Right to Rise Ad: George W. Bush Exclusive: George W. Bush cuts television ad backing his brother

Former President George W. Bush has cut a TV ad for the super PAC supporting his brother, marking the former president's most public political activity in the campaign to date.

"The first job of the president is to protect America. The next president must be prepared to lead. I know Jeb. I know his good heart and his strong backbone," Bush says in the 30-second Right to Rise spot, which spotlights the former president speaking directly to the camera.


"Jeb will unite our country. He knows how to bring the world together against terror. He knows when tough measures must be taken,” Bush adds. “Experience and judgment count in the Oval Office. Jeb Bush is a leader who will keep our country safe."

The TV commercial is set to begin running on Friday in South Carolina, according to a media buying source. The former president is expected to hit the campaign trail in the state ahead of its Feb. 20 primary. While George W. Bush has attended fundraisers benefiting his brother’s campaign, his South Carolina appearances will mark his first public campaign stops.

The launch of the ad comes at a crucial moment for Jeb Bush, who fared poorly in Iowa and is coming under growing pressure to demonstrate strength in the Republican primary. In recent days, establishment donors, lobbyists, and lawmakers have expressed growing concern about the state of Bush’s campaign and are beginning to gravitate to one of his chief rivals, Marco Rubio.

The spot opens with patriotic images, with a shot of an American flag and the White House. As Bush talks about the need for a president who has the preparation for the job, it cuts to images of a candle-light vigil and military pilots disembarking from a fighter jet.

Spokespersons for Right to Rise didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. A George W. Bush spokesman, Freddy Ford, said it should come as no surprise that the former president decided to cut the ad. “I think it speaks for itself,” Ford said. “He's said from day one that Jeb is the best candidate and will be a great President.”

Jeb Bush has grown increasingly comfortable embracing his family legacy while on the campaign trail. On Thursday, the former Florida governor was expected to campaign with his mother, former first lady Barbara Bush.

