In shadow of campaign shakeup, Bush tears into Trump

By Ashley Killough, CNN
Updated 1:27 PM EDT, Sun October 25, 2015

Story highlights

Bush got an enthusiastic reception and delivered one of his strongest campaign performances to date

Less than 24 hours before, Bush's campaign announced a major reshuffling of its resources

(CNN) —  

If Jeb Bush’s campaign is struggling to stay afloat, he didn’t show it on Saturday.

A day after slashing salaries and cutting campaign staff, the former Florida governor got an enthusiastic reception and delivered one of his strongest campaign performances to date. He tore into Donald Trump repeatedly and roused some in the crowd to their feet on answers about the military and foreign policy.

Bush took part in a town hall series hosted by South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, drawing an audience of more than 500 people, about twice the number Bush normally attracts on the campaign trail.

Rep. Trey Gowdy, who led the daylong Benghazi hearing on Thursday, also headlined the event and joined Scott on stage to help ask questions.

Bush got one of his biggest responses from the crowd when he lamented the state of politics in Washington and argued that Trump is not the kind of leader that could break through the gridlock.

“If this election is about how we’re going to fight to get nothing done, then … I don’t want any part of it. I don’t want to be elected president to sit around and see gridlock just become so dominant that people literally are in decline in their lives. That is not my motivation,” he said.

“I’ve got a lot of really cool things I could do other than sit around, being miserable, listening to people demonize me and me feeling compelled to demonize them. That is a joke. Elect Trump if you want that,” Bush added.

Less than 24 hours before, Bush’s campaign announced a major reshuffling of its resources, saying it was cutting some salaries by 40% and letting go of some people in order to shift more focus on the campaign’s ground game in the early voting states.

George W. Bush to hit D.C. fundraising circuit for brother

It was a big move by Bush’s campaign as he’s fighting to regain the lead after rivals Trump and Ben Carson have held onto the top spots in the polls for weeks.

Speaking to reporters before the event, Bush assessed the changes as normal adjustments that campaigns need to make, citing the “new phenomenon” of “the rise of candidates that have had no practical experience in politics” as a reason for his decision.

“In business, when you anticipate how things are going to be, you anticipate them, you don’t wait for them,” he said.

As for the whisper campaign that he’s falling apart, Bush was more frank.

“Blah blah blah, Blah,” he said. “That’s my answer.”

