Jeb Bush unleashed another attack against his 2016 Republican presidential rival Donald Trump, likening him to President Barack Obama and attributing Trump's popularity in the GOP primary race to the Democratic president.

During a recent interview with NPR, Bush called the billionaire businessman "a creature of Barack Obama" and claimed that Obama paved the way for Trump's surprisingly successful campaign.

"But for Barack Obama, Donald Trump's effect would not be nearly as strong as it is," the former Florida governor said. "We're living in a divided country right now and we need political leaders rather than continuing to divide us -- as both Donald Trump and President Obama do -- to unite us."

Bush also dismissed Trump's campaign as an "emotion of the here and now" that "will subside," NBC News reports.

When speaking about his own candidacy, Bush downplayed the expectations that he must win some contests being held in early voting states in order to win the Republican nomination.

"I don't think I have to win any of them, because we're organized in every state," he said. "The good news is, expectations are low for me, and I'm definitely gonna beat those."

"I feel really good about New Hampshire, to be honest with you. Just -- just the way it -- it feels," Bush added.

Earlier this month, Bush and Trump traded harsh jabs. Following the last CNN debate in Las Vegas, Trump called Bush "dumb as a rock" on Twitter.

In turn, Bush told an audience at a town hall meeting in New Hampshire that he needed to get something off of his chest. He then bluntly stated, "Donald Trump is a jerk," while the audience laughed and applauded, reports CNN.