Jeb Bush: 'I'm not surprised' by Paris terrorist attack

By Ryan Lovelace, Ryan Lovelace

Published December 20, 2015

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said he is "not surprised" by the terrorist attack unfolding in Paris, France.

Bush joined conservative personality Hugh Hewitt on his radio show as the assault was unfolding overseas. Hewitt said he was not surprised by the terrorist attack given recent world events, and asked for Bush's thoughts.

"No, I'm not surprised," Bush answered. "This is a war being [perpetrated] by Islamic terrorists and it's not a law enforcement operation. And the mindset that, in our country at least, needs to change to recognize it for what it is. This is an organized effort to destroy Western civilization. And we need to lead in this regard."

Bush, who ranks seventh in the Washington Examiner's most recent GOP presidential power rankings, said the United States needs to refocus on building its alliances around the globe. He added that this is the "war of our time" and that the American people "need to have another conversation" about the role of the NSA.