He went on to point to other candidates like Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton in 2008, who were expected to take their parties’ nominations but failed in the end.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush waves as he takes the stage as he formally announces he is joining the race for president with a speech June 15, 2015, at Miami Dade College in Miami.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush waves as he takes the stage as he formally announces he is joining the race for president with a speech June 15, 2015, at Miami Dade College in Miami.
PHOTO: David Goldman/AP
Former Florida governor Jeb Bush shakes hands with attendees after speaking at the 42nd annual Conservative Political Action Conference on February 27 in National Harbor, Maryland.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Former Florida governor Jeb Bush shakes hands with attendees after speaking at the 42nd annual Conservative Political Action Conference on February 27 in National Harbor, Maryland.
PHOTO: Alex Wong/Getty Images
Bush takes a selfie with a guest at a luncheon hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs on February 18 in Chicago. Bush delivered his first major foreign policy speech at the event.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Bush takes a selfie with a guest at a luncheon hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs on February 18 in Chicago. Bush delivered his first major foreign policy speech at the event.
PHOTO: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Bush hands out items for Holiday Food Baskets to those in need outside the Little Havana offices of CAMACOL, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce on December 17 in Miami.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Bush hands out items for Holiday Food Baskets to those in need outside the Little Havana offices of CAMACOL, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce on December 17 in Miami.
PHOTO: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Bush waves to the audience at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 30, 2012, on the final day of the Republican National Convention.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Bush waves to the audience at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 30, 2012, on the final day of the Republican National Convention.
PHOTO: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Image
Bush (left) and wife Columba Bush attend the 2012 Lincoln Center Institute Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on March 7, 2012, in New York City.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Bush (left) and wife Columba Bush attend the 2012 Lincoln Center Institute Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on March 7, 2012, in New York City.
PHOTO: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
President Barack Obama (left) speaks about Bush (center) while visiting Miami Central Senior High School on March 4, 2011 in Miami, Florida. The visit focused on education.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
President Barack Obama (left) speaks about Bush (center) while visiting Miami Central Senior High School on March 4, 2011 in Miami, Florida. The visit focused on education.
PHOTO: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Bush (left) speaks with Brazilian President in charge Jose Alancar during a meeting at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, April 17, 2007. Bush was in Brazil to speak about sugar and ethanol business.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Bush (left) speaks with Brazilian President in charge Jose Alancar during a meeting at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, April 17, 2007. Bush was in Brazil to speak about sugar and ethanol business.
PHOTO: Evaristo Sa/AFP/Getty Images
Then-Texas Governor Rick Perry (center) testifies as Bush (right) and then-Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano (left) listen during a hearing before the House Committee on Homeland Security on Capitol Hill October 19, 2005.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Then-Texas Governor Rick Perry (center) testifies as Bush (right) and then-Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano (left) listen during a hearing before the House Committee on Homeland Security on Capitol Hill October 19, 2005.
PHOTO: Alex Wong/Getty Images
Bush gives a thumbs up signal from his car as he leaves a local polling station after casting his vote in Coral Gables, Florida, November 5, 2002.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Bush gives a thumbs up signal from his car as he leaves a local polling station after casting his vote in Coral Gables, Florida, November 5, 2002.
PHOTO: Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images
Bush walks out of the West Wing after meeting with his brother, then-President George W. Bush, at the White House January 9, 2002. Governor Bush participated in the signing ceremony of the Everglades Protection Agreement.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Bush walks out of the West Wing after meeting with his brother, then-President George W. Bush, at the White House January 9, 2002. Governor Bush participated in the signing ceremony of the Everglades Protection Agreement.
PHOTO: Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Then-Mexican President Vincente Fox (left) and Bush hold a press conference September 7, 2001, in Miami. Fox visited Florida to attend the Americas Conference and deliver a speech to speak about issues such as immigration.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Then-Mexican President Vincente Fox (left) and Bush hold a press conference September 7, 2001, in Miami. Fox visited Florida to attend the Americas Conference and deliver a speech to speak about issues such as immigration.
PHOTO: Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Then-President George W. Bush (right) is greeted by Jeb Bush on March 21, 2001, at Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida. President Bush was in Orlando to attend the American College of Cardiology Annual Convention.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Then-President George W. Bush (right) is greeted by Jeb Bush on March 21, 2001, at Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida. President Bush was in Orlando to attend the American College of Cardiology Annual Convention.
PHOTO: Luke Frazza/AFP/Getty Images
Bush speaks during a press conference at the Carandolet Government Palace in Quito, January 18, 2006. Bush and a businessmen delegation were in a two-day visit to talk about a free trade agreement.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Bush speaks during a press conference at the Carandolet Government Palace in Quito, January 18, 2006. Bush and a businessmen delegation were in a two-day visit to talk about a free trade agreement.
PHOTO: Rodrigo Buendia/AFP/Getty Images
Bush speaks to reporters after meeting with the Florida State Cabinet at the Florida State Capitol Building November 16, 2000, in Tallahassee, Florida.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Bush speaks to reporters after meeting with the Florida State Cabinet at the Florida State Capitol Building November 16, 2000, in Tallahassee, Florida.
PHOTO: Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Then-President George W. Bush (left) and Jeb Bush (right), raise their arms onstage following a rally at the Florida State Fairgrounds, October 25, 2000, in Brandon, Florida.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Then-President George W. Bush (left) and Jeb Bush (right), raise their arms onstage following a rally at the Florida State Fairgrounds, October 25, 2000, in Brandon, Florida.
PHOTO: Paul Buck/AFP/Getty Images
Jeb Bush (left) and then-President George W. Bush stand with their arms around each other
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Jeb Bush (left) and then-President George W. Bush stand with their arms around each other's shoulders at a rally in Miami, Florida, September 22, 2000.
PHOTO: Tannen Maury/AFP/Getty Images
Then-President George W. Bush (right) and Jeb Bush go through the line for strawberries during a stop at the Stawberry Festival March 12, 2000 in Plant City, Florida.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Then-President George W. Bush (right) and Jeb Bush go through the line for strawberries during a stop at the Stawberry Festival March 12, 2000 in Plant City, Florida.
PHOTO: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
The Bush family, (left to right) former U.S. President George W., former Florida Governor Jeb, former President George H.W. and his wife Barbara, watch play during the Foursomes matches September 25, 1999 at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts the site of the 33rd Ryder Cup Matches.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
The Bush family, (left to right) former U.S. President George W., former Florida Governor Jeb, former President George H.W. and his wife Barbara, watch play during the Foursomes matches September 25, 1999 at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts the site of the 33rd Ryder Cup Matches.
PHOTO: John Mottern/AFP/Getty Images
Former President George H.W. Bush (second left), his wife Barbara Bush (left), their son Jeb Bush (center), then-first lady Hillary Clinton (second right), and former then-President Bill Clinton (right) look up to see the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team November 6, 1997 at the conclusion of the dedication ceremony of the George Bush Library in College Station, Texas.
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Former President George H.W. Bush (second left), his wife Barbara Bush (left), their son Jeb Bush (center), then-first lady Hillary Clinton (second right), and former then-President Bill Clinton (right) look up to see the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team November 6, 1997 at the conclusion of the dedication ceremony of the George Bush Library in College Station, Texas.
PHOTO: Joyce Naltchayan/AFP/Getty Images
Portrait of the Bush family in front of their Kennebunkport, Maine house August 24, 1986. Pictured, back row: Margaret holding daughter Marshall, Marvin Bush, Bill LeBlond. Pictured, front row: Neil Bush holding son Pierce, Sharon, George W. Bush holding daughter Barbara, Laura Bush holding daughter Jenna, Barbara Bush, George Bush, Sam LeBlond, Doro Bush Lebond, George P. (Jeb
Photos: Jeb Bush's life
Portrait of the Bush family in front of their Kennebunkport, Maine house August 24, 1986. Pictured, back row: Margaret holding daughter Marshall, Marvin Bush, Bill LeBlond. Pictured, front row: Neil Bush holding son Pierce, Sharon, George W. Bush holding daughter Barbara, Laura Bush holding daughter Jenna, Barbara Bush, George Bush, Sam LeBlond, Doro Bush Lebond, George P. (Jeb's son), Jeb Bush holding son Jebby, Columba Bush and Noelle Bush.
PHOTO: Newsmakers/Getty

