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What we Believe
We believe passionately that the Right to Rise — to move up the income ladder based on merit, hard work and earned success — is the central moral promise of American economic life. We are optimists who believe that America’s opportunities have never been greater than they are right now. But we know America is falling short of its promise.
Millions of our fellow citizens across the broad middle class feel as if the American Dream is now out of their reach; that our politics are petty and broken; that opportunities are elusive; and that the playing field is no longer fair or level. Too many of the poor have lost hope that a path to a better life is within their grasp. While the last eight years have been pretty good ones for top earners, they’ve been a lost decade for the rest of America. We are not leading – at home or abroad.
At the Right to Rise PAC, we will support candidates who want to restore the promise of America with a positive, conservative vision of reform and renewal. We believe the income gap is real, but that only conservative principles can solve it by removing the barriers to upward mobility. We will celebrate success and risk-taking, protect liberty, cherish free enterprise, strengthen our national defense, embrace the energy revolution, fix our broken and obsolete immigration system, and give all children a better future by transforming our education system through choice, high standards and accountability. We will strive to put our fiscal house back in order, re-limit government and ensure that America is a welcoming society.
We will not cede an inch of territory — no issues, no demographic groups, no voters — as we unite our citizens to strengthen America through greater economic growth and widespread prosperity.
We believe in the transformative power of conservative ideas to renew America. Our nation can be dynamic and prosperous again, if we join together and fight for every American’s Right to Rise!
Join us.
About
Founded by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the mission of the Right to Rise PAC is to support candidates who share our optimistic, conservative, positive vision for helping every American get ahead.
We support candidates who embrace policies that create strong economic growth for all and more opportunity for every American to create a better life for themselves and their loved ones.
We believe that free and fair opportunity for all is at the heart of what makes America exceptional, so we support candidates who will fight to expand economic freedom, improve education, free our children from onerous federal debt, put our nation’s fiscal house back in order and make government work again.
We embrace the guiding principle that a positive message about our conservative philosophy and policies can not only elect deserving leaders to office, but also bring reform to government at every level, which can free all of our citizens to truly rise, prosper and seize the American Dream.
Source: Right to Rise PAC
EXCERPTS FROM JEB BUSH ANNOUNCEMENT SPEECH
Miami, FL— In advance of Governor Jeb Bush’s announcement speech at Miami-Dade Community College today, please find excerpts of his remarks below. There is no embargo.
“We will take command of our future once again in this country.”
“We will lift our sights again, make opportunity common again, get events in the world moving our way again.”
“We will take Washington – the static capital of this dynamic country – out of the business of causing problems.”
“We will get back on the side of free enterprise and free people.”
“I know we can fix this. Because I’ve done it.”
...
“In any language, my message will be an optimistic one because I am certain that we can make the decades just ahead in America the greatest time ever to be alive in this world.”
“That chance, that hope requires the best that is in us, and I will give it my all.”
“I will campaign as I would serve, going everywhere, speaking to everyone, keeping my word, facing the issues without flinching, and staying true to what I believe.“
“I will take nothing and no one for granted. I will run with heart. I will run to win. “
…
“We made Florida number one in job creation and number one in small business creation. 1.3 million new jobs, 4.4 percent growth, higher family income, eight balanced budgets, and tax cuts eight years in a row that saved our people and businesses 19 billion dollars.”
“All this plus a bond upgrade to Triple-A compared to the sorry downgrade of America’s credit in these years. That was the commitment, and that is the record that turned this state around.”
“I also used my veto power to protect our taxpayers from needless spending.”
My Official 2016 Announcement
President Obama has failed us. Hillary Clinton would fail us. We cannot afford another four years of the same failed policies. That’s why I announced today that I’m running for President. That’s why I need your support right now.
Under their watch, the economic recovery has been the slowest ever, debt has ballooned, and the American dream has been put out of reach for millions of families.
Mike, America deserves better. You deserve better, and I think you know it. If you’re ready for something better, I want you with me on Day One: make a donation right now and, be part of the team that will put America back on the right track.
