What started as a typical political luncheon at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Convention became a test of nerves for Jeb Bush.
The Republican presidential candidate was the main speaker at the Women in Business & Leadership Luncheon in Houston this week. More than 1,000 attendees gathered, representing local organizations and global corporations. A few minutes into Bush’s speech, demonstrators entered the banquet hall and split into two groups. One remained in the back of the room while the other stood beside the stage. Their banners asked, “Who is the real Bush?”
“No hope without our vote! No hope without our vote!” they chanted.
Initially, Bush ignored them and tried to continue with his speech about women business leaders. Eventually, he had to pause and finally, as the protesters were escorted out, Bush addressed immigration reform, saying he “would continue to be respectful of the ramifications of the citizenship path.”
The protest was led by the Texas Organizing Project, Service Employees International Union, and Mi Familia Vota. For Wilmer Zepino, one of the organizers, Bush’s message is not consistent. “Depending on the crowd he is talking to, his message changes,” Zepino said. “You can see him high-fiving Donald Trump and denouncing President Obama’s executive action on immigration. But then he comes here and says he is for immigration reform.”