A Call for Democratic Unity to Latino Voters

Insiders tell me that Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Howard Dean has been meeting with Latino DNC members asking them to make a call for Democratic unity to Latino voters. Dean must be concerned that a significant portion of the Latino Democratic vote, which favors Clinton over Obama by a two-to-one margin, will prove hard to deliver should Obama take the nomination.

Howard Dean has clumsily framed the issue as concern for Black/Brown unity but observers have told me that his pitch quickly degenerates from broad-based concerns to electoral politics. The doubling of the Latino Democratic voter turnout has been largely ignored by pundits who have focused on the amazing strength of Barack Obama's appeal to young voters. Pundits notwithstanding, the overall voter surge has also been enabled by a Latino wave that has been largely attributable to both Clinton's focus on this community and a backlash against Republican immigrant-bashing. While ignored by pundits, the penchant of Latinos to swing mid-election is of great concern to those that are attempting to objectively forecast the general election. Obama's self-described inadequate attempts to reach Latino voters has been a boon to Clinton who has the bulk of Latino community leadership, the majority of declared Latino super delegates, and voters behind her candidacy.

Dean's concern is right on target even if his attempt at language to motivate Latino influencers to rise to the occasion is awkward. Obviously, Dean is in the unenviable position of trying to bring attention to the potential crisis without seeming to be predicating the nomination's outcome or influencing it.

However Dean's proposed strategy is even more awkward than his framing of the issue. Dean has encouraged Latino DNC members to focus on McCain's weakness during the last Senate immigration debate when talking to Latino voters. The problem is that the only reason that many of the Latinos who see McCain favorably do so because of the immigration issue. McCain has been one of the few Republicans not to demagogue the issue and as a result, has taken hits from his right flank for defying the anti-immigrant radio shock jocks. In short, making McCain out to be anti-immigrant hater is a hard sell and could backfire.

There is another complicating factor in the idea of attacking McCain on immigration: political facts. Many progressive Latino immigrant activists are continually roiling at Democratic leaders like Rahm Emanuel, whose insistence that Democrats take a more hard line posture on immigration has muddied the rhetorical waters, hampering the potential McCain immigration attack. Many find it difficult to bash McCain on immigration when the Arizona Senator finds himself on par with Rahm Emanuel on the issue.

In truth, the reason that the situation is clumsy for Dean is because the concern is not his alone to fix. In fact, one must wonder why he alone is addressing it.

Dean should share his concerns not only with Latino DNC members, but with the presidential candidates and Democratic House and Senate leadership. Only they have the tools to appease Latino swing voters that have doubled in numbers and that are just as hungry for attention as the rest of the "voter surge."

Comments

[clr2]

The only thing ILLEGAL ALIENS should get from this country is a one way ticket back to their own countries. ILLEGAL ALIENS are sucking our country dry. We pay BILLIONS to provide an education and health care to people who don't belong here. All ILLEGAL ALIENS should be deported (I don't care how long they have been here ILLEGALLY), those who hire ILLEGALS should be heavily fined, and we should return to the original intent of the 14th amendment and do away with anchor babies. Americans are all for LEGAL IMMIGRATION - it's the ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION that we have to do away with.

[GemStone1972]

Howard Dean the best thing you and Nancy Pelosi can do for the Democrats is become Republicans or Green Peace party members or something. You idea of unity has been all along Obama for President. You have not been neutral at all! Spineless cowards. We should have and could of had the White House and congress for 16 years or longer. It has taken us since 1980 to recover from the last time the party did this. You are not fooling anyone, we all know it should have and could have been Clinton/Obama until 20016 and then Obama/next rising star until 2020! Way to go.

[Tejano1]

i stopped sending money to the democratic party because of rahm emanuel's willingness to sell us out on the "immigration issue." but i'll support obama. i've never been behind hillary "sniper" mcclinton. and richardson could be very useful in shoring up support for barack, esp if he's the veep.

[meanguy]

it's funny how all the calls for 'unity' seem to boil down to 'support obama'...as if he is the only choice

[SamThornton]

I'm continually amazed that Democratic pols have a difficult time wrapping their heads around the undocumented worker issue. It should be a no-brainer.

Poll after poll over the last few years shows that a convincing majority of Americans (usually 60% or more) favor an equitable solution that involves a path toward citizenship for those who're working in this country without papers. Sure, there's a vocal, nativist minority that scream whenever the issue is brought up, but so what? Ignore 'em; they're screwballs who don't deserve attention from the sane majority.

[jwsub28]

What is wrong with you people? Clinton has run on the experience issue. As evidence of her lack of experience begins to surface maybe you should take that into consideration when voting. She has down right lied about a number of things that she said she did. Traveling to 80 countries does not make you experienced to be president. Using good judgement and voting against a war would be good judgement. She did not vote against the war. Did she even take the time to read the whole resolution that put us into IRAQ? NO
Obama will try to unite brown, black, white,asian ,indian, all races. You would think you would be for a man that is trying to make your life better. But you know the Clinton name so you will vote for her. You call that good Judgement?

