LatinaLista — Early returns of just a few of the states voting today for the Democratic nominee have Clinton and Obama in a dead heat.
Super Tuesday states
(Source: CNN)
Yet, an interesting point has come to light. In New York, in which Clinton handily won, being her home state as Obama won in his home state of Illinois, Clinton garnered 70% of the Latino vote.
Now, CNN has predicted that Clinton has won Massachusetts — among Latino voters in MA, the rumor is that Clinton received 75%.
These two significant wins beg the question: How valuable is a Kennedy endorsement among Latinos?
Of course, the true test won’t be until we receive the returns from California, Arizona and Colorado, all states with a significant Latino population.
For the record, Obama is said to have won 52% of the Latino vote in his home state of Illinois though it isn’t as large a percentage as Clinton’s wins – so far.
However, just these very preliminary returns illustrate that Latinos are not as enamored of the Kennedy legacy as we once were. Whereas some families used to hang a picture of Pres. Kennedy alongside the Pope in their homes, the Kennedy family isn’t as well known among this new generation of Latino voters.
Voters, who are a mixture of first generation immigrants with American-born children, and who don’t know about Camelot or the Cuban Missile Crisis or that Jacqueline Kennedy could speak perfect French.
And if Latino voters are a new breed of voters then politicians do indeed have their work cut out for them.
Time will tell — in about 2 hours!
Comment(16)
laura
Please – what does Jacqueline Kennedy have to do with this ?
This is about – which candidate may actually lend some desperately needed support to Latinos, who are being scapegoated for the disastrous consequences of decades of Reagan/Bush father/son (and Clinton) policies. Which candidate is more likely to just be using Latinos to get elected, and then dropping them once they’re not needed anymore ?
Obama is no messiah. But let’s be clear:
– Obama has pledged to bring up comprehensive immigration reform in his first year in office. Clinton refused.
– Obama stated clearly he supports drivers licenses for undocumented people. Clinton stated clearly she opposes them.
– On May 1, 2006, exactly two US Senators attended a rally for immigrants: Obama and Edward Kennedy. Clinton was – where was she on May 1, 2006 ?
These are the issues I care about. Please spare me with Camelot.
I can’t help but fear that Latino/as are woefully uninformed of the facts.
Frank
Here we go with the ethnic politics again. Latino this, Black that, White….
Why can’t we just be Americans and refer to ourselves that way rather than by race or ethnicity?
Why is giving illegal aliens driver’s licenses and CIR so important to Hispanic citizens? What has it to do with them?
It really doesn’t matter who gets elected, it is congress that votes on legislation on the issues. Bush wanted CIR passed too but did he get it? NO! More and more states are going to take matters into their own hands and that is a good thing.
EYES OF TEXAS
Clinton and Obama will say what it takes to become President after which all the promises will be null and void. The issues that matter to the majority of Americans do not include immigration reform or drivers licenses for illegal aliens. As for the Kennedys, that legacy died a long time ago. Don’t be surprised, if Obama becomes President, he will not have the clout to do anything that he has promised to anyone. Mainstream America is banning together like no other time in history to keep all politicians in check and accountable for meeting the concerns of WE THE PEOPLE, not WE THE ETHNIC GROUP.
Regina Rodriguez
Hispanic Pundit comments today on how many Latino bloggers support Obama, while the majority of Latinos support Clinton. Any ideas about what this indicates, if anything?
Texano78704
How significant is a forty year old legacy? Obviously not that important to the vast number of Latinos under the age of forty. It is probably even less of legacy to new immigrant citizens with little or no knowledge of that legacy.
“Here we go with the ethnic politics again.”
Why are you here if you do not want to hear about “ethnic politics?” That’s a rhetorical question, by the way.
“Why is giving illegal aliens driver’s licenses and CIR so important to Hispanic citizens? What has it to do with them?”
Well, the issues as you framed them do seem odd, don’t they? Perhaps it is just a little more complex than you suggest or perhaps that those are not the specific issues involved at all.
adriana
I think that whatever affinity people might have for the Kennedy family is more rooted in older Americans (and by extension older Latino Americans). President Kennedy was one of the first to use his wife in a Spanish language ad. So, he gets some credit for those old enough to remember.
I think that the bigger headline should be that many Latinos did not respond to Clinton’s outreach. Barack Obama still captured a share of the Latino vote and seems to be picking up traction there.
We also should question why so many of Latino politicians sold themselves out to Clinton and Company so early. The Clintons gave us NAFTA without worker protections, have flip flopped on the drivers license issue, have supported and funded the War in Iraq. And they have been so quick to throw their African-American friends under the bus. Remember Dr. Elders, Lani Guinier, and Ricky Ray Rector? We could just as easily be on the receiving end of this kind of treatment.
