TAMPA — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush tore into President Barack Obama for blaming his brother, President George W. Bush, for America's economic woes.
In remarks that deviated from the prepared script distributed to reporters, Bush defended the nation's 43rd president from criticism, saying that after the attacks of 9/11, “In incredibly challenging times, he kept us safe.”
"So Mr. President, it is time to stop blaming your predecessor for your failed economic policies," he continued as a message to Obama, as the thousands in the arena gave him a loud standing ovation. "You were dealt a tough hand, but your policies have not worked. In the fourth year of your presidency, a real leader would accept responsibility for his actions, and you haven't done that."
As the audience cheers died down, Bush quipped before returning to his prepared speech, "Now that I've gotten that off my chest, let's talk a little about our kids, and education."