I won’t pretend that the challenges ahead aren’t daunting. They are. But the stakes are high, and I know that if we give it everything we can, we will not fail.
Together, we will expand opportunity for all, put government on the side of free enterprise and free people, and bring back American exceptionalism and leadership across the globe.
This won’t be easy. A campaign’s not supposed to be.
But I am ready for this challenge. I hope you will stand with me on Day One and chip in $100, $50, or $25 today.
The simple truth is this: the Democrats have offered a progressive agenda these past six years that includes everything but progress. You and I know these past six years do not represent America’s best—that’s why I’m running. Our country is on a very bad course. We can’t sit by and let this amazing nation be mismanaged and misled for another minute, much less another 4 years.
Today is about a new beginning. Today, we launch a campaign to revive America and bring conservative leadership back to the White House.
In this moment, I am focused on all the opportunities our society can extend to every American.
I am focused on all the dreams that this country can make reality.
I am focused on all the parents who will hand a life better than their own to their children because of what we will do together.
I hope you’ll stand with me and make all of this possible: Jeb2016.com/Day-One
I make you the promise here and now that I will campaign as I would serve: I will go everywhere, speak to everyone, keep my word, face the tough issues without flinching, and stay true to what I believe.
I will take nothing, and no one for granted. I will run with heart, and together, we will win.
It begins now.
I’m Jeb Bush, and I’m asking for your support on Day One: Jeb2016.com/Day-One
Source: Jeb 2016
EXCERPTS FROM JEB BUSH ANNOUNCEMENT SPEECH
Miami, FL— In advance of Governor Jeb Bush’s announcement speech at Miami-Dade Community College today, please find excerpts of his remarks below. There is no embargo.
“We will take command of our future once again in this country.”
“We will lift our sights again, make opportunity common again, get events in the world moving our way again.”
“We will take Washington – the static capital of this dynamic country – out of the business of causing problems.”
“We will get back on the side of free enterprise and free people.”
“I know we can fix this. Because I’ve done it.”
...
“In any language, my message will be an optimistic one because I am certain that we can make the decades just ahead in America the greatest time ever to be alive in this world.”
“That chance, that hope requires the best that is in us, and I will give it my all.”
“I will campaign as I would serve, going everywhere, speaking to everyone, keeping my word, facing the issues without flinching, and staying true to what I believe.“
“I will take nothing and no one for granted. I will run with heart. I will run to win. “
…
“We made Florida number one in job creation and number one in small business creation. 1.3 million new jobs, 4.4 percent growth, higher family income, eight balanced budgets, and tax cuts eight years in a row that saved our people and businesses 19 billion dollars.”
“All this plus a bond upgrade to Triple-A compared to the sorry downgrade of America’s credit in these years. That was the commitment, and that is the record that turned this state around.”
“I also used my veto power to protect our taxpayers from needless spending.”
My Official 2016 Announcement
President Obama has failed us. Hillary Clinton would fail us. We cannot afford another four years of the same failed policies. That’s why I announced today that I’m running for President. That’s why I need your support right now.
Under their watch, the economic recovery has been the slowest ever, debt has ballooned, and the American dream has been put out of reach for millions of families.
Mike, America deserves better. You deserve better, and I think you know it. If you’re ready for something better, I want you with me on Day One: make a donation right now and, be part of the team that will put America back on the right track.
I won’t pretend that the challenges ahead aren’t daunting. They are. But the stakes are high, and I know that if we give it everything we can, we will not fail.
Together, we will expand opportunity for all, put government on the side of free enterprise and free people, and bring back American exceptionalism and leadership across the globe.
This won’t be easy. A campaign’s not supposed to be.
But I am ready for this challenge. I hope you will stand with me on Day One and chip in $100, $50, or $25 today.
The simple truth is this: the Democrats have offered a progressive agenda these past six years that includes everything but progress. You and I know these past six years do not represent America’s best—that’s why I’m running. Our country is on a very bad course. We can’t sit by and let this amazing nation be mismanaged and misled for another minute, much less another 4 years.