Evelyn
We cant just all be Americans because you have decided to leave yourself out. Most Americans will not accept racism. They have shown this over and over in every state that has voted so far. They have rejected all the racists running for President. You have labeled and saddled yourself with the word racists in a diverse country like the U.S. You will never fit in or be accepted.
One good reason to have everyone that drives have a drivers licence is because, if they do have one that means they took the test and read the book on safe driving to pass it. So they know the rules and can drive safely. It also means they are insured. That means it makes the roads much safer for everyone. Duh
Bush couldn’t get CIR passed because he doesnt have what it takes to bring people together. It’s either his way or the highway. He is way to arrogant to be a leader. Obama does have the qualities of a leader. He is also able to bring people together, and work with both sides of the isle in the senate.
Saying that having each state pass different laws for a government issue is just dumb. I’m shure it wont affect you, because you probably never get further then the edge of town. How else could you have gotten the way you are!
Evelyn
Eyes, I must say I am going to have to congratulate you. How in the world did you come to your senses, and realize that most of America is not consumed with Illegal Immigration or drivers licences for unauthorized immigrants.
Boy, I cant believe you’ve finally seen the light. I bet you’ve been following the news about how Americans are voting for Obama and Clinton in huge numbers and already got rid of all the racist candidates. Americans are voting for Democrats 2 to 1 leaving the Republican candidates on the outside looking in.
Yup, it’s gonna be just like Obama said. “Change is coming…..Change is on the way” Soon all the immigrants whose status is that of “Illegal Alien” will be changed to “Resident Alien” then eventually to American citizen.
Who knows, maby one of these days one of their sons or daughters will grow up to be President, just like Obama. He is the son of an immigrant you know.
Yes Eyes you are correct, mainstream America shure is banding together like no other time in History and meeting the concerns of WE THE PEOPLE instead of WE THE white PEOPLE. You know I feel kinda sorry for Frank, he feels sooo left out, it’s a good thing you finally changed your mind.
Frank
Democrats far outnumber Republicans in this country. So it no surprise that they would vote along party lines aka Obama/Clinton.
Republicans who didn’t vote for Romney had nothing to do with any so-called racism on his part. There were many factors involved in why McCain surpassed Romney and none of them had to do with any racism. Even Tancredo and Hunter dropping out of the race had nothing to do with any percieved racism on their part.
The laws that different states are passing are within the laws of this country so no it isn’t dumb. We have been guaranteed by the Constitution the right to protect ourselves if the Federal government doesn’t and our states are exercising that right.
Those who scream racism all the time have to, to hide their own racism.
laura
Adriana writes:
“We also should question why so many of Latino politicians sold themselves out to Clinton and Company so early. The Clintons gave us NAFTA without worker protections, have flip flopped on the drivers license issue, have supported and funded the War in Iraq. And they have been so quick to throw their African-American friends under the bus. Remember Dr. Elders, Lani Guinier, and Ricky Ray Rector? We could just as easily be on the receiving end of this kind of treatment.”
I totally agree. Totally totally totally. These are the facts and the concerns we should be looking at.
And may I suggest one more point: Obama needs Latinos now. Wouldn’t this be a good moment to bring up important concerns to him ? I have a feeling he would listen attentively.
For me one huge concern is: ICE raids that terrorize families and workers. They call it “Operation return to sender.” Men armed with guns, who have no search warrant, shout “Police” at a family’s door at 3 in the morning. They rush inside, handcuff the adults in front of the children, and take away innocent people. 87% of those taken like that are not even accused of a crime.
I am very interested what Senator Obama has to say about these tactics, which are more reminiscent of the Gestapo than of a state under the rule of law. (I have a feeling what Senator Clinton has to say about this: nothing.)
Sakina
Hola Latina Lista! I want to urge you to trust Senator Obama with your very, very important vote. I personally have worked with Latinos and Latinas extensively for two years, as a volunteer for the Committee for Immigrant Rights Sonoma County (CA) and the County of Refuge Campaign requesting an end to anti-Latino racism in American politics. Every week, I bring my 8 year old son Mateo to meet with a wonderful group of people to push hard for not only the rights of immigrants, but the rights of all Latinos. During this time, I have marched side by side with my strong, wonderful sisters. This year I am organizing the Cinco de Mayo march where we expect 5000 people to show up. We give Know Your Rights trainings to people facing deportations. We film the atrocious raids that tear families apart, as well as document the racism that happens at checkpoints in California, and have filed lawsuits with the ACLU. We write letters to the editor. We work with MeCHA, the Graton Day Laborers, the Catholic Churches here, the NAACP, the ACLU, the local Aztlan Dancers, and countless others. I have helped collect 5000 petitions for County of Refuge, and stood every Friday for three months protesting the deportation of Elvira Arellano with 20-30 people. Sometimes I also do radio on Voces de Mujeres, a local program.
