Jeb Bush: Dems try to win black voters with ‘free stuff’

Former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-Fla.) said Thursday that Democrats win over black voters by offering them “free stuff.”

Bush said Republicans had a more appealing message and should do more to promote it.

“Our message is one of hope and aspiration,” he told listeners during an appearance in Mount Pleasant, S.C., according to CNN.

{mosads}“It isn’t one of division and ‘get in line, and we’ll take care of you with free stuff.’ Our message needs to be heard across the country,” the 2016 presidential candidate said. “It can’t just be the enclaves that agree with us.”

Bush’s remarks drew comparisons with controversial comments made by 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

“What the president, president’s campaign did was focus on certain members of his base coalition, give them extraordinary financial gifts from the government, and then work very aggressively to turn them out to vote,” Romney reportedly said during a call with top donors on Nov. 14, 2012, shortly after his election loss.

Romney’s remarks drew sharp criticism from both Democrats and other Republicans at the time.

They also led the Republican National Committee (RNC) to launch an effort to improve its minority voter outreach during the 2016 election cycle.

Bush’s made the comment to about 275 members of the East Cooper Republican Women’s Club.

Bush’s campaign refused to comment specifically on his “free stuff” remarks on Friday afternoon.

“Jeb is running a that will not cede on any issue, voter or demographic group because he has a vision for the future that can unite Americans behind restoring people’s ability to rise up and achieve their dreams,” spokeswoman Alllie Brandenburger told The Hill in an email.

“The Democrats are creating attacks where they don’t exist because they know their policies have failed the tens of millions stuck in poverty and they fear Jeb’s positive message of expanding opportunity for everyone,” she added.

Bush also vowed on Thursday that he will win South Carolina’s presidential primary early next year.

“I’m going to win South Carolina, take that to the bank,” he said.