Jeb Bush stopped in the Junction at Mississippi State University before Saturday’s Egg Bowl.
Bush, the former Florida governor who is one of several candidates in the Republican presidential field, said Saturday’s event — where he spoke for about five minutes before meeting with fans — was not about politics. Instead, he said it was an American day, celebrated in the most American way: gathering together to watch football.
Still, Bush did offer some thoughts for the roughly hundred people, mostly college students, knotted at the corner of Creelman Street and Stone Boulevard.
“I believe we are on the verge of the greatest time to be alive,” Bush said.
He pointed to advances in technology and medical science that could pave the way for better lives moving forward. However, Bush contended that challenges — including what he described as a non-functioning government — still remain.
“We don’t have a president who believes in American greatness,” Bush said. “We need a leader — someone who’s actually rolled up their sleeves and created a strategy with passion and conviction. I can do it because I was governor of a purple state.”
Neal Steinwinder, who met Bush after he finished speaking, said he was thankful that the candidate took the time to visit MSU.
“He could be at a million other places but he chose to come here,” Steinwinder said. “It means a lot to me. It stands out, and I appreciate it.”
Gavin King, chairman of the MSU College Republicans, said he was excited the organization could bring Bush to campus. He said Saturday’s even was not about endorsing a candidate, but instead about creating exposure, especially for college students.
“It’s very important for students to be involved in the political process and part of our mission here in the College Republicans is awareness,” King said. “We want students to understand and Governor Bush wants them to understand that they’re an important part of the political process.”
King said bringing Bush to campus started as a matter of mutual interest between the College Republicans and the Bush campaign.
Bush has already visited the University of Georgia versus University of Tennessee and University of Alabama versus Louisiana State University games this season.
The Egg Bowl, King said, presented a chance to showcase Mississippi.
“Both of our flagship institutions are here playing each other,” King said. “We’ve got a great crowd from all across the state.”
When Bush — dressed in a white dress shirt and khakis — got to campus, he was met by state senator Herb Frierson, who guided the candidate about 20 yards through a sea of selfies, handshakes and hugs to his tailgate tent.
Frierson would not handicap Bush’s chances at carrying the state.
“We’re a conservative state,” Frierson said. “Right now, you’re hearing a lot about Trump and Carson and Cruz, but it’s just to early to call. I do know that whoever emerges as the conservative candidate, our state will support.”
Frierson’s tailgate group plays host to 60 to 100 regular guests each game, including Mary Claire Giffin, whose job it is to prepare the menu. Friday’s fare was a Thanksgiving meal with all the traditional holidays staples, although Bush only seemed to be able to nibble between greeting the guests and posing for photos.
Bush visited for about a half-hour before being guided through the crush of football fans and escorted into the Leo Seal M. Club, where he could presumably relax, eat and watch the Egg Bowl.
Dispatch reporter Slim Smith contributed to this report.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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