Jeb: George W. Bush is a top foreign policy adviser

Sara Murray
By Sara Murray, CNN
Updated 8:29 PM EDT, Thu May 7, 2015
Jeb Bush
Caption:Washington, UNITED STATES: US President George W. Bush (L) looks on as his brother Florida Governor Jeb Bush speaks 19 April, 2006. Governor Bush was among several governors who met with the president after an Easter trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
Caption:Washington, UNITED STATES: US President George W. Bush (L) looks on as his brother Florida Governor Jeb Bush speaks 19 April, 2006. Governor Bush was among several governors who met with the president after an Easter trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
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Washington CNN  — 

Jeb Bush cited his brother, former President George W. Bush, as one of his main advisers on the Middle East in a private meeting in Manhattan on Tuesday, according to three people who attended the off-the-record event.

The comment came as a shock to some who were in the room because Jeb, a likely presidential contender, has taken pains to publicly distance himself from his brother and his controversial policies, particularly in that area of the world.

In a national security speech in February, Bush said, “I am my own man,” and he has insisted he would develop his own policies on foreign affairs if he decides to run for president.

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His comments behind closed doors indicate a closer connection to his brother. After a previous dust-up about who was counseling him on world issues, Jeb was asked Tuesday about his foreign policy advisers. That’s when he listed his brother.

The Washington Post reported that Jeb cited his brother as an adviser on Israel, however, four sources confirmed to CNN that the comments were focused on foreign policy more broadly. Three of them said Jeb noted his brother was an adviser on the Middle East.

One of the people in the room jotted down Jeb’s comment as such: “What you need to know is that who I listen to when I need advice on the Middle East is George W. Bush.”

Bush spokesman Tim Miller said in a statement to CNN: “Gov. Bush deeply respects his brother’s service to this country and in response to a question about James Baker and Israel, he reiterated that he looks to his brother whose stalwart support for our ally is in line with his commitment to standing with Israel in the face of great threats to their security and our own.”

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Two sources who the Bush staff put in touch with CNN said they understood Bush’s comments to be specifically regarding Israel.

“There were some eyebrows raised because people might not have realized it was in the context of Israel,” said one of these two sources. “I knew it was in respect to Israel.” ​

The other source provided a similar account, saying, “it was clear that Jeb was referring to Israel.”

Paul Singer, the founder of the hedge fund Elliott Management, hosted the event Tuesday, but it was not a fundraiser for Bush. The roughly 50-person crowd tended to be foreign policy-oriented and included prominent Republican donors, former ambassadors, and members of the conservative media. CNN granted sources anonymity because it was an off-the-record event.

Jeb’s comments were well received by some in the room, but they could prove damaging to a wider audience. Many of George W. Bush’s policies, particularly the war in Iraq, are still unpopular with large swaths of Americans.

In a September 2013 CNN/ ORC poll, 62% of Americans said sending troops to Iraq was a mistake. But the conversation about Iraq has changed in recent years as the U.S. has re-engaged there to help the government deal with the rise of ISIS, the terror network that has its base in portions of Iraq and Syria.

