Supporters worry as Jeb Bush campaign struggles on

From the lectern, George W. Bush praised his younger brother as a candidate with “the experience and the character to be a great president”.

Republican presidential candidate, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush talks with college professor Wendy Thomas during a campaign stop at Souhegan High School, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Amherst, New Hampshire.

A teary-eyed Bush told supporters he was proud of the campaign he ran to unify the country and advocate conservative solutions.

“I understand that Americans are angry and frustrated”, George W. Bush said, referring to Trump’s appeal without mentioning him by name.

The son of George H.W. Bush and brother of George W. Bush entered the race to huge expectations in June, and quickly fueled them with fundraising.

Early results showed Bush battling for fourth place with Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who had invested little in SC. Marco Rubio, this week, after Jeb Bush had previously said Haley’s support was “probably the most meaningful endorsement there is”.

The New York businessman also questioned whether Bush kept the country safe by noting the September 11 attacks occurred during Bush’s “reign”.

The former Florida governor – who didn’t immediately explain the photo of the pistol inscribed with his name – posted it after visiting the weapons maker FN Manufacturing in Columbia, South Carolina.

Bush was hoping his fortunes would reverse on Friday when he was scheduled to campaign with his 90-year-old mother Barbara Bush, a beloved figure among a segment of South Carolina Republicans.

He’s trying to break out as the establishment alternative to Donald Trump and Ted Cruz.

Bush has responded by dealing head-on with Trump.

Given how much he’s put into this campaign, does Bush get frustrated that he hasn’t gotten as much of a chance as he would have liked to highlight his stack full of plans in the national spotlight?

What does a Jeb! staffer do when the end is nigh for the Bush campaign, but they still need to be making that paper? “So, we’ve got a long way to go”, Bush said.

“Ironically, if Bush really wants to have an impact on the race, given that his campaign is broke, he should publicly get out of the race today”, wrote Erik Erickson on The Resurgent.

A Donald Trump victory could foreshadow strong showings in Southern states that vote on March 1 – when he could pile up the delegates that determine the nominee.