign announcement on Monday, Bush campaigned hard and did everything retail-wise that a candidate seeking to win Iowa must do. In fact, it seems clear that the kinds of activities a candidate does in the early primary states — a lot of one-on-one and small group conversations, handshaking, and specific policy questions — are actually much better suited to Bush's strengths and to his liking than giving staged public speeches.
This was on display as Bush campaigned through Washington and Pella on Wednesday.
Bush was unfazed by several reporters following him into The Work Of Our Hands, a fair-trade nonprofit mission store in Pella, where he bought several place mats made out of recycled newspapers as well as chocolate that is compliant with his strict Paleo diet. He paid the tab, $72, in cash, and took a photo with the woman behind the cash register afterward, lingering in the store longer than he probably had to.
Bush can seem stiff during his stump speech. A joke he tells in the beginning of it, about his mother, Barbara Bush, having told him not to brag about himself so much that he feels like she's there while he gives his speech, is still coming out a bit awkwardly. During his announcement speech in Miami, he seemed unclear on what to do during the moments when the audience was applauding. But when it gets to the question-and-answer part, Bush relaxes and can roll with surprises.
During the Q&A part of his town hall in Pella, a man got up and asked about eminent domain, after handing Bush some reading material.
"I saw the signs coming in," Bush said, having correctly deduced that the man's question was really about controversial plans for a small regional airport in Oskaloosa. There are signs along Highway 163 protesting the airport.
"I'm not taking a position on a local issue," Bush said, though he talked a bit about his experience with eminent domain as Florida governor and how he believes eminent domain shouldn't be used for anything "beyond public purpose."
"I hope that didn't suck me into a local issue, it might have, but good luck with the airport," Bush said, to approving laughter from the crowd. "I assume that's what it was, right? I saw about 10 signs, so."
Bush took questions on immigration policy, an issue that is a sticking point between him and many of the conservative base activists he needs to win in Iowa; his past comments about using shame to prevent single motherhood; King v. Burwell; the deficit; and the fact that his campaign logo doesn't include his last name, among other issues.
Bush's skill on handling questions doesn't impress everyone, and it's unclear how positive of an impression he's making so far. Iowa voters are not the easiest to impress.
"I'm pretty skeptical," said Len Gosselink, 77, a semiretired retailer and rental property owner. "He talks good. Could be a good potential candidate. I'm just not sure if he is as realistic and conservative as I am." The last time Gosselink caucused was for Mike Huckabee, he said.
The fact that Bush is a Bush doesn't bother him, Gosselink said, except for the fact that he doesn't consider the Bushes to be conservative. However, he liked what Jeb had to say about job creation.
The economic pitch also worked with Trevor Martin, 35, a physician who attended the Washington, Iowa, event.
"I think he’s addressed a lot of those issues," Martin said, referring to inefficiencies in the federal government and dealing with the national debt. "I think he’s a strong candidate for winning the nomination for the Republican Party and I would vote for him if he does get that nomination."
Martin has not caucused in the past and has always been an independent, he said, but plans to participate for the first time this election. For him, it's not really about Bush himself: "If anyone else has similar ideas I’d listen to them," he said. "He’s probably the strongest candidate with these ideas that has the highest chance of getting the nomination."