Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush believes he can "persuade" Republicans to support comprehensive amnesty legislation during a potential 2016 presidential campaign, The Hill reported.
When it comes to immigration reform, Bush said he will be able to convince conservative voters of his position, according to the second part of his interview with a local Florida television station on Tuesday, the same day he announced that he will "actively explore" a presidential campaign.
When questioned about the "immigration issue" and whether he could "get through the primary" with his pro-amnesty positions, Bush replied to NBC 6 in Florida that "a candidate gets to persuade."
"I think there's a compelling case that, if we want to be young and dynamic again, we have to make legal immigration easier than illegal immigration, that we control our borders, enforce the laws, but that we embrace our immigrant heritage and allow our country to take off. You gotta do both," the Republican said, adding that he plans to "listen to people and see if my message can resonate."
"You gotta protect the borders, enforce the law, be respectful of the rule of law, and at the same time be able to encourage young aspirational people to come to our country. It's a win-win. I have no problems advancing that idea," he added.
Since President Obama announced his executive action on immigration, Republicans have clearly stated their opposition to the policy.
But with Bush's stance on immigration and Common Core already being scrutinized since his presidential run announcement, the 61-year-old "seems intent on doubling down on his moderate positions instead of flip-flopping and coming off as a phony," according to Breitbart.
Earlier, Bush had stated that a Republican must be willing to "lose the primary" in order to win the general election.
"That will be beginning next year," he added. "Right now, I'm going to chill out a little bit."
Meanwhile, Bush's surprise announcement on Tuesday could spur other candidates to quickly announce their plans as well.
