Jeb Bush Friday offered a gentle defense of his views on immigration and education, positions that have made many conservatives wary of his potential Republican presidential candidacy.
His 26-minute question and answer session with conservative talk show host Sean Hannity before a standing room only crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference was seen as an important moment for the former Florida governor’s bid to return to the political spotlight.
Bush was routinely cheered - his backers packed the room with supporters – but also drew jeers on immigration and Common Core, the educational standards adopted by 43 states. He appeared somewhat uneasy at first, then grew more comfortable as he routinely drew applause. The reaction to Bush was less enthusiastic than it was for others, but respectable.
Bush supports Common Core, but few others at this conference have. They see it as federal intrusion into what they regard as a local function.
Bush recalled his efforts to revamp Florida’s education system. “We took a comprehensive approach. We have more school choice in Florida, public and private, than any state in the country,” he said.
He noted that “the federal government has no role in the creation of standards, either directly or indirectly.” The problem, he said, is that the Obama administration is too intrusive.
Bush also wouldn’t relent on immigration. He supports a path to legalization, not a popular position at this conference.
“The simple fact is there is not a plan to deport 11 million people,” he said. “We should give them legal status when they don’t break the law, when they learn English and make a contribution to our society.” There were some boos, but more cheers.
Look, Bush conceded, I know I’m not your favorite. But, he told the skeptics, “I’m marking ‘em down as neutral and I want to be your second choice.”
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