United Farm Workers Endorses Sen. Obama
SALINAS – On Saturday, June 14, the United Farm Workers, its executive board and worker leadership from throughout the United States whole-heartedly threw its support behind Sen. Barack Obama in his quest to be the country’s next President.
Sen. Obama accepted the endorsement from the UFW during a rousing 12:00 noon call with the union, in which the union’s executive board and 100 elected worker leaders participated.
“Throughout his career, beginning as a community organizer to his present position as Senator, Barack Obama has shared the values of the United Farm Workers. He understands the tremendous role played by our country’s farm workers in helping to feed our nation. Sen. Obama stands firm in his conviction for comprehensive immigration reform. He has been a strong supporter of the UFW-sponsored AgJOBS – legislation that would help stabilize our nation’s agricultural workforce.
As President, he will continue to hold fast to his convictions by signing comprehensive immigration reform, increasing the minimum wage and making sure every American has affordable and quality health care. The United Farm Workers will do everything in our power to make sure Barack Obama reaches the White House this fall, because we know he will be a voice for all working Americans,” said UFW President Arturo Rodriguez.
The UFW, founded in 1962 by Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta, and often described as the conscience of the labor movement for its inspiring fight for low-wage working families, is the first successful farm labor union in the history of the United States. Throughout its 40 years history, the UFW has worked to organize farm workers, raise wages and improve working conditions for its member and all farm workers.
Immigration Reform Defines Candidates' PositionsLa OpiniónMaribel Hastings, Posted: Jun 13, 2008 Editor's Note: Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain may appear to have similar stances on immigration, but in fact they have significant differences.WASHINGTON, D.C. — At first glance there don't seem to be significant differences between presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama when it comes to immigration. Obama supports comprehensive reform that had been forcefully supported by McCain until the political climate led McCain to focus on security first. If McCain and Obama – and their respective Republican and Democratic parties – share anything, it's their avoidance of the immigration issue altogether whenever possible: Although it is not at the top of the list of electoral priorities, it is a volatile issue.What's odd is that it's an issue that some say would benefit McCain in the fight for the Latino vote. The Arizona senator was the co-author of the immigration reform bill with Democratic Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy. Although McCain now emphasizes a security-first approach, the Kennedy-McCain immigration bill still resonates for many Hispanics.But everything is relative. Yesterday an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll concluded that 62 percent of Hispanic voters prefer Obama versus 28 percent for McCain.In fact, when you look at the candidates' positions on specific topics, there are differences. For example, McCain opposes the DREAM Act, which would benefit undocumented students, and Obama supports it; McCain opposes the idea of granting driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, but Obama supports it.Both candidates, however, voted in favor of building a wall on the southern U.S. border."But the most important differences are less obvious and have to do with what type of reform they'll propose and try to pass," Cecilia Muñoz, vice president of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), told La Opinión. According to Muñoz, McCain's talk on immigration changes "depending on his audience.""We had President (George W.) Bush's heart behind immigration reform and that wasn't enough. I think Senator McCain's heart is behind the legislation but we don't know if he'll want to or be able to really push through the type of reform he wants," she added."He (McCain) is not only trying to placate Latino voters, but also the anti-immigrant side of his party, and that will limit him in an important way," said Muñoz.Jeff Sadosky, spokesperson for the McCain presidential campaign, told La Opinión that the senator thinks it is very important to express his positions with "clear and compassionate" language. "John McCain thinks that we need to secure the border first, but at the same time he understands that we need to handle the immigration debate in a humane way, with the understanding that everyone must be treated with respect," Sadosky said.The challenge for McCain is to attract Hispanics without alienating the conservative Republican base.But Obama also faces challenges.Certainly, the senator's positions are even more advanced than the official position of the Democrats who control Congress, such as Obama's support for granting driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.But not even the Democrats who control both houses of Congress have been able to advance comprehensive reform.The Senate tried, but the House of Representatives seems more interested in holding hearings than producing concrete results.There's a division between the most conservative Democrats in the House who favor measures focused on security – like the bill proposed by North Carolina Congressman Health Shuler -- and those like the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who support comprehensive reform.It's not just the white working class that is suspicious of comprehensive reform. There's also a perception that there are sectors within the African-American community that oppose it.Muñoz, however, pointed to polls that prove otherwise and the national African-American organizations, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), that actively support comprehensive reform.But according to Munoz, the fact that Obama promises to advance immigration reform at the beginning of his administration is not just a message to the immigrant community but also to Congress."It's the type of difference (from John McCain's stance on immigration) that is less obvious but extremely important: the quality of the compromise," she concluded.
