The former Florida governor’s troubled relationship with grassroots conservatives is no secret. He is at odds with much of the Republican base over his backing of immigration reform and national education standards.
That made Bush’s appearance one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Bush strode onto the stage for his 20 minute test of strength alongside one of the rock stars of the conservative movment, Fox News anchor and radio host Sean Hannity.
He likely had heard ahead of time that his name had drawn mostly boos and jeers whenever it has been mentioned at the conference. And though he appeared nervous at the start, his confidence grew as he went along.
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He may not have won many conservatives over — but Bush did at least get a hearing, and the vast ballroom hosting the conference was jammed during his speech.
The only awkward moment came when Hannity asked Bush what he thought of Bill Clinton. The ex-president has been the subject of many jokes at CPAC over his past marital infidelities. But Bush seemed to hesitate, in the knowledge that his own father has forged a friendship with the man who ejected him from the White House in 1992.
He finally settled for a chuckle and the nickname : “Bubba.”