She is the first one to admit that the big states matter. The problem with that is that the republicans have cross voted and held their noses while pushing the button for this woman they love to hate.

McCain is a whole other story and to the people that actually said they would rather have him for president, well I sure hope you enjoyed the last 8 years because it will not be any different. This man is old and has senior moments even before he gets elected.

Wake up Latino voters, you want a voice, you want to begin to have a conversation about race then VOTE OBAMA

[TruthBeHeard]

McCain will be backtracking on the immigration issue, if he hasn't already, to try appeal to his base. Latinos should not expect any help from McCain!

Please explain to me exactly WHAT Clinton has done for Latinos???? I don't see it.

And don't forget that many of those new Latino voters voted for Barack! Maybe not the majority, but many.

[InfinteShibumi]

Odd that there's no reference to the Richardson effect in this discourse.

[ray3]

Obama does address immigrant concerns, he supports all immigrants being able to get driver's licenses , something Hillary does not support. He also wants to make it easier for Cubans and Mexicans to travel to see their families, again a difference in policy and supports a path for illegal immigrants to legalize their status. He is very much against vilifying immigrants for political purposes.

[gingrmac]

Yeah, but Obama has done NOTHING for the majority of Latinos in this country -- Clintons have. That is a fact. And, the truth. Hillary does so well with Latinos because of her HISTORY AND RELATIONSHIP with Latinos -- which is far, wide and lasting. That is what the BO supporters must understand. As a Latina from Texas, I am continually insulted on a daily basis by the majority of sexist and basic lack of respect shown by the BO supporters to the Hillary supporters. If BO thinks that he can arrogantly and flippantly say that Hillary's supporters will automatically join ranks with him, he had better think long and hard about that one. Currently, Richardson's support is eroding daily because of his stupid move to support BO. I have friends and family in CA, NM, and FL. And, overwhelmingly BO is despised because of his utter disrespect for our community. If BO thinks that he can threaten the DNC with a riot and withholding of votes by Blacks against Hillary if she wins the nomination. Then, he'd better think of the MILLIONS OF LATINOS who will either vote for McCain or abstain from voting in November. He's going to have to do a helluva lot better than bring Richardson to the table. This is NOT a threat, this is a fact. BO better think of the REALITY of the power of the Latino vote and how ultimately, whether in the Democratic race or come November will be his undoing.

[Yalin]

1) This begs the question then gingrmac.

What have the Clintons done specifically for the Laino community that deserves the respect given to them? I wrote a diary at DKos regarding The Clintons and >>insert name

[LODYS1]

gingrmac:

i respect your opinion, but how exactly has Senator obama disrespected Latinos? much of your argument comes directly from your support for Senator Clinton. it's clear that this campaign has gotten nasty on both sides. Are you a pollster? just wondering, since you base your opinion that Richardson's endorsement has caused his support to erode by our friends and family in various states, which is more anecdotal, than fact. I have a large mexican family, but I'm not sure even their opinions are indicative of tens of thousands of people it would take for Richardson's support to erode.

I'm assuming you are Latino/a, if so, would you be angered by someone marginalizing you? that's essentially the remark Clinton's campaign made about Richardson's endorsement. he's only good for attracting hispanics. how demeaning! we all work in the real world where we are proud of our heritage but don't appreciate being pigeonholed as only "the Latino."

that said, I'm an Obama supporter , but I would support Clinton if she were to win. Am I angered by all that has been said by her camp...absolutely. but for Clinton supporters, Latinos and others, the choice should be: do we want Republicans making more choice about supreme court nominees, do want more bad decisions about this war, do we want more demagoguery of the Latino community by Republicans, do we want more tax cuts for the rich? you see where I'm going here.

[TruthBeHeard]

Details please. How has Obama disrespected Latinos??? Be specific.

Who is threatening a riot & withholding of votes by Blacks? Not Barack!

Specifics again. Where on earth did you get this idea???

As far as I can see he is respectful of everyone. Noone can control how all of their supporters behave but that is not the way Barack behaves. I'm sorry if some Obama supporters have treated you badly, they are not exhibiting the Obama way and they need to be reminded of what Obama stands for.

Will you really vote for McCain and have at least 4 more years of Bush policies? More and more war, less and less social services and investment in our infrastructure (which helps to fuel the economy), more tax breaks for the rich and more taxes for the middle and lower income etc, etc.

Your position is NO WIN for the entire country.

I sincerely hope that you reconsider.

[Indepatriot]

gingrmac-please explain a few of your points for me. Obama's "utter disrespect for our community"? Examples please. Richardson­s"stupid"m­ove? Why is his move stupid? Must he walk in lockstep with you because you share ethnic heritage?When did BO "threaten a riot "and how could he "withold the votes"of Blacks? Hillary had overwhelming support from blacks when this campaign started and she lost it on her own with good old-fashioned race-bating and marginalizing of the AA community ( the most loyal of Democrats,by the way ). If you haven't noticed, Hillary will throw anyone no longer useful to her under the bus,so don't think she won't do it to Latinos as well. Could it be that Latinos are just like most Americans in that they go first with name recognition, but given a chance to look closer at their choices might make an informed deciscion on policies? As for millions who would vote for McCain, if they do they'll get just what they deserve. One last question, how in your opinion could Obama "do a helluva lot better"?

