Jeb Bush says he'll win the black vote with 'aspiration,' not 'free stuff'

Jeb Bush has a plan for Republicans to win more of the black vote in 2016. At an event in South Carolina on Thursday night, the former Florida governor was asked by a white man in a crowd that was predominantly white: "Look around this room. How many black faces do you see? How are you going to include them and get them to vote for you?" The 2016 presidential candidate had a quick response — one that echoed Mitt Romney's notorious line in 2012 about "free stuff."

"Our message is one of hope and aspiration," Bush said. "It isn't one of division and get in line and we'll take care of you with free stuff. Our message is one that is uplifting — that says you can achieve earned success." His wording harkened back to Romney's controversial statement at an event with the N.A.A.C.P. in July 2012 at which The New York Times reports he said, "Your friends who like ObamaCare, you remind them of this: If they want more stuff from government, tell them to go vote for the other guy — more free stuff." Mitt Romney was reportedly booed and would later win only 6 percent of the black vote.

Bush said that if the GOP could double its share of the black vote, the party could win Ohio and Virginia in 2016.

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