Jeb Bush, once the clear favourite for the Republican presidential nomination, was under huge pressure over his flagging campaign following a listless debate performance that has sparked near panic among his donors.
The former Florida governor was already under fire from supporters for lagging behind Donald Trump, the real estate tycoon, Ben Carson, the retired brain surgeon, and Marco Rubio, the Cuban-American senator. His performance in Wednesday’s debate made them even more nervous. “Last night may well have been the negative tipping point,” said a fundraiser.
The son and brother of two former presidents started 2015 as the frontrunner. He has raised record funds but his poll numbers have tumbled as outsider candidates have won over the party base. The debate in Colorado prompted some donors to rethink their support as they fret he may not be robust enough to lead amid a crowded field.