Former Florida governor Jeb Bush, said on May 6 he will not vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.
Bush, who ran for president but suspended his campaign in February, congratulated Trump in a Facebook post for “securing his place as the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee.”
However, he said he is not happy with the ultimate choice of candidates for Commander-in-Chief.
“I’m not optimistic that either of the leading candidates for President will put us on a better course,” he said.
“In November, I will not vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton,” said Bush.
The former governor also said Trump is feeding on the anger and frustration many Americans are feeling in the country right now.
“American voters have made it clear that Washington is broken,” said Bush.
He then went on to criticize Trump and Clinton individually.
“The American Presidency is an office that goes beyond just politics. It requires of its occupant great fortitude and humility and the temperament and strong character to deal with the unexpected challenges that will inevitably impact our nation in the next four years,” said Bush.
“Donald Trump has not demonstrated that temperament or strength of character. He has not displayed a respect for the Constitution. And, he is not a consistent conservative. These are all reasons why I cannot support his candidacy,” he continued.
Bush then called Clinton an “untrustworthy liberal politician,” who would carry out a third term of President Obama’s agenda.
However, Bush said he will continue to support the Republican Party at state and federal levels, just as he has done before.
“For Republicans, there is no greater priority than ensuring we keep control of both chambers of Congress. I look forward to working hard for great conservatives in the Senate and House in the coming months,” he said.
Bush had previously endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz in an effort to stop Trump. Cruz dropped out of the race earlier this week, clearing the way for Trump.
Father and Brother Not Endorsing Trump
Meanwhile, Jeb Bush’s father and brother, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, said they will not endorse Trump. Spokesmen for the former presidents told the Texas Tribune they don’t plan to back the real estate mogul.
“At age 91, President Bush is retired from politics,” McGrath wrote in an email on May 4.
“He came out of retirement to do a few things for Jeb, but those were the exceptions that proved the rule,” he added.
Meanwhile, George W. Bush’s personal aide, Freddy Ford, said the former president “does not plan to participate in or comment on the presidential campaign.”
