George W. Bush praises Jeb’s ‘strong backbone’ in new ad

Former President George W. Bush makes the case that his brother Jeb Bush deserves the White House in a new television ad released Thursday.

“The first job of the president is to protect America,” the 43rd president says in the ad. “The next president must be prepared to lead. I know Jeb. I know his good heart and his strong backbone.

{mosads}“Jeb will unite our country,” he added. “He knows how to bring the world together against terror. He knows what tough measures must be taken.

“Experience and judgement count in the Oval Office. Jeb Bush is a leader who will keep our country safe.”

George W. Bush recorded the ad for Right to Rise, a super-PAC supporting his brother’s presidential campaign, Politico reported.

His praise comes five days before New Hampshire’s early-voting primary, a contest Jeb Bush has heavily invested his campaign efforts in.

Bush ranks fifth in New Hampshire before Tuesday’s vote, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average of polls. The former Florida governor is also struggling for voter support nationwide, currently hovering below 5 with everyday Americans.

Jeb Bush has wrestled with his family’s political legacy since joining the Republican primary last year. He has repeatedly defended George W. Bush’s 2003 invasion of Iraq, while rebuffing criticisms that electing him enables a Bush family political dynasty. Their father, George H.W. Bush, served as president from 1989 to 1993.