George W. Bush, seen here in January 2003, served two terms as President of the United States. His father, George H.W. Bush, was the nation's 41st president.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Brooks Kraft/Corbis Historical/Getty Images
George W. Bush, seen here in January 2003, served two terms as President of the United States. His father, George H.W. Bush, was the nation's 41st president.
Bush was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on July 6, 1946. Here, he looks up at his parents, George and Barbara, as they pose for a portrait in April 1947.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Bush was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on July 6, 1946. Here, he looks up at his parents, George and Barbara, as they pose for a portrait in April 1947.
Bush and his parents are photographed in Rye, New York, during the summer of 1955. Bush's grandfather, Prescott Bush, became a US senator in 1952.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
courtesy George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
George W. Bush's life, legacy —
Bush and his parents are photographed in Rye, New York, during the summer of 1955. Bush's grandfather, Prescott Bush, became a US senator in 1952.
Bush, left, is the eldest child of George and Barbara Bush. Barbara is holding her youngest son, Marvin, and her husband is holding their son Neil. At bottom left is their son Jeb. The couple also had a young daughter, Robin, who died from leukemia in 1953.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush, left, is the eldest child of George and Barbara Bush. Barbara is holding her youngest son, Marvin, and her husband is holding their son Neil. At bottom left is their son Jeb. The couple also had a young daughter, Robin, who died from leukemia in 1953.
Bush went on to attend Yale University like his father, graduating with a degree in history in 1968. He later attended Harvard Business School and got a master's in business administration.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush went on to attend Yale University like his father, graduating with a degree in history in 1968. He later attended Harvard Business School and got a master's in business administration.
Bush was a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard from 1968-1970. His father was a naval aviator who fought during World War II.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush was a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard from 1968-1970. His father was a naval aviator who fought during World War II.
Bush, in the red shirt, is seen with his father and his three brothers in 1970. From left are Neil, George H.W., Jeb, George W. and Marvin.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Courtesy George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
George W. Bush's life, legacy —
Bush, in the red shirt, is seen with his father and his three brothers in 1970. From left are Neil, George H.W., Jeb, George W. and Marvin.
Bush holds his twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, in 1981. At the time, he was the CEO of Arbusto Energy, an oil exploration firm he founded in 1977.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Courtesy George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Bush holds his twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, in 1981. At the time, he was the CEO of Arbusto Energy, an oil exploration firm he founded in 1977.
Members of the Bush family pose for a 1986 photo in Kennebunkport, Maine. George W. Bush is third from left behind his young daughter Barbara.
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Members of the Bush family pose for a 1986 photo in Kennebunkport, Maine. George W. Bush is third from left behind his young daughter Barbara.
Bush and his wife, Laura, attend his father's inauguration in 1989. Bush worked on his father's presidential campaign.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush and his wife, Laura, attend his father's inauguration in 1989. Bush worked on his father's presidential campaign.
Bush has a "leg up" on his father as he clowns around for the camera in 1990. A year earlier, the younger Bush became part-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush has a "leg up" on his father as he clowns around for the camera in 1990. A year earlier, the younger Bush became part-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team.
Bush celebrates after he was elected governor of Texas in 1994. Bush, a Republican like his father, ran for Congress in 1978 but lost.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush celebrates after he was elected governor of Texas in 1994. Bush, a Republican like his father, ran for Congress in 1978 but lost.
Bush hugs his daughters Barbara, left, and Jenna after his election win in 1994.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush hugs his daughters Barbara, left, and Jenna after his election win in 1994.
Bush's father joins him and Laura at his inauguration in Texas in 1994. Bush went on to win a second term in 1998 before running for president.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush's father joins him and Laura at his inauguration in Texas in 1994. Bush went on to win a second term in 1998 before running for president.
Bush practices his national convention speech while working at the governor's mansion in Texas in July 2000.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush practices his national convention speech while working at the governor's mansion in Texas in July 2000.
Bush shakes hands with his Democratic opponent, Vice President Al Gore, at their first presidential debate in October 2000.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush shakes hands with his Democratic opponent, Vice President Al Gore, at their first presidential debate in October 2000.
Confetti falls on Bush as he concluded his presidential campaign in Austin, Texas, in November 2000.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images
Confetti falls on Bush as he concluded his presidential campaign in Austin, Texas, in November 2000.
Bush is embraced by his wife, Laura, at the governor's mansion in November 2000. Bush lost the popular vote but edged Gore in the Electoral College. His victory didn't become official until December, when the US Supreme Court, by a 5-4 margin, suspended a recount in the deciding state of Florida. Gore conceded the next day.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush is embraced by his wife, Laura, at the governor's mansion in November 2000. Bush lost the popular vote but edged Gore in the Electoral College. His victory didn't become official until December, when the US Supreme Court, by a 5-4 margin, suspended a recount in the deciding state of Florida. Gore conceded the next day.
Bush is sworn in as President in January 2001.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush is sworn in as President in January 2001.
Bush delivers his inaugural address.
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Bush delivers his inaugural address.
Bush gets a pat on the back from his dad during his inauguration ceremonies.
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Bush gets a pat on the back from his dad during his inauguration ceremonies.
White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card informs Bush about the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. At the time, the President was visiting a school in Sarasota, Florida.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images
White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card informs Bush about the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. At the time, the President was visiting a school in Sarasota, Florida.
Bush, aboard Air Force One, talks on the phone with Vice President Dick Cheney on September 11, 2001.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Eric Draper/The White House/Getty Images
Bush, aboard Air Force One, talks on the phone with Vice President Dick Cheney on September 11, 2001.
Bush prepares to address the nation on the evening of September 11. "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America," he said in his remarks. "These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Frank Johnston/The Washington Post/Getty Images
Bush prepares to address the nation on the evening of September 11. "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America," he said in his remarks. "These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."