Making this country welcoming to Latinos is literally my life, after my son and my religious faith.
Enough about me! I am here to tell you to NOT vote for Hillary Clinton. Stop! Ya Basta! Seriously. I got into Barack because of his incredible pro-Latino policies! It hurts me a lot when I hear that Latino women haven’t been voting for him. In my gut, I know it’s because he’s so new, and there’s so much suspicion, like, “who’s this guy?” Please listen to me, and tell other people, tell everyone: he will do the best things for you, much better, a hundred times better, than any other candidate. Aside from immigration reform that is by and far the best on the ticket, he’s humble, not telling you he co-authored the DREAM act. He also understands women and is very sensitive, passionate, and strong. He will champion for you (and all of us, I’m tired of “you” and “me”) and I will put my name on that. I will put my committee’s name on that. He has MY endorsement. And I am a mother of a half-Latino boy and a Latino rights activist who does not get paid for my work.
California is impoverished. I live in a low-income neighborhood and am putting myself through college still at 32 years old. My son’s school is terrible, ranking in the 42nd percentile in the state.
But every day I make sure to tell people to vote for Obama to make changes happen.
This means Latino women must vote wisely, and not let other candidates sway you. I don’t trust politicians at all! But I would trust this man with my soul, and I urge you to get out and vote for him, to spread the word for him, to volunteer for him, to make sure that this man gets into office so that we can have an end to this bigotry once and for all. So that we can advance Latino women and Latino children to their proper place in our society once and for all!
Si Se Puede!!!!!!
Thank you for listening, but this might be the most important thing I’ve ever shared.
We are women, we are strong, we are sometimes quiet, sometimes when it is important we have to shout to be heard. We are independent. We are proud. And we make all of the difference!
Evelyn
Sakina is right, I did my part and caucused for Obama last night. I also worked tirelessly for Obamas campaign in several states and my state prior to super Tuesday.
In my state he won by a huge margin. Every one out in Texas needs to get the word out to la raza so he can take Texas.
It is a shame Dolores Huerta, Hilda Solis, and Villaraigosa endorsed Clinton in California, and gave her that state.
Frank
What we need is a president who works for “ALL” Americans and puts the best interests of this country and it’s citizens at hand. A president should respect our laws and the punishment demanded by law for those who do not and secure our borders and protect this country as he is sworn to do.
EYES OF TEXAS
My statement that the issues that matter to the majority of Americans do not include immigration reform and drivers licenses for illegal aliens was meant to mean nothing will change in either one of these areas. The only immigration reform will be the passage of the Save Act and drivers licenses for illegal aliens will never happen on a federal level. No reform, no licenses, status quo. Sorry someone misunderstood.
EYES OF TEXAS
We need a President that is a nationalist instead of a globalist. We need a President that represents all American citizens and not foreigners. We need a President that respects the concept of “majority rules” and not being swayed by special interest groups.
Obamas policies are about one step away from communism and Hillary is a socialist to the bone. Not very good choices for those of us that want less government control over our lives. In the eyes of the Democratic party the government dictates what is best for the people without the approval of the people. If either of these two are elected we are in for a very rough next four years.
Frank
Sakina, this country welcomes everyone who comes legally. So why the statement of you are “making this country welcoming for Latinos?” I don’t know of any group that isn’t welcomed if they follow the rules. What bigotry are you speaking of? Most Americans are not bigots so why worry about the minority that are? There are bigots in every country, including Mexico. “Anti-Latino racism in politics?” There are just as many Latino politicians in this country as there are Black politicians. Whites are the majority in this country so that is why the majority of our politicians are White. I am sure in Mexico the majority of politicians are Latinos because of the same reason.
So you as an American think our government has no right to enforce our immigration laws? The parents of these kids know what they are doing when they break our immigrations laws so if there is any seperation of family, it is their fault not our government’s fault. Arellano was a felon. She had been deported at least twice. Why in the world would you stick up for her?
Obama has “pro-Latino” politics? What does that mean? Are you saying he treats them special? Why would he single out a certain group to be pro too? Shouldn’t he just be pro-American? Sorry, but I can’t vote for a candidate that plays ethnic politics.
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