Jeb Bush mounts anti-Trump campaign

Jeb Bush is trying to reclaim ground in the Republican presidential race by going after longtime front-runner Donald Trump.

Starting with Tuesday's debate in Las Vegas, Bush has termed Trump the "chaos candidate" in a series of tweets, advertisements and interviews, saying the New York businessman lacks the judgment to be president.

Friday brought a video in which Bush wished Trump "a happy anniversary" — it's been seven years since a CNN interview in which Trump praised then-president-elect Barack Obama and his secretary of State-designate, Hillary Clinton.

“I think he's doing great," Trump said eight years ago. "I think Hillary is a great appointment."

A Bush tweet on Friday bashed Trump for welcoming the praise of Russia President Vladimir Putin. Bush noted Russian support for Iran and Syria leader Bashar al-Assad.

"Does Donald even know Putin backs Iran/Assad?" Bush said. "Does he care? We must stand up to Putin not coddle him #ChaosCandidate "

Trump has attributed Bush's new campaign phase to his low standing in the polls. The businessman rose to the top in part by attacking Bush, saying the former Florida governor lacked the "energy" to be an effective Republican nominee.

During the Vegas debate, Trump told Bush: "I'm at 42, and you're at 3 — so, so far, I'm doing better."

Noting that Bush was once near center stage at GOP stage, the businessman added: "You know, you started off over here, Jeb. You're moving over further and further. Pretty soon you're going to be off the end."