Former George W. Bush aide rips Jeb Bush for 'kissing the ring' of billionaires

Matthew Dowd, who was chief strategist for George W. Bush's 2004 campaign, on Sunday ripped Republican presidential hopefuls for lowering themselves to "kiss the ring" of billionaires like Las Vegas casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson.

During a Sunday panel segment on ABC's This Week, host George Stephanopolous noted that many potential 2016 candidates like former Gov. Jeb Bush, Gov. Scott Walker, Gov. John Kasich and Gov. Chris Christie had already met with Adelson.

"I think it's ridiculous that these candidates for president are trumping out to Las Vegas to go kiss the ring of a billionaire casino owner," Dowd said. "And they think that's somehow going to help them get elected president."

"I think money matters so much less than your own capacity as a candidate," he continued. "What is your message? What's your vision for the country."

"They would be much better off spending time back where they live -- instead of flying to Las Vegas -- and figuring out what's their message, what's their vision, and how are they going to covey that to the American public."

Watch the video below from ABC's This Week, broadcast March 30, 2014.