Today is about a new beginning. Today, we launch a campaign to revive America and bring conservative leadership back to the White House.
In this moment, I am focused on all the opportunities our society can extend to every American.
I am focused on all the dreams that this country can make reality.
I am focused on all the parents who will hand a life better than their own to their children because of what we will do together.
I hope you’ll stand with me and make all of this possible: Jeb2016.com/Day-One
I make you the promise here and now that I will campaign as I would serve: I will go everywhere, speak to everyone, keep my word, face the tough issues without flinching, and stay true to what I believe.
I will take nothing, and no one for granted. I will run with heart, and together, we will win.
It begins now.
I’m Jeb Bush, and I’m asking for your support on Day One: Jeb2016.com/Day-One
Source: Jeb 2016
JEB BUSH’S “JEB CAN FIX IT” REMARKS
Tampa, FL — Governor Jeb Bush's remarks at the Tampa Garden Club today, Monday November 2, 2015 are below.
“Thank you. It’s great to be in Tampa with so many friends.
“Today, we begin a four-day trip across Florida, South Carolina, and New Hampshire to tell the Florida story.
“The story of a big, diverse state, shaped by conservative, results-oriented leadership.
“Reforming government. Disrupting the status quo. Challenging the special interests. Restoring opportunity. Refusing to compromise in the defense of freedom. Lifting people up, not tearing them down.
“Standing up for everyone.
“Our story is about action.
“Doing, not just talking.
“Listening, not just lecturing.
“That is my story. And I’m so grateful and honored to have had the opportunity to lead this great state as your governor.
“Last year, I decided that I wanted to share my story with people across the country.
“So, I wrote a book.
“Well really, I didn’t write it. Not in a traditional sense. I emailed it!
“They used to call me the e-governor.
“For eight years, I gave out my jeb@jeb.org email address to anyone who wanted to talk to me.
“And email they did!
“People across the state told me their stories.
“Sometimes they asked questions.
“Sometimes they asked for help.
“One lady asked me to get a raccoon out of her attic, and I got my team right on it!
“But Floridians always gave me their opinions.
“And man, they didn’t hold back.
“So, I listened. I tried to answer every email.
“It wasn’t something I could have predicted at the start of my time in office, but this 8-year conversation with Florida shaped my governorship.
“So, in writing my book, I used my email exchanges to tell the Florida story. To tell about the work to turn one of America’s largest states into an economic engine where people could live, work and raise their family in safety and security…
“With huge promise for the future and free from the heavy hand of government.
“That is what my book is about.
“Here is my shameless plug:
“The book is called ‘Reply All.’ It’s out today and you can get it on Amazon.com.
“Going back and re-reading these emails reminded me of the challenges we tackled together and how much can be accomplished with str ong, conservative leadership.
“That is why I am running for the Presidency of the United States.
“You see, America is in a time of testing, at home and abroad.
“People are frustrated.
“People are worried about what the future holds for our nation.
“And I share that sentiment with them.
“Our economy has suffered its slowest recovery since the Great Depression.
“One in ten able-bodied Americans can’t find full-time work, or have given up looking altogether.
“One in seven Americans lives in poverty.
“One in five children is on food stamps.
“Barack Obama has given us two trillion dollars of new taxes, but still managed to grow the national debt by eight trillion – placing an immoral burden on working families and the next generation.
“The world is in turmoil, as America withdraws from its responsibilities.
“ISIS has declared a Caliphate the size of Indiana.
“In Syria and Iraq, they are indiscriminately killing moderate Muslims, Christians, Western journalists …anyone who stands in the way of their fanatic ideology.
“Red lines get crossed without consequence, unleashing a humanitarian crisis as four million Syrian refugees flee their native land.
“Vladimir Putin is siding with the brutal Syrian dictator; sending weapons systems to Iran; and continuing to defy the Western world in Ukraine.
“All the while, our President has negotiated an agreement that gives legitimacy to Tehran and does nothing to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“For the first time in the history of Israel, its greatest existential threat has been created by its greatest ally.
“The 2016 election arrives at the juncture of our failures abroad, and restlessness at home.
