Cruz Says Hispanics Don’t Panhandle Because of Shame, Won’t Comment on Blacks

Republican Presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas speaks at the Iowa Faith & Freedom 15th Annual Spring Kick Off, in Waukee, Iowa, Saturday, April 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

WASHINGTON (AP) — One day after Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said Hispanics don’t panhandle because it would be shameful for them, the Republican presidential contender is refusing to offer an opinion about African-Americans who beg for money on the street.

Asked Thursday what he thought of them, Cruz turned away without speaking, striding into a senators-only elevator in the Capitol and waiting for the doors to close.

Speaking yesterday at a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce meeting, Cruz recalled once having lunch with a Hispanic entrepreneur who asked when the last time was he had seen a Hispanic panhandler.

“It’s a great question,” Cruz said, adding, “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a Hispanic panhandler, and the reason is in our community it would be shameful to be begging on the street.”

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  1. Cruz should come visit New Jersey if he thinks Hispanics don’t panhandle.

  2. Cruz is typically seeing the equation from the wrong side.

    In the wealthiest nation in the history of the world, why should there be a need for anyone to panhandle?

  3. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a Hispanic panhandler

    Does the Senator own a mirror?

  4. Most busy corners have a latina selling flowers each and every weekend.

  5. He just turned his back? They said he was a master debater back in college!

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