Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush on Tuesday blasted Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for passing few laws during two terms as a senator from New York.
In an interview with Fox News'
Sean Hannity at a town-hall meeting in New Hampshire, Bush slammed Clinton's record on Benghazi, where four Americans died in 2012, calling it "a complete failure."
"She's smart," Bush said. "I think she loves her country. I don't ascribe bad motives for people I don't agree with."
But he noted that Clinton has her name on only three laws in eight years. "And as secretary of state, in all honesty, the things she's known for, the reset, the pulling back of our commitments, Libya, put aside Benghazi, Libya in general, it turns out it was a complete failure."
Bush told Hannity that in comparing his accomplishments as Florida governor for eight years with the former first lady's Senate tenure: "I put that record up against Hillary Clinton's any day of the week."
Bush said the Democrat will be tough to beat.
On same-sex marriage, Bush told Hannity: "I believe in traditional marriage. I hope the Supreme Court rules that way."
He was referring
to the case on whether gays have a constitutional right to marry in the United States. The justices are expected to issue a ruling in the coming weeks.
The nation should not discriminate against any American based on sexual orientation, however, Bush said.
Bush said the prison facility holding terrorist suspects at Guantanamo Bay should remain open, but that we no longer need "enhanced interrogation techniques."
Bush said the techniques, which included waterboarding, were appropriate just after 9/11 during the uncertainty after the attacks, but no longer.
"It was appropriate, and appropriate to change the policies once we had enough history," he said.
He also laughed at attacks by billionaire businessman
Donald Trump, who also announced his White House bid on Tuesday.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that," Bush said in excusing his laughter.
He also offered a quick description of some of his presidential rivals:
- "Real Texan," he called former Gov. Rick Perry.
- "Fighter," on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
- "Rich guy," Bush called Trump.
- "Good friend," on Sen. Marco Rubio.
- "Very smart, fiery," on Sen. Ted Cruz.
- "Really talented," on former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.
Greg Richter contributed to this report.
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