George W Bush enters campaign for Jeb Bush in South Carolina with veiled attacks on Donald Trump

Commentators suggest it is rich for the man who started two wars over 9/11 to criticise Trump for 'mirroring the nation's anger and frustrations'

Tuesday 16 February 2016 10:10 GMT

Republican presidential candidate and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, left, shakes hands with his brother former President George W. Bush (AP)

George W Bush has appeared at his first campaign rally for his brother Jeb – but while he purported to set out a positive case for extending his family’s legacy in the White House, he reserved his strongest words for barbed attacks against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump.

At no point did the former president actually mention the billionaire businessman by name – but it was clear he was referring to the powerful anti-establishment movement that has elevated Mr Trump to pole position when he said: “I understand Americans are angry and frustrated.”

His next words, coming from the man who started the Iraq War as a retaliation for the 9/11 attacks, were criticised as hypocritical by some observers. Warning against a Trump vote, he said: “But we do not need somebody in the Oval Office who mirrors and inflames our anger and frustration.”

The shadow of George W has hung over Jeb Bush since the start of the presidential campaign, with attacks on his brother’s legacy proving popular among other candidates.

On Monday, ahead of the former president’s campaign rally appearance, Mr Trump tweeted: “Now that George Bush is campaigning for Jeb(!). is he fair game for questions about World Trade Center, Iraq War and eco collapse? Careful!”

Opinions on George W Bush’s legacy are divided within the Republican party. In a TV debate on Saturday night, Mr Trump repeatedly claimed the simple fact that the 9/11 attacks happened on the Bush watch meant the family could not keep the country “safe”.

Donald Trump, left, and fellow candidate Jeb Bush speaking at the debate (EPA)

But speaking to Politico afterwards, unnamed party insiders said the attacks on the last Republican president were “galactic-level stupid”, “mean-spirited” and “unpresidential”.

While Mr Trump has a track record of causing outrage and seeing his lead in the race for the Republican nomination only rise, it is early favourite Jeb Bush’s hopes that are now in peril.

Bush is vying with Florida senator Marco Rubio and Ohio governor John Kasich for the role of mainstream contender to the conservative ticket of either Mr Trump or Texas senator Ted Cruz.

Republican presidential nominations

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Republican presidential nominations

Jeb Bush

Who he is: Brother of former President George W. Bush and son of former President George H. W. Bush, Mr Bush has formed a Political Action Committee and is exploring a presidential bid. He was the governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007. The issues: Mr Bush has indicated that his campaign would focus on the economy, foreign policy and energy. He is also known as a proponent of education reform.

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Republican presidential nominations

Marco Rubio

Who he is: Mr Rubio is a US senator from Florida who has served since 2011. He is an early favourite to receive heavy donations from ultra-rich donors the Koch brothers. The issues: Mr Rubio has said the biggest issue facing the US in the near future is foreign policy and dealing with threats from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

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Republican presidential nominations

Ben Carson

Who he is: Dr Carson is a retired neurosurgeon, who became one of the most prominent physicians in the US. He has no political experience, but has formed a PAC to consider a run for president. The issues: A big proponent of smaller government, Dr Carson holds a tough stance on illegal immigration and is staunchly opposed to government involvement in health care.

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Republican presidential nominations

Ted Cruz

Who he is: Mr Cruz has served as a US senator from Texas since 2013 and previously was the solicitor general of the state from 2003 to 2008. The issues: Mr Cruz is strongly against illegal immigration and figures to offer a presidential campaign heavy on foreign policy. He supports tough sanctions on both Russia and Iran.

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Republican presidential nominations

Carly Fiorina

Who she is: Ms Fiorina is the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard and a former executive at AT&T. She also was a 2010 nominee from California for the US Senate. The issues: Ms Fiorina, should she run, will campaign as a pro-business candidate whose background as chief executive of a major company proves she can handle the US economy.

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Republican presidential nominations

Mike Huckabee

Who he is: Mr Huckabee was the governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007 and ran for president in 2008. An ordained Baptist minister, he also hosted a talk show on Fox News until early this month. The issues: Mr Huckabee supports tax reform and often touts the FairTax, which would eliminate income and payroll taxes in favour of a uniform sales tax.

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Republican presidential nominations

Rand Paul

Who he is: Mr Paul has served as a US senator from Kentucky since 2011. He is a libertarian and son of former US Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. The issues: Mr Paul supports balanced spending by the government, unlike some of his peers in the Republican Party who oppose most government spending. He has been called an isolationist by some political pundits.

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Republican presidential nominations

Scott Walker - OUT

Who he is: Mr Walker has served as the governor of Wisconsin since 2011 and has long been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate. Mr Walker this week launched a PAC to prepare for a presidential run. The issues: Mr Walker opposes compromise with Democrats on key issues and would encourage increasing the fight against Isis.

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Republican presidential nominations

Rick Perry - OUT

Who he is: Mr Paul has served as a US senator from Kentucky since 2011. He is a libertarian and son of former US Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. The issues: Mr Paul supports balanced spending by the government, unlike some of his peers in the Republican Party who oppose most government spending. He has been called an isolationist by some political pundits.

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And in implicit criticism of the latter two on Monday night, George W urged voters to back a candidate who will be “measured and thoughtful” and exhibit “humility” on the world stage.

“All the sloganeering and all the talk doesn't matter if we don't win,” George W said. “We need somebody who can take a positive message across the country.”

George W. Bush has kept a low profile since leaving the White House in early 2009. He retreated to his home state of Texas, where he picked up painting and delved into work on his presidential library, public health projects in Africa, and events for wounded military service members.

He joins the trail in South Carolina after the influence of family matriarch Barbara Bush failed to secure much of a lift in votes for Jeb in New Hampshire.

Additional reporting by agencies

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