“And soon, Americans will once again enter a time for choosing …
“A chance to set a new course for the country.
“As you may have heard, last week, I was in Colorado for the third Republican presidential debate.
“If you watched the debate, you probably came away thinking this election is about sound bites…or fantasy football…or which candidate can interrupt the loudest.
“I’m here to tell you it’s not.
“This election is not about a set of personalities. It’s about a set of principles.
“It is about leadership.
“It is about the right vision to lead America through turbulent waters, after two terms of a divider-in-chief who has sliced and diced the electorate by class, income, grievance and creed.
“So the choice we face is whether to summon the courage to give rise to an era of new possibility or to indulge this new age of cynicism.
“For all his promise, perhaps President Obama’s greatest accomplishment is that of creating competing pessimisms.
“Members of his own party are left explaining how two percent growth, massive debt, and increasing global isolation are really the best we can do.
“They speak in delusional terms about containing ISIS; about trusting the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism; about how the presence of Russian soldiers on Syrian soil doesn’t underscore the president’s empty words and total inaction.
“It’s not working.
“And all President Obama has left is the politics of divide and conquer. Signing lawless executive orders that ignore the Constitution and launching partisan attacks, such as comparing his critics to Iranian hard-liners.
“Americans have had enough of our president’s many strawman arguments.
“And, of a front-running candidate who blames a vast right wing conspiracy instead of taking personal responsibility, and who declares roughly half the country is her enemy.
“If Secretary Clinton has her way, the next four years will be like the last eight: gridlock, grievance, division, demonization.
“This is the only way they know how to win.
“On the issue of immigration, they have written a script for Republicans, filled with grievance and resentment.
“Frankly, the last thing they want is a Republican challenger who takes them out of their comfort zone of forced indignation and PC platitudes.
“But let me be clear: I’m not stepping into the role of “angry agitator” that they have created for us, because it’s not what’s in my heart.
“It is not true to the conservative cause. And, in the end, that role is just a bit part in the story of another conservative loss and another liberal victory.
“That’s their plan, and I’m not going to play along.
“But I fear the President has already succeeded in setting the trap for our party, bringing a new pessimism on the right.
“Some people on the debate stage talked of a country that was once great, but now is in dramatic decline.
“They say our best days are behind us.
“I acknowledge the difficulties and challenges we face.
“But I reject this kind of thinking.
“Not because I don’t understand it, but because I know it is not true.
“There is an important place in our politics for righteous indignation.
“But anger that leads to resentment without delivering results will take us down a path to perdition.
“I believe America’s best days are not behind us, but squarely in front of us. If we elect the right leadership.
“And as your President, I will fight every day with a reformer’s heart.
“I will lead.
“And I will tear down the barriers that keep Americans from rising up and realizing their God-given potential.
“I will do so keenly aware of the problems that give rise to the deep frustration all of us share …frustration over a porous border… workers’ wages remaining stagnant …and an ever-shrinking pie for families living paycheck to paycheck.
“This won’t be solved with more talk.
“The answer isn’t sending someone from one side of the capital city to the other.
“The solution won’t be found in someone who has never demonstrated the capacity to implement conservative ideas.
“And you can’t just tell Congress… ‘You’re Fired’… and go to a commercial break.
“You have to bring people together to solve problems.
“The challenges we face as a nation are too great to roll the dice on another presidential experiment.
“To trust the rhetoric of reform over a record of reform.
“After seven years of incompetence, corruption and gridlock in Washington, we need a president who can fix it.
“I can fix it.
“After seven years of historic cuts to our military…a foreign policy based on leading from behind…the emboldening of our enemies and the isolation of our allies…we need a president who fixes America’s standing abroad.
“I can fix it.
“After seven years of massive deficits, historic debt, and a president who vetoes defense spending because he wants more reckless spending, we need a president who fixes our budgetary mess.
“I can fix it.
“I know I can fix it…because I’ve done it.
“In Florida, we showed how strong, hands-on leadership could make a difference in the lives of people.
