Jeb Bush Calling For Broad Military Buildup

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush is calling for a broad military buildup, saying the U.S. armed forces have been left ill-prepared to defeat the Islamic state militants who attacked Paris, killing more than 100 and wounding hundreds more.

The former Florida governor is projecting himself as a sober potential commander in chief, able to handle such challenges, as his presidential bid tries to gain traction in a campaign likely to be shaken up by the attacks.

Bush says “the brutal savagery is a reminder of what is at stake in this election.” He is speaking Wednesday at as the Military College of South Carolina, known as The Citadel.

In excerpts provided to The Associated Press in advance, Bush said: “We are living in serious times that require serious leadership.”