Bush Speaks Up, But Was It Enough?

New York Times: “On Tuesday night, Mr. Bush, whose chronic struggles on the debate stage have unnerved his supporters and dragged down his standing in the polls, was a feistier and more assertive combatant, demanding more time from moderators, offering flashes of improvised humor and delivering crisper answers than he has in the past.”

“Whether it will be enough to turn around his flagging campaign is uncertain: Mr. Bush has a well-documented gift for gaffes and his creaky candidacy feels out of sync with the furious mood of the electorate. But on Tuesday, unlike in earlier debates, he no longer seemed as desperate to be somewhere else.”

Politico: “The politically and financially embattled former Florida Governor wasn’t great, but he finally showed a little life… Unfortunately for Bush, he is at his most passionate on issues where he is most politically vulnerable – immigration … and in defending his brother.”

The Economist: “Mr Bush’s performance was solid, though probably not enough to give his ailing campaign much of a jolt. He appeared competent and serious, but he had no youthful charisma, like Mr Rubio, or devilish flair, like Mr Cruz.”