Immigration Reform Defines Candidates' Positions
La Opinión
Maribel Hastings, Posted: Jun 13, 2008
Editor's Note: Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain may appear to have similar stances on immigration, but in fact they have significant differences.WASHINGTON, D.C. — At first glance there don't seem to be significant differences between presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama when it comes to immigration. Obama supports comprehensive reform that had been forcefully supported by McCain until the political climate led McCain to focus on security first. If McCain and Obama – and their respective Republican and Democratic parties – share anything, it's their avoidance of the immigration issue altogether whenever possible: Although it is not at the top of the list of electoral priorities, it is a volatile issue.What's odd is that it's an issue that some say would benefit McCain in the fight for the Latino vote. The Arizona senator was the co-author of the immigration reform bill with Democratic Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy. Although McCain now emphasizes a security-first approach, the Kennedy-McCain immigration bill still resonates for many Hispanics.
But everything is relative. Yesterday an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll concluded that 62 percent of Hispanic voters prefer Obama versus 28 percent for McCain.
In fact, when you look at the candidates' positions on specific topics, there are differences. For example, McCain opposes the DREAM Act, which would benefit undocumented students, and Obama supports it; McCain opposes the idea of granting driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, but Obama supports it.Both candidates, however, voted in favor of building a wall on the southern U.S. border.
"But the most important differences are less obvious and have to do with what type of reform they'll propose and try to pass," Cecilia Muñoz, vice president of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), told La Opinión. According to Muñoz, McCain's talk on immigration changes "depending on his audience.""We had President (George W.) Bush's heart behind immigration reform and that wasn't enough. I think Senator McCain's heart is behind the legislation but we don't know if he'll want to or be able to really push through the type of reform he wants," she added."He (McCain) is not only trying to placate Latino voters, but also the anti-immigrant side of his party, and that will limit him in an important way," said Muñoz.Jeff Sadosky, spokesperson for the McCain presidential campaign, told La Opinión that the senator thinks it is very important to express his positions with "clear and compassionate" language. "John McCain thinks that we need to secure the border first, but at the same time he understands that we need to handle the immigration debate in a humane way, with the understanding that everyone must be treated with respect," Sadosky said.The challenge for McCain is to attract Hispanics without alienating the conservative Republican base.
But Obama also faces challenges.Certainly, the senator's positions are even more advanced than the official position of the Democrats who control Congress, such as Obama's support for granting driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.But not even the Democrats who control both houses of Congress have been able to advance comprehensive reform.The Senate tried, but the House of Representatives seems more interested in holding hearings than producing concrete results.There's a division between the most conservative Democrats in the House who favor measures focused on security – like the bill proposed by North Carolina Congressman Health Shuler -- and those like the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who support comprehensive reform.It's not just the white working class that is suspicious of comprehensive reform. There's also a perception that there are sectors within the African-American community that oppose it.Muñoz, however, pointed to polls that prove otherwise and the national African-American organizations, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), that actively support comprehensive reform.But according to Munoz, the fact that Obama promises to advance immigration reform at the beginning of his administration is not just a message to the immigrant community but also to Congress."It's the type of difference (from John McCain's stance on immigration) that is less obvious but extremely important: the quality of the compromise," she concluded.
La Opinion interviewed Senator Obama about his commitment to the Hispanic community, his record of working with Latinos since his days as a community organizer, and his consistent support and work in the U.S. Senate for comprehensive immigration reform.
