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9. Jeb Bush: “Please Clap”
As infuriating as this election has been, it has also been awkward. Admittedly, Jeb Bush was in a difficult position as brother to one of the least popular presidents in decades. But he certainly wasn’t going to make up for it with charisma. The former Republican hopeful gave a speech in New Hampshire only to receive complete indifference from the crowd. Even heckling might’ve implied that someone was paying attention.
In a move which could either be described as charming or pathetic, Bush prompted the crowd to “Please clap.” They did, laughing at the request. Whether the motivation behind it was amusement or pity is hard to say. But it’s a sad state of affairs when a man who wants to command an entire nation cannot command a single room.
Though the Bush legacy on the U.S. is felt far and wide, it seems that a name isn’t enough to get you ahead in politics. Clinton may be married to a former president, but it is through her own merit that she won her party’s nomination. Family support is always helpful though, and Bush didn’t have that completely either. The former governor’s mother stated, “We’ve had enough Bushes.” I suppose she wouldn’t have clapped either.