Jeb Bush Jr.: Donald Trump is ‘very divisive’

Jeb Bush Jr. visited Columbia on Wednesday to open his father’s 2016 South Carolina presidential campaign headquarters on Huger Street.

The 31-year-old Florida businessman spoke with The State about how his father, the former Florida governor, can overcome Bush fatigue, attract young voters and handle criticism from 2016 GOP presidential rival Donald Trump.

How does your father break out of such a large Republican field or from those who might not wants a third Bush in the White House?

“Folks know him as Jeb. You’ve got to work on people not knowing that it’s George’s brother or George’s son but as Jeb. And I think as his story gets out people will know him (that way).” Jeb Bush earned his own record as governor with school choice, tax cuts and hurricane preparedness, his son said.

Part of your work is getting younger voters behind your dad. How do you do that with younger candidates than your dad in the field?

“You’ve got to show up and reach out to them. ... It’s doesn’t matter your age, but (it’s) your ideas. After the post-Obama time frame, people are actually looking for someone that’s actually done something and has a record of accomplishment.” They have been building college and young professional networks.

How does your father fight the rise of Donald Trump?

“It’s disappointing to see someone do exactly the opposite of what dad’s been doing. He’s been extremely divisive. Dad is trying to unite the party.”

What’s your reaction to all the criticisms of your father by Donald Trump?

“I just try not to pay attention to it. It’s very divisive. We’re trying to focus on bringing people together and having a hopeful optimistic message, focused on high-sustained economic growth. That’s Dad’s message. So he’s going to stick to his game plan.”

What would surprise us to know about your dad?

“He’s an awesome babysitter. My mom has been great, but it’s really dad who has been the nerdy one that likes to play and just kind of hang out with them. (He) either reads or they’re doing a map at home, putting states together. He seems to point out Iowa and South Carolina on the map.”

This story was originally published August 26, 2015 at 3:12 PM with the headline "Jeb Bush Jr.: Donald Trump is ‘very divisive’."