[Indepatriot]

gingrmac- just checked your profile for fact-based arguments .... I won't hold my breath for any rational replies to my questions. It's over for Hillary so you can feel free to volunteer for McCain's campaign. P.S. it's the Republicans and the DLC Dems who've been exploiting latinos for cheap labor while simultainiously demonizing­/scapegoat­ing them to redneck Americans.Full disclosure; I was born into a redneck family but grew out of it.

[Mandelay]

Howard Dean, chairman of the Democrats for Obama Party, has continually meddled in the selection process of the nominee. HIs initial rigging of the process to favor Obama has gone awry. Now, before upcoming major primaries, he's making a behind the scenes push to once again help his candidate. He is shamelessly and clearly trying to influence the outcomes of these primaries and avoid a convention fight. It's not the situation that is clumsy -- what could be more American than an old fashioned horse race? -- it's Howard Dean who is clumsy in going about his scheme to push forward his candidate. All the work, the positioning, the grooming of Obama, from his days of stealing authorship of legislation in the Illinois Senate, to his address at the 2004 convention, to his days of stealing authorship in the U.S. Senate ... all this scheming is in danger of being for naught. Read the truth about Obama's legislative career —— go to articles in THE WASHINGTON POST, see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/23/AR2008032301706.html?hpid=topnews

[Javalation]

Having read the linked article, I can't help but wonder at your exaggeration. Since the article was somewhat critical of both Democrats you must be a McCain fan. I can't help but wonder why the press is giving him a pass on his own distorted history. Maybe they are waiting to finish off a dem before they start looking under his rocks. Hopefully they will eventually tell America about the way he has treated the native Americans in his own State, with legislation that enriched himself . They should also put together his many belligerent comments to show the pattern of a dangerous person to have in a position to initiate wars.

[Benmyoho]

No, no, no. Latinos should not get into the trap, i.e. submit to the hijacking of the Democratic Party by the immigrant-hating Obama camp. If Obama is the Nominee, I would rather that McCain gets the White House. Fair?

[TruthBeHeard]

Specifics please!

I have yet to see any immigrant haters in the Obama camp & I have been very involved.

OK, vote for McCain, you can expect more borrowing for more wars. Our National Debt is already over 9 Trillion dollars. We pay about half a Billion dollars a year on interest on the National Debt.

The more war and the more National Debt, the more this country spirals down, and you with it!

[AnninCA]

Dean can't even get anyone to the table over FL and MI. He ain't about to resolve that divide.

[OverIt]

What people who like McCain for his stance on Immigration need to realize is that he is not the same McCain as he was a couple of years ago. In order to get the nomination, he had to disroble himself of most of his principled views on tax cuts to the rich, torture, and yes, Immigration. A McCain White House will not deliver comprehensive Immigration reform in line with his stance in 2006.

[apduncan1]

[AnninCA]

I'm glad to see your empty post. I'm having trouble here, too, with the entire site.

[nazgul]

Of course, when Obama takes the nomination, Latinos would be much better off voting for McCain...

[AnninCA]

If McCain signals a kinder, gentler stance on immigration, he'll take a large share of that vote.

[goatsage]

Nazgul - you forgot to add /snark after your comment. Only wealthy white Republicans will be better off with McCain. Period.

[charliemudcat]

The only problem Obama has with Latinos is lack of name recognition. He is by far the best candidate on Latino issues: he marched with immigrants in the 2006 Immigrants Rights march; he has spoken out on immigrants' behalf; he is the only candidate to call for a complete overhaul of the immigration system, which is what it will take to truly fix the problem and help immigrants to immigrate legally at lower cost than most.

If you check his website, he has a compassionate, reasonable approach to immigrant issues. Because he had the time to court Latino voters in the caucuses in Iowa, he won them over. With Richardson on board, it will be even easier for him to gain steam in the Latino community.

The biggest problem is this one: the Limbaughs of the world have succeeded in getting 100,000 Republicans to vote for Clinton in the Texas primary. They virtually gave that win to her, forcing us to continue this charade. The DNC needs to get the Supers to step up and stop the bloodletting. That will provide Obama time to properly court the Latino vote. I'm convinced he'll have no trouble getting it, given a chance.

[jwsub28]

Very well said charliemudcat. I live in Texas and worked as a preceinct captain for Obama. Towards the end of the primary night we saw a increase in the number of people showing up to vote. I went into the voting area to check on the poll numbers and I actually heard the republicans talking. They were saying" This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do to push the button for this b.....". I live in a very republican area, and they follow like sheep when told to do something.
They hate the Clinton's so much they crossed voted, they are doing in PA again. Then Hillary will get up and say "see they love me here" yeah, Hillary republicans love you! Republicans are afraid of a Obama vs. McCain ticket. McCain is insane and would lose. More years of war, oh boy what a outlook for America. People outside the US think we are nuts now, if McCain actually were to win they would really think we had gone bonkers!!