Jeb Bush Visits Sioux City on Campaign Trail

Former Florida Governor and Republican Presidential hopeful Jeb Bush spoke on hot topics ranging from foreign policy and the rise of ISIS, to economic development, the renewable fuel standard and the Affordable Care Act.

"If we didn't have Obamacare, there'd be a lot more people working 40 hour work weeks than 30 hour work weeks. Every time that Washington imposes a law or a rule and creates uncertainty, and the lack of transparency and cost is another job that isn't being created," Bush told the crowd.

Bush also took crowd questions as voters attempted to get to know him. He talked about his favorite presidents Lincoln and Washington, and some of his favorite books. 

But when asked by one youngster in the crowd what would be the first thing he did as President, some were surprised to hear Bush say he'd call Democrats.

"Why would we assume that they're bad people just because maybe they're wrong. If you start with that premise then you talk to them, you engage them. Using whatever skills I have,to be able to forge consensus is the first step."

During the meet and greet, Bush emphasized that he plans to win in 2016. 

"I want to win. I don't want to make a point. This is not a campaign to say that my form of conservative thought is more important than somebody else's form of Conservative thought."

And Bush's up-beat  style is rubbing off on people like Boston activist Rod Webber who is attending events of several candidates, but says Bush is his favorite to interact with.

"He's been kind and warm and he reaches across the aisle. With some of the people, Rick Perry, Donald Trump is dictating the conversation. He's saying horrible hateful thing," Webber says. 

During the event Webber shared a prayer for peace with Bush and presented the presidential hopeful with flowers to give to his wife.

And the top-hat clad activist wasn't the only one impressed by Bush on Monday. Emma Rosowski says while she weighs her options for 2016, Bush definitely stands out.

"To be kind of honest I'm not quite sure who I want to vote for yet, but I really like how he strongly supports education reform since I'm still in school and I have quite a bit more school to go through," Rosowski says. 

Bush says he's focused on young voters like Emma and going places Republicans usually don't while working to reach minorities..

Bush told the crowd, "If we do it right, by winning in a united way for the primary and then taking this hopeful, optimistic message to a broader universe, I think you're looking at the next President of the United States.

But while Bush was in town, Democrats took the opportunity to fire back at comments the candidate made last week about productivity and the work force. Bush said in order to grow the country, Americans needed to work longer hours, and the Iowa Democrats cite his comments as a reason he is not right for President.
Bush told the crowd Monday he plans to be back in Northwest Iowa and Sioux City soon.