Jeb Bush's presidential campaign will likely look a lot different from most people's idea of a typical right-wing, conservative try for the presidency, if his gathering of donors and fundraisers in Miami over the weekend is any indication.
The former Florida governor, who has not yet announced his campaign, held his retreat at 1 Hotel South Beach, which is well-known for ecologically friendly ambitions, reports
The New York Times, but that's not all.
On the way, he stopped for a Paleo diet-approved lunch of a bison burger, which ended up being served by a drag queen-turned-waiter named Tommy Strangie, and even was willing to pose for a selfie, until the waiter stayed just outside the frame, saying he was waiting for his picture with Hillary Clinton instead.
And at the hotel, there were hundreds of Bush supporters who got messages far-removed from the typical ones. There were brochures encouraging the use complimentary Tesla electric cars, a model GOP lawmakers oppose because of the federal tax subsidies its makers receive.
Also, they got copies of the left-leaning Modern Farmer magazine, and enjoyed what one adviser called "a Zen vibe" at a hotel that puts yoga mats in all its rooms.
All this doesn't mean Bush is not a proud, ideological conservative, say his allies, but he wants to put forth a more contemporary brand of his party than his many rivals for the GOP nomination do.
But it's not clear how much of his everyman's approach to the campaign is real, reports The Times.
For example, Sunday afternoon, Bush said it is not necessary to
spend $1 billion to run for office, but he may have found a way to achieve that goal without necessarily avoiding the appearance of being in a cash-filled campaign.
He has been acting aggressively to raise money for a super PAC and another nonprofit group, which will allow him to transfer the costs of his campaign to groups that will be allowed to raise and spend unlimited funds.
During the event, Bush told about 350 of his top donors that his super PAC, Right to Rise, has raised more money in its first 100 days than any other GOP operation has in modern history, reports
The Washington Post.
Senior Republicans said they think the PAC will raise $100 million by the end of next month, breaking a record set by Bush's older brother, former President George W. Bush, who held the top fundraising record for a GOP contender, bringing in close to $37 million in the first four months of 1999.
Mitt Romney is in second, raising more than $23 million in the first quarter of 2007, according to Federal Election Commission records.
Once Bush officially announces his campaign, donations of only up to $2,700 are permitted.