MPR News Staff , The Associated Press ·
Former Florida governor and 2016 Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush was interviewed by retired MPR host Gary Eichten about a wide range of current issues, from hurricanes and earthquakes to immigration and health care.
Bush decried the decline in America's civic culture and presidential leadership. He told the crowd he feels he can still play a role in politics even though he doesn't plan to run for a major political office again.
It was the 11th annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture on Conscience and Courage in Public Life, held Thursday, Sept. 21 at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn. Sponsored by the McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement at St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict.
Bush said he has been rebuilding his life since dropping out of the 2016 presidential race in February 2016. He has been mentoring politicians and launched an education reform foundation called Excel in Ed.
Bush said he's not a fan of President Donald Trump, but that he continues to pray for all leaders.
Bush said he wants politicians to be willing to criticize fellow party members. He also encouraged people to read news and opinions they don't agree with fully.
