George W. Bush: Jeb will ‘rise above the petty name-calling’

Former President George W. Bush joined Jeb Bush on the campaign trail for the first time this cycle late Monday, arguing his brother is the best choice for “the serious job” of the presidency.

“There seems to be a lot of name calling going on,” George W. Bush said during a rally in North Charleston, S.C., just days before the next GOP primary.

“The presidency is a serious job that requires sound judgment and good ideas,” the nation’s 43rd chief executive continued.

“Jeb will listen to the voices of the disenfranchised. He will rise above the petty name-calling. Once elected, he won’t need a poll or focus group to tell him what to do.”

George W. Bush then warned against selecting the next president based on voters’ outrage and fear.

“I understand that Americans are angry and frustrated,” he said.

“We do not need someone in the Oval Office who mirrors our anger and frustration,” George W. Bush continued. “We need someone who can fix the problems and solve our frustration, and that’s Jeb Bush.

“Strength is not empty rhetoric, it is not bluster, it is not theatrics. From my experience, the loudest person in the room is not usually the strongest.”

George W. Bush did not mention GOP front-runner Donald Trump, who earlier Monday mocked Jeb Bush for using his family on the campaign trail and criticized the former president’s decision to invade Iraq.

Jeb Bush has wrestled with his family’s political legacy since launching his campaign last year but is now touting his relatives.

This report was updated at 7:39 a.m.