Tampa (Florida): Cornering Barack Obama over his handling of country's economy, a top Republican leader has asked the US President to desist from blaming his predecessor George W Bush for his own "failed" policies.
"Mr President, it is time to stop blaming your predecessor for your failed economic policies," said Jeb Bush, former Florida governor and brother of former president George W Bush, at party's national convention in Tampa.
Praising his brother, Jeb said George is a "man of integrity, courage and honour who kept us safe during incredibly challenging times."
Asserting that Obama's policies have failed to work, Bush said the President should now "accept responsibility" of his failures in the fourth year of his presidency, which, he noted, Obama was not doing.
Bush observed that the upcoming elections on November 6 will "shape the future" of the country and found this an opportunity for all to "restore America's greatness."
"We can restore America's greatness. That starts with a strong economy, a smart energy policy, lower deficits and a president who puts America's workers and job creators first," he said, urging people to vote for Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
Expressing concern over country's performance in the field of education, Bush observed countries like India and China were now racing ahead of the US in terms of producing skilled manpower.
"There are many reasons to believe America's future is bright, but also reasons to worry. Of 34 advanced nations in the world, American students rank 17th in science, 25th in math. Only one-fourth of high school graduates are ready for their next steps," Bush said.
PTI
First Published: Friday, August 31, 2012, 10:13