Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said Thursday that he found it �troubling� that the 2012 presidential candidates are �appealing to people�s fears and emotion� on the campaign trail, according to reports.

Bush expressed concern about the type of rhetoric the candidates were using, but didn�t offer specifics or mention names.

�I used to be a conservative, and I watch these debates and I�m wondering, I don�t think I�ve changed, but it�s a little troubling sometimes when people are appealing to people�s fears and emotion rather than trying to get them to look over the horizon for a broader perspective, and that�s kind of where we are,� said Bush, according to Fox News.

�I think it changes when we get to the general election. I hope,� he added, according to wire service UPI.

He also asserted that it was important for the presidential candidates to appeal not only to Republican primary voters, but independent voters as well.

�I think it�s important for the candidates to recognize though they have to appeal to primary voters, and not turn off independent voters that will be part of a winning coalition,� he said, according to CBS.

�I know these men and they are very capable� but I�m kind of hopeful the primary process ends so we unite behind a candidate and eliminate the potential of a circular firing squad,� said Bush after the event, while dismissing that he would be a consensus candidate.

�That won�t happen� yeah� positive,� he told Fox News about the possibility of entering the race. �Next time [in 2016] I hope to work for the re-election of a Republican incumbent.�

Bush made the comments while answering questions from the audience after a speech in Dallas.

The former Florida Republican governor has not endorsed any of the candidates in his party currently running for the presidency.

(Source: Politico)