Does Jeb Bush Support Tax Increases?

On Tuesday, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush appeared on Neil Cavuto's "Your World" to discuss his family's relationship with Texas Gov. Rick Perry, GOP criticisms of the Obama administration, and his support for tax increases, among other contemporary political issues.

In declaring his support for revenue increases, Bush separates himself from the majority of his conservative cohorts who have railed against any and all rate hikes. But rather than a blanket statement supporting increases of any kind, the former governor spoke in reference to his willingness to accept new revenues as part of a deficit-reduction plan. Taking a balanced approach, he said:

“I think the problems are so severe in this country that leadership is required to find common ground and solutions."

To further clarity his statements, Bush made sure to draw a distinction between tax increases as they pertain to a budget deal and the general leftist view that taxes should be raised on the rich. In making his point, he cited and criticized billionaire Warren Buffet's recent statements that America should stop "coddling" the wealthy and increase their taxes. Bush said:

“The problem with Warren Buffett’s attitude is he’s talking about people who are already rich, and his policies I think may create a lid on people who are aspiring to be rich. There are 10 other aspiring Warren Buffetts that will find it harder to become rich.”

Also, particularly striking was Bush's admission that he believes some Republicans go too far in their criticisms of the president. He says that baseless and incessant attacks turn off some people who want solutions:

“It’s fine to criticize him, that’s politics. But just to stop there isn’t enough. You have to win with ideas, you have to win with policies…He’s made a situation that was bad worse. He’s deserving of criticism for that. He’s not deserving of criticism for the common cold on up.”

Bush's comments will likely spawn both praise and ridicule from conservatives and Republicans, alike. But, regardless of opinion surrounding his policy views, Bush's honesty may be seen as refreshing in a political climate where leaders typically tell the people whatever they want to hear.

(h/t Gateway Pundit)