Read the full article and listen to the interview below:
Obama ofrece trabajar a favor de los hispanosReitera que luchará por una reforma migratoria y por mejorar la educaciónRóger Lindo El senador Barack Obama, que se ha erigido en el virtual candidato del Partido Demócrata a la presidencia, manifestó ayer en entrevista exclusiva con este diario, vía telefónica, que su historial de trabajo con organizaciones comunitarias —en temas como la construcción de escuelas y sus esfuerzos para reducir la tasa de deserción escolar entre los latinos— son la muestra concreta de su compromiso con la comunidad hispana. "Voten", dijo, "por la persona que ha trabajado con sus intereses en mira". El senador de Illinois aseguró que uno de sus planes es reformar las leyes de inmigración del país y facilitar una vía de legalización para los trabajadores sin papeles, pero con condiciones como aprender inglés, pagar una multa y estar al día con el pago de sus impuestos. Ayer el político dio a conocer un comunicado en apoyo a la decisión de la Corte Suprema de Justicia sobre Guantánamo. "La decisión de la Corte es un rechazo al intento de la Administración Bush de crear un hoyo negro legal en Guantánamo", afirmó con respecto al plan del Presidente de crear un limbo legal para los acusados de terrorismo.A continuación la entrevista que sostuvo con este diario:¿Cuál va a ser su mensaje para los latinos que han apoyado a la senadora [Hillary] Clinton, y en general a todos los latinos de este país?Mi mensaje sería: voten por la persona que ha trabajado por sus intereses en el pasado y que tiene el compromiso de defenderlos en el futuro, y si ese es el estándar, yo soy el candidato. La senadora Clinton y yo compartimos un compromiso con la comunidad hispana de Estados Unidos, ambos creemos en una reforma integral, yo he sido uno de los líderes en la búsqueda de esta reforma y, a diferencia de John McCain, no me he echado atrás en la búsqueda de una vía para la legalización. Tengo un historial de trabajo con las propias bases, en cuestiones concretas sobre cómo recortar la tasa de deserción [escolar], impulsar la construcción de escuelas donde hay hacinamiento, crear programas de verano para los jóvenes en peligro; tengo una propuesta para un plan universal de atención médica —y los latinos tienen menos posibilidades de tener seguro de salud a pesar de trabajar muy duro. Por eso tengo un plan específico para dar seguro a las personas que no lo tienen. Así que, tema tras tema, John McCain está ofreciendo los mismas políticas de George Bush que se sabe que no han funcionado para las familias trabajadoras.Últimamente se ha enfocado mucho en la economía. Si es elegido, ¿qué hará para estimular la creación de empleos bien pagados y para impulsar el crecimiento de industrias fuera del ámbito de los servicios?Hay pasos que necesitamos dar de inmediato. Lo primero sería un recorte fiscal para las clases medias, es decir, las personas que hacen 50 mil ó 60 mil, ó 30 mil ó 25 mil dólares al año. John McCain quiere dar un recorte a las personas pudientes. Yo propongo dar uno de mil dólares a todos los trabajadores de este país. En segundo lugar, la crisis hipotecaria y la crisis inmobiliaria están afectando mucho a los hispanos; para ello he propuesto crear un fondo de prevención de embargos por 10,000 millones de dólares que permitiría que los propietarios puedan conservar sus casas. Si logramos estabilizar el mercado inmobiliario, eso ayudará a su vez a estabilizar la economía.Quiero invertir en infraestructura, reconstruir nuestras carreteras y puentes, levantar escuelas. Eso crea trabajos y fortalece la economía. Al mismo tiempo quiero estimular otras formas de producir energía. Esto crearía millones de trabajos "verdes" [en el campo de las tecnologías que protegen el medio ambiente], en áreas como la energía solar y la eólica. Es algo en lo que la Administración Bush no ha invertido.Tengo que recalcar que a menos que eduquemos a nuestros hijos, no podremos competir. Por eso tenemos que asegurarnos de que cada niño, ya sea que viva en un barrio de Los Ángeles o Chicago o en una reservación de nativoamericanos o una comunidad de los Apalaches tenga una buena educación y pueda asistir a la universidad. Este es un asunto muy importante, y por eso apoyo la aprobación de un crédito de cuatro mil dólares para jóvenes que no pueden pagar su colegiatura, así como la ley DREAM Act, de manera que todo joven que se crió aquí tenga la oportunidad de aprender.Usted apoya una reforma de inmigración. ¿Qué se puede hacer para revertir el daño que han hecho leyes antiinmigrantes aprobadas en varios estados y ciudades?El gobierno federal tiene jurisdicción sobre cuestiones de inmigración y si aprobamos una reforma integral, esta va a invalidar las normas aprobadas por esas localidades. La seguridad y la vigilancia en la frontera son ciertamente importantes, pero al mismo tiempo quiero que sea posible inmigrar a este país legalmente. En ese sentido, es necesario reformar el sistema de inmigración, de manera que la gente no tenga que esperar 10 años para llegar a este país.Pero también tenemos que trabajar con México y los países centroamericanos para promover la creación de buenos empleos en esos países, que permitan a sus ciudadanos sostener a su familia. Tenemos que hacer algo para parar a aquellos patrones que activamente reclutan a trabajadores indocumentados para no tener que pagar salarios decentes a los trabajadores de este país, pero al mismo tiempo tenemos que proveer una fórmula de legalización para los que han estado aquí, y se encuentran establecidos. Van a tener que pagar una multa, van a tener que aprender inglés y pagar los impuestos que deben, y será necesario que se pongan en la cola, puesto que no sería justo que obtuvieran la ciudadanía antes que los que inmigraron legalmente. Pero en última instancia es importante que les demos la oportunidad de vivir el sueño americano.
Reitera que luchará por una reforma migratoria y por mejorar la educación
Róger Lindo
El senador Barack Obama, que se ha erigido en el virtual candidato del Partido Demócrata a la presidencia, manifestó ayer en entrevista exclusiva con este diario, vía telefónica, que su historial de trabajo con organizaciones comunitarias —en temas como la construcción de escuelas y sus esfuerzos para reducir la tasa de deserción escolar entre los latinos— son la muestra concreta de su compromiso con la comunidad hispana.
