He’s apologised to France but Jeb Bush continues to fade

It has been a difficult few weeks for US Republican Candidate Jeb Bush, and things took another turn in the wrong direction after Bush apologised to France for comments made during last week’s Republican debate.

Bush was attempting to attack rival candidate Marco Rubio for working a three-day week and likened it to working weeks in France, attracting scores of criticism on both sides of the Atlantic.

While the apology from Bush has saved face and limited the damage, the former governor of Florida is now 6/1 to be selected as the US Republican candidate.

Having been 2/1 just over a month ago, Bush now trails both Rubio and Donald Trump, and his problems run deeper than derogatory comments about a certain European nation’s productivity.

Piling over $100m into his campaign, Bush has struggled in recent debate showings, is also struggling to assert himself in a bloated 13-horse race for candidacy, and has been alleged to lack enthusiasm in recent weeks.

Then there’s his name.

Older brother George burned bridges for many Americans during his eight-year term as President, and Jeb is suffering from the after-effects of a controversial sibling.

Donald Trump – second favourite at 4/1 – and Ben Carson – now 8/1 from 33/1 in August – continue to lead the polls, but it’s Rubio who remains favourite with Ladbrokes.

The 44-year-old is 11/8 to win the Republican race after a series of sharp performances in the debates, but he is far from home and dry as an increasing wave of attacks from his rivals come his way.

Aside from Bush’s verbal move about Rubio’s working week, Trump has also turned attention to Florida’s junior senator, and he isn’t restricting himself to do so just in debates.

Marco Rubio would keep Barack Obama’s executive order on amnesty intact. See article. Cannot be President. https://t.co/JW5f8OouyA

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2015

Aside from the above tweet and adjoining article, Trump has also suggested Rubio is ‘a disaster with his credit cards’ and ‘lives beyond his means’.

Pressure can do strange things to a person. Bush will be desperate to step up and make amends for a poor few weeks, while Rubio must now deal with the enviable prospect of having everyone do everything they can do to destabilise him.

These are interesting times for the Republicans and they are only going to get more so as we swing through into 2016.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.