Bush: Trump popular because ‘life’s not good right now’

Former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-Fla.) said Monday that Donald Trump is only popular because many Americans believe “life’s not good right now.”

“People are latching onto him because life’s not good right now,” he said of his rival for the GOP’s 2016 presidential nomination, according to NBC News.

{mosads}“My belief is that he’s a great politician but he’s not a serious candidate,” Bush said in Hialeah, Fla. “We’re living in serious times [and] we need a leader with tested leadership skills.

“I’m the only candidate that has gone after him. Everybody else seems to be intimidated by the bully. I’m not.”

Bush also argued that Trump’s rhetoric is negatively affecting the overall unity between Americans.

“Donald Trump divides us in all of our disparate parts,” he said. “He insults people [and] he garners attention because the press eats it up.

“He’s an effective politician in that regard [but] he’s never going to be president, as we need a serious leader. [Trump is] preying on people’s fears.”

Trump, however, continues to dominate the race for the Republican presidential nomination. The outspoken billionaire leads the GOP field by nearly 19 points, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average of polls.

Bush, in contrast, ranks sixth, tying with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, each at 4.2 percent.

Bush is now banking on a strong performance in New Hampshire, which holds the first primary contest of 2016.

Reports emerged last weekend that Bush and Right to Rise, the main super-PAC supporting his bid, are planning a $14 million ad blitz in the Granite State. Bush ranks sixth in New Hampshire, with 7.8 percent, according to the RealClearPolitics average.