Bush addresses the media in the White House Oval Office after a telephone call with New York Gov. George Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani on September 13, 2001.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Smith Collection/Gado/Archive Photos/Getty Images
Bush addresses the media in the White House Oval Office after a telephone call with New York Gov. George Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani on September 13, 2001.
Bush speaks to rescue workers, firefighters and police officers at the rubble of New York's ground zero, three days after the September 11 attacks.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush speaks to rescue workers, firefighters and police officers at the rubble of New York's ground zero, three days after the September 11 attacks.
Bush and his Cabinet bow their heads in prayer before a White House meeting on September 14, 2001.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush and his Cabinet bow their heads in prayer before a White House meeting on September 14, 2001.
Bush works on another address to the nation with National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, speechwriter Mike Gerson and presidential counselor Karen Hughes on September 20, 2001.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Bush works on another address to the nation with National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, speechwriter Mike Gerson and presidential counselor Karen Hughes on September 20, 2001.
Bush drives his pickup truck at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, in 2002.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
ERIC DRAPER/WHITE HOUSE
George W. Bush's life, legacy —
Bush drives his pickup truck at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, in 2002.
Bush, speaking from the USS Abraham Lincoln in May 2003, announced that "major combat operations" had ended in Iraq. A banner on the aircraft carrier said "mission accomplished," drawing criticism because the war in Iraq was still far from over. Bush never said the words "mission accomplished" in his speech -- he actually said "our mission continues" -- but the President later expressed regret about speaking in front of the banner.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Stephen Jaffe/AFP/Getty Images
Bush, speaking from the USS Abraham Lincoln in May 2003, announced that "major combat operations" had ended in Iraq. A banner on the aircraft carrier said "mission accomplished," drawing criticism because the war in Iraq was still far from over. Bush never said the words "mission accomplished" in his speech -- he actually said "our mission continues" -- but the President later expressed regret about speaking in front of the banner.
Bush waves after addressing delegates at the Republican National Convention in 2004.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Jeff Haynes/AFP/Getty Images
Bush waves after addressing delegates at the Republican National Convention in 2004.
Bush addresses the audience as he debates Democratic challenger John Kerry in October 2004.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush addresses the audience as he debates Democratic challenger John Kerry in October 2004.
Bush takes a phone call from Kerry, who was conceding the 2004 election.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush takes a phone call from Kerry, who was conceding the 2004 election.
Bush speaks to US Marines on the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack in December 2004.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush speaks to US Marines on the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack in December 2004.
Bush surveys Hurricane Katrina damage as Air Force One flies over New Orleans in August 2005.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush surveys Hurricane Katrina damage as Air Force One flies over New Orleans in August 2005.
Bush walks off Air Force One carrying the family dogs Barney and Miss Beazley in 2006.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
Bush walks off Air Force One carrying the family dogs Barney and Miss Beazley in 2006.
Bush reels in a catch in Kennebunkport, Maine, in 2007. Watching is his daughter, Barbara, and cousin Billy.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Robert F. Bukaty/AP
Bush reels in a catch in Kennebunkport, Maine, in 2007. Watching is his daughter, Barbara, and cousin Billy.
Bush and other world leaders plant a memorial tree after a working session at the G8 summit in Toyako, Japan, in June 2008.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Kimimasa Mayamaki/Pool/Getty Images
Bush and other world leaders plant a memorial tree after a working session at the G8 summit in Toyako, Japan, in June 2008.
Bush speaks to US troops in Baghdad, Iraq, in December 2008.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush speaks to US troops in Baghdad, Iraq, in December 2008.
Bush and his wife, Laura, look over their portraits during their unveiling at the National Portrait Gallery in December 2008.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Susan Walsh/AP
Bush and his wife, Laura, look over their portraits during their unveiling at the National Portrait Gallery in December 2008.
Bush poses with President-elect Barack Obama and three former presidents in the White House Oval Office in January 2009.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
Bush poses with President-elect Barack Obama and three former presidents in the White House Oval Office in January 2009.
Bush, his wife and his father attend the dedication of his presidential library near Dallas in 2013.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
David J. Phillip/AP
Bush, his wife and his father attend the dedication of his presidential library near Dallas in 2013.
Bush poses with students at a New Orleans high school in 2015. He was in town for the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Gerald Herbert/AP
Bush poses with students at a New Orleans high school in 2015. He was in town for the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
First lady Michelle Obama embraces Bush at the dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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First lady Michelle Obama embraces Bush at the dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016.
Former Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton attend the Presidents Cup golf event in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 2017.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Former Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton attend the Presidents Cup golf event in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 2017.
Bush pushes his father's wheelchair at the funeral service for his mother, Barbara, in April 2018.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
David J. Phillip/AP
Bush pushes his father's wheelchair at the funeral service for his mother, Barbara, in April 2018.
Bush and his wife, Laura, join other former Presidents and first ladies for a photo at Barbara Bush's funeral.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush and his wife, Laura, join other former Presidents and first ladies for a photo at Barbara Bush's funeral.
Bush speaks at his father's state funeral in December 2018.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush speaks at his father's state funeral in December 2018.
Bush participates in a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in 2019.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush participates in a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in 2019.
Bush and former President Clinton speak at an event in New York in February 2020.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush and former President Clinton speak at an event in New York in February 2020.
Bush and his wife, Laura, arrive for the inauguration of Joe Biden in January 2021.
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Bush and his wife, Laura, arrive for the inauguration of Joe Biden in January 2021.
Bush is joined by the Obamas and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at Biden's inauguration.
Photos: George W. Bush: His life in pictures
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Bush is joined by the Obamas and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at Biden's inauguration.