“I gave out my e-mail address because I wanted Floridians to know that their governor cared about them and wanted to help solve their problems.
“I remember emailing with an honor student named Kirsty Edwards who couldn’t pass the FCAT to graduate because of her disability.
“We listened and changed the law so Kirsty could get her high school diploma and go onto graduate from college.
“I remember emailing with single moms like Tina Calloway who needed help collecting child support from absent fathers.
“Their calls for assistance motivated us to increase child support collection by 90 percent.
“And I remember emailing with teachers like Alleen Miller who joined our cause of improving schools, even though their union pressured them to fight us every step of the way.
“I went to Tallahassee as an agent of change.
“I turned the political culture of Tallahassee upside down.
“I’m putting The Beltway on notice. I’ll turn Washington upside down too.
“We took on the teachers union to make Florida a national leader in parental choice and school accountability.
“We took on the public employee union to shrink the size of the state bureaucracy by 11 percent.
“We took on trial lawyers to rein in frivolous lawsuits and make our business climate more conducive to small business growth.
“And we took on big spending politicians from both parties to balance eight budgets and cut taxes eight years in a row by a total of $19 billion dollars.
“By the way, I vetoed 2,500 line items, eliminating more than $2 billion dollars of pork-barrel spending.
“My good friend and the Speaker of the House, John Thrasher, reacted by calling me Veto Corleone.
“That was not meant as a term of endearment at the time, but I wear it as a badge of honor today.
“The story of my governorship was one of using conservative principles to provide people with opportunity to improve their lives.
“I governed on the premise that there are no second class citizens. No second rate dreams. In America, every citizen is an asset. Every life matters.
“And every American has a right to rise to their God-given potential.
“If you want a president who maintains the status quo, I am not your candidate.
“But if you want fundamental conservative reform…reform that can be found in the record, not just the rhetoric…then I ask for your support.
“Our times are difficult, but not nearly as difficult as what Lincoln faced when he took office … what FDR faced on December 8th of 1941.
“We have long been blessed with a benevolent presidency. Leaders who turned both our highest hopes and our worst fears into dramatic, lasting change that left the world a better place.
“Leaders who held the nation’s highest office with humility. Who went on bended knee before God, asking His help in carrying out orders that would determine the fate of millions.
“It was Lincoln who spoke at his second Inauguration … a few weeks before the end of the war … soothing words of healing and hope, ‘With malice toward none, with charity for all. With firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in…’
“If Lincoln were alive today, imagine the foolishness he would have to suffer.
“Advisers telling him to shave his beard.
“Cable pundits telling him to lose the top hat.
“Opposition researchers calling him a five-time loser before the age of 50.
“I have gotten a lot of advice lately myself…more than enough.
Some is stylistic. Take off the suit coat. Ditch the glasses. Get rid of the purple striped tie.
“Man, I like that tie.
“Some advice is more strategic. Nail that zinger. Be angrier. Hide your inner wonk.
“But I have learned two important things from my time serving the people of Florida:
“One, I can’t be someone I’m not.
“And, two, getting things done isn’t about yelling into a camera, or regurgitating sound bites free of substance.
“The campaign trail is littered with candidates disguised as television critics. Politicians echoing poll-tested pabulum.
“But leadership is something far different.
“It’s not about telling people what they want to hear, but what they must hear.
“It’s not about saying the right thing, but doing the right thing.
“And it’s not about tearing people down, but about bringing people together.
“I will do everything in my power to win this race, but there are some things I am not willing to do:
“I will not compromise my principles,
“I will not trade in an optimistic outlook to put on the cloak of an angry agitator.
“And I will not make anyone feel small so I can feel big.
“Americans are looking for a president, not a pundit…a leader and not a protester.
“For seven years we have been led by a cynic-in-chief.
“It is time we elected a Commander-in-chief.
“A president who knows leadership involves summoning the will and creativity to solve tomorrow’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
“I am running this campaign on my own terms. And let me tell you something: when the dust clears, and the delegates are counted, we will win this campaign.
“I will be true to myself, optimistic and inclusive.
“I will win appealing to our better angels, and not our greatest fears.
