Just one day after a lackluster showing at the Republican presidential debate in Boulder, Colo., Jeb Bush acknowledged to donors Thursday afternoon that he needs to improve his debate performance.

“I realize I need to get better,” the former Florida governor said, according to one person present on the call.

Bush hosted the call along with top aides Sally Bradshaw and Tim Miller.

The former governor said he had been reading the press and emails and had taken in the criticism of his performance.

He also used the call to outline other matters, including his campaign’s work in key primary states.