The gloves are  coming off.

With Donald Trump quickly gaining popularity in the Republican primary, former Florida governor Jeb Bush has apparently decided to go on the offensive by comparing the billionaire real-estate mogul to President Barack Obama.

“We need to focus on the things that tie us together, and whether it’s Donald Trump or Barack Obama, their rhetoric of divisiveness is wrong,” Bush told a crowd at a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Those look like fighting words.

In the video posted to Bush’s Twitter page Tuesday, the candidate argued that Trump’s rhetoric is not the tone that will carry Republicans to a 2016 presidential win.

“On our side, there are people that prey on people’s fears and their angst as well,” Bush said. “A Republican will never win by striking fear in people’s hearts.”

Saying that a message of “hope” is the only thing that Republicans should be focused on, Bush took the opportunity to paint Trump as a rabblerouser and a fear monger.

But comparing him to Obama was too much for conservatives on social media to tolerate.

@JebBush Unfortunately the “truth” can strike fear in one’s heart. Nevertheless, the truth always wins. Sidestepping just prolongs problem.

— terry hoffman (@terryhoffman191) July 14, 2015

@JebBush Jeb u mean the FEAR how these 94 ILLEGAL ALIENS IN 1 MONTH IN 1 STATE COMMITTED 500 SEX CRIMES AGAINST KIDS? http://t.co/Jk85LNF3OP

— John H (@JohnHask) July 14, 2015

@JebBush a republican will never win by capitulating to all Democrat’s Whims. You’re a complete & utter RINO. You don’t put Americans first

— eugene Livingston (@eugeneLivingst1) July 15, 2015

@JebBush because no conservative supports Common Core, which you took money to support, or amnesty for illegals, which you’ve endorsed

— Mark Fisher (@Gatortrapper) July 14, 2015

@JebBush much agreed. It’s easier if we ignore problems and pretend like they’re not happening

— Cole McKinley Wilson (@mckinley_cole) July 14, 2015

@JebBush @realDonaldTrump it’s not about striking fear, it’s about talking honestly & openly. Enough political speak & political correctness

— Mark S (@MarkStahlbaum) July 14, 2015

Bush probably should have thought a little harder about his message of “hope” before throwing out comparisons to President “Hope and Change” himself.

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Michael Schaus

Michael Schaus is a talk radio host, political humorist, and columnist. Having worked in a wide range of industries (including construction, journalism, and financial services) his perspectives and world views are forged with a deep understanding of what it means to be an American entrepreneur.

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