“And I will win with a message that welcomes all and includes all, because I will be a president who fights for all.
“Join me in this journey. Fight with me as we work to fundamentally change the culture of Washington.
“Let us seek to redeem the promise of a fledgling Republic formed well over 200 years ago.
“A land full of endless promise and limitless possibility for all so blessed to be called Americans.
“The future is in our hands.
“Let us seize it together with faith, hope and trust. In ourselves. In one another. In the God who made us and guides us.
“Thank you. God bless America.”
Source: Jeb 2016
GOVERNOR JEB BUSH DELIVERS THANK YOU SPEECH
Miami, FL – Tonight, Governor Jeb Bush delivered a thank you speech to his supporters in Columbia, South Carolina. Text of the remarks are below.
Text:
When I began this journey in Miami, I committed that, I would campaign as I would serve, going everywhere, speaking to everyone, keeping my word, facing the issues without flinching, and staying true to what I believe. For the better part of a year, I have endeavored to do just exactly that. I have put forward a vision for America that includes all and includes all...because our country deserves a president for everyone.
The presidency is bigger than any one person… and it is certainly bigger than any candidate. This is not, we’re different in our country because our head of state is not above us, but because the head of state, the people who aspire to the presidency are of the people. In a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” we elect a president like us…imperfect under God’s watchful eye.
I have had a front row seat to this office for much of my adult life. I have seen fallible men rise up to the challenges of our time, with humility, and clarity of purpose… to make our nation safer, stronger, and freer. I firmly believe the American people must entrust this office to someone who understands that whoever holds it is the servant, not the master. Someone who will commit to that service with honor and decency.
Our next president will lead an extraordinary country, whose people have always made the improbable, possible… in ways big and small.
Every day, Americans test the boundaries of freedom and achieve more than what they could have dreamed. But over the last seven years, our nation’s bright light has become little more than a flicker. We have retreated from the world stage. The American values that have brought peace and opportunity are fading. That is not the America we know and love. America is a country that thinks big, acts boldly and leads without apology. It will be up to the next president to restore that kind of leadership. I’m proud of the campaign that we have run to unify the country.
And to advocate for conservative solutions that would give more Americans the opportunity to rise up and reach their God-given potential. But the people of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have spoken. I respect their decision.
So, tonight, I am suspending my campaign. I congratulate my competitors, that are remaining on the island, on their success in a race that has been hard-fought, just as the contest for the presidency should be because it is a tough job.
In this campaign I have stood my ground, refusing to bend with the political winds. We put forward detailed, innovative, conservative plans to address the mounting challenges that we face.
Because despite what you may have heard. Ideas matter, policy matters. I truly hope that these ideas that we have laid out will serve as a blueprint for a generation of conservatives leaders at every level of government so that we can take back our country. We laid out plans on everything from reforming our tax and regulatory system, to reviving our economy, to rebuilding our military, to fixing the VA once and for all.
Finally, I am grateful to Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, for his steadfast support and his amazing humor. He stole the line that I’m now saying which is that he has become a friend for life. I thank all of the Jeb alumni, many of them are here that have been going door-to-door all across the country, who put their lives on hold for this cause.
To my mom and brother, who came here to South Carolina, America truly loves them and respects them and so do I. I want to thank all of my family, 2.0 is always back there in the back.
To my dad, who has always served an inspiration to me and is the greatest man alive. To the volunteers and supporters I have met along this incredible journey. And to all the fellow “grinders” on our campaign, our staff who never ever gave up.
I’ve had an incredible life and for me, public service has been the highlight of my life. But no matter what the future holds, here’s the greatest safety landing if you can imagine, tonight I’m going to sleep next to my best friend and the love of my life.
I am totally blessed to be the father of three extraordinary children and you might know, four near-perfect grandchildren. And I will be blessed to say I am living in the greatest country the world has ever known. I remain optimistic that, with the right kind leadership, that we all need to work to make sure happens, America’s best days are ahead. With strong conservative leadership, Republicans can win the White House, and we can get back to being in the verge of having the greatest time to be alive and that’s what I honestly believe and I know you do as well.
