In a recent statement, failed Trump challenger Jeb Bush praised Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and expressed support for his potential presidential candidacy.
Bush emphasized the need for a “more forward-leaning future” and affirmed his belief that DeSantis has the opportunity to run for higher office.
This endorsement adds to the growing speculation surrounding DeSantis as a potential 2024 presidential candidate.
“There are people in public life that are kind of check the box politicians, and then there are others they want to serve, and Governor DeSantis is one of those,” the former Florida governor said during a Fox Nation special on DeSantis.
During an interview, Jeb Bush reminisced about his late father, George H.W. Bush. He noted how his father and Desantis had both served as the Yale baseball team captains.
When asked about DeSantis, Bush mentioned that the Florida Governor had identified his father as a role model and spoke positively about how DeSantis handled criticisms at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clips from the interview show Bush praising DeSantis and expressing his belief that the governor has what it takes to succeed in higher office.
“They were trying to set him up, and he knew it. And he punched him in the nose,” Bush said.
“He gets an A for sure,” Bush added, highlighting Desantis’ response to Hurricane Ian.
“The fact that he could announce that, for example, the bridge to Sanibel Island, which could be built in record time and open within ten days, I think, is pretty remarkable,” Bush said.
“I think it is. He’s been a really effective governor. He’s young. I think we’re on the verge of a generational change in our politics– I kind of hope so,” Bush said.
“I think it’s time for a more forward-leaning future-oriented conversation or politics as well,” Bush said as the voiceover switched to another, who asserted that DeSantis would be considered a “serious contender” for 2024.
“And who better to do it than someone who’s been outside of Washington, who’s governed effectively, who I think has shown that Florida could be a model for the future of our country,” Bush said.
Bush’s stamp of approval for DeSantis could be the kiss of the death for the Florida Governor as he will likely lose the support of MAGA Republicans.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump accused DeSantis of playing games, arguing he and his donors are globalists.
Desantis responded to the attacks, ” I would say is this: I roll out of bed. I have people attacking me from all angles,” DeSantis told reporters earlier this month, pointing to his record in Florida.
Polls show Trump leading his potential 2024 challengers, including DeSantis, by double digits.
READ MORE: Harvard Poll: Trump Would Handily Defeat DeSantis If He Decides to Run for President