Pressed with questions about Trump, especially the real estate mogul’s recent slipping in the polls in Iowa to Carson, Bush grew tired of talking about his rival. “I’m past Donald Trump,” he said.

But that certainly wasn’t true in the town hall a few minutes later, when Bush repeatedly needled Trump, gaining applause and laugh lines for going after the candidate who’s currently dominating the GOP field in South Carolina. According to a recent CNN/ORC poll, Trump came in first at 36%. Bush had 6%.

“There’s a lot of big personalities on the stage. A lot of them. One in particular,” he said, before throwing his arms up to mock one of Trump’s favorite words. “Huge, huge, huge!”

On a more serious note, he blasted Trump for saying that he would send refugees back to Syria if he becomes president.

“If we don’t stand for people that will die because of their faith, wow, we have really lost our way. I think Donald Trump is dead wrong on this, and I am right,” Bush said, before adding that he’s anticipating a Twitter attack from Trump now that he’s said that.

Trump attacks force Bush out of his malaise

It was Bush’s second trip to South Carolina this month, a state that he has already predicted he’ll win.”You can take it to the bank,” he said during a stop here last month. He opened up his third office in the state recently and has eight paid staffers on the ground, with plans to add more.

It’s a state that was good to his brother’s run for president in 2000.

The audience often broke out into cheers, whistling and occasionally some people stood up while applauding Bush’s answers. When he first stepped on stage, a woman from the crowd yelled out: “We love you, Jeb!” She was followed by a man across the room: “And your brother!”

“And my mother,” Bush added.

As he was shaking hands afterward, he was swarmed by voters, with many of them telling him to hang in there.

“Don’t give up,” one voter pleaded with Bush. “We are for you. Don’t give up.”

Another told Bush that his weight loss – he’s dropped more than 40 pounds in the past year due to his the paleo diet – was looking good on him.

“I’m svelte,” Bush replied, with a stride in his step. “I’m a fighting machine.”

Correction: An earlier version of this story mistakenly stated that South Carolina shares a border with Florida. It does not.