I look forward to working you to make that dream come true. I will do it as a private citizen, just as you are. Thank you for the opportunity to run for the greatest office on the face of the earth. I love you all, God bless you.
Source: Jeb 2016
GOVERNOR JEB BUSH DELIVERS THANK YOU SPEECH
Miami, FL – Tonight, Governor Jeb Bush delivered a thank you speech to his supporters in Columbia, South Carolina. Text of the remarks are below.
Text:
When I began this journey in Miami, I committed that, I would campaign as I would serve, going everywhere, speaking to everyone, keeping my word, facing the issues without flinching, and staying true to what I believe. For the better part of a year, I have endeavored to do just exactly that. I have put forward a vision for America that includes all and includes all...because our country deserves a president for everyone.
The presidency is bigger than any one person… and it is certainly bigger than any candidate. This is not, we’re different in our country because our head of state is not above us, but because the head of state, the people who aspire to the presidency are of the people. In a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” we elect a president like us…imperfect under God’s watchful eye.
I have had a front row seat to this office for much of my adult life. I have seen fallible men rise up to the challenges of our time, with humility, and clarity of purpose… to make our nation safer, stronger, and freer. I firmly believe the American people must entrust this office to someone who understands that whoever holds it is the servant, not the master. Someone who will commit to that service with honor and decency.
Our next president will lead an extraordinary country, whose people have always made the improbable, possible… in ways big and small.
Every day, Americans test the boundaries of freedom and achieve more than what they could have dreamed. But over the last seven years, our nation’s bright light has become little more than a flicker. We have retreated from the world stage. The American values that have brought peace and opportunity are fading. That is not the America we know and love. America is a country that thinks big, acts boldly and leads without apology. It will be up to the next president to restore that kind of leadership. I’m proud of the campaign that we have run to unify the country.
And to advocate for conservative solutions that would give more Americans the opportunity to rise up and reach their God-given potential. But the people of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have spoken. I respect their decision.
So, tonight, I am suspending my campaign. I congratulate my competitors, that are remaining on the island, on their success in a race that has been hard-fought, just as the contest for the presidency should be because it is a tough job.
In this campaign I have stood my ground, refusing to bend with the political winds. We put forward detailed, innovative, conservative plans to address the mounting challenges that we face.
Because despite what you may have heard. Ideas matter, policy matters. I truly hope that these ideas that we have laid out will serve as a blueprint for a generation of conservatives leaders at every level of government so that we can take back our country. We laid out plans on everything from reforming our tax and regulatory system, to reviving our economy, to rebuilding our military, to fixing the VA once and for all.
Finally, I am grateful to Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, for his steadfast support and his amazing humor. He stole the line that I’m now saying which is that he has become a friend for life. I thank all of the Jeb alumni, many of them are here that have been going door-to-door all across the country, who put their lives on hold for this cause.
To my mom and brother, who came here to South Carolina, America truly loves them and respects them and so do I. I want to thank all of my family, 2.0 is always back there in the back.
To my dad, who has always served an inspiration to me and is the greatest man alive. To the volunteers and supporters I have met along this incredible journey. And to all the fellow “grinders” on our campaign, our staff who never ever gave up.
I’ve had an incredible life and for me, public service has been the highlight of my life. But no matter what the future holds, here’s the greatest safety landing if you can imagine, tonight I’m going to sleep next to my best friend and the love of my life.
I am totally blessed to be the father of three extraordinary children and you might know, four near-perfect grandchildren. And I will be blessed to say I am living in the greatest country the world has ever known. I remain optimistic that, with the right kind leadership, that we all need to work to make sure happens, America’s best days are ahead. With strong conservative leadership, Republicans can win the White House, and we can get back to being in the verge of having the greatest time to be alive and that’s what I honestly believe and I know you do as well.
I look forward to working you to make that dream come true. I will do it as a private citizen, just as you are. Thank you for the opportunity to run for the greatest office on the face of the earth. I love you all, God bless you.
Source: Jeb 2016