"Voten", dijo, "por la persona que ha trabajado con sus intereses en mira". El senador de Illinois aseguró que uno de sus planes es reformar las leyes de inmigración del país y facilitar una vía de legalización para los trabajadores sin papeles, pero con condiciones como aprender inglés, pagar una multa y estar al día con el pago de sus impuestos.
Ayer el político dio a conocer un comunicado en apoyo a la decisión de la Corte Suprema de Justicia sobre Guantánamo. "La decisión de la Corte es un rechazo al intento de la Administración Bush de crear un hoyo negro legal en Guantánamo", afirmó con respecto al plan del Presidente de crear un limbo legal para los acusados de terrorismo.
A continuación la entrevista que sostuvo con este diario:
¿Cuál va a ser su mensaje para los latinos que han apoyado a la senadora [Hillary] Clinton, y en general a todos los latinos de este país?
Mi mensaje sería: voten por la persona que ha trabajado por sus intereses en el pasado y que tiene el compromiso de defenderlos en el futuro, y si ese es el estándar, yo soy el candidato. La senadora Clinton y yo compartimos un compromiso con la comunidad hispana de Estados Unidos, ambos creemos en una reforma integral, yo he sido uno de los líderes en la búsqueda de esta reforma y, a diferencia de John McCain, no me he echado atrás en la búsqueda de una vía para la legalización.
Tengo un historial de trabajo con las propias bases, en cuestiones concretas sobre cómo recortar la tasa de deserción [escolar], impulsar la construcción de escuelas donde hay hacinamiento, crear programas de verano para los jóvenes en peligro; tengo una propuesta para un plan universal de atención médica —y los latinos tienen menos posibilidades de tener seguro de salud a pesar de trabajar muy duro.
Por eso tengo un plan específico para dar seguro a las personas que no lo tienen. Así que, tema tras tema, John McCain está ofreciendo los mismas políticas de George Bush que se sabe que no han funcionado para las familias trabajadoras.
Últimamente se ha enfocado mucho en la economía. Si es elegido, ¿qué hará para estimular la creación de empleos bien pagados y para impulsar el crecimiento de industrias fuera del ámbito de los servicios?
Hay pasos que necesitamos dar de inmediato. Lo primero sería un recorte fiscal para las clases medias, es decir, las personas que hacen 50 mil ó 60 mil, ó 30 mil ó 25 mil dólares al año. John McCain quiere dar un recorte a las personas pudientes. Yo propongo dar uno de mil dólares a todos los trabajadores de este país.
En segundo lugar, la crisis hipotecaria y la crisis inmobiliaria están afectando mucho a los hispanos; para ello he propuesto crear un fondo de prevención de embargos por 10,000 millones de dólares que permitiría que los propietarios puedan conservar sus casas. Si logramos estabilizar el mercado inmobiliario, eso ayudará a su vez a estabilizar la economía.
Quiero invertir en infraestructura, reconstruir nuestras carreteras y puentes, levantar escuelas. Eso crea trabajos y fortalece la economía. Al mismo tiempo quiero estimular otras formas de producir energía. Esto crearía millones de trabajos "verdes" [en el campo de las tecnologías que protegen el medio ambiente], en áreas como la energía solar y la eólica. Es algo en lo que la Administración Bush no ha invertido.
Tengo que recalcar que a menos que eduquemos a nuestros hijos, no podremos competir. Por eso tenemos que asegurarnos de que cada niño, ya sea que viva en un barrio de Los Ángeles o Chicago o en una reservación de nativoamericanos o una comunidad de los Apalaches tenga una buena educación y pueda asistir a la universidad. Este es un asunto muy importante, y por eso apoyo la aprobación de un crédito de cuatro mil dólares para jóvenes que no pueden pagar su colegiatura, así como la ley DREAM Act, de manera que todo joven que se crió aquí tenga la oportunidad de aprender.
Usted apoya una reforma de inmigración. ¿Qué se puede hacer para revertir el daño que han hecho leyes antiinmigrantes aprobadas en varios estados y ciudades?
El gobierno federal tiene jurisdicción sobre cuestiones de inmigración y si aprobamos una reforma integral, esta va a invalidar las normas aprobadas por esas localidades. La seguridad y la vigilancia en la frontera son ciertamente importantes, pero al mismo tiempo quiero que sea posible inmigrar a este país legalmente. En ese sentido, es necesario reformar el sistema de inmigración, de manera que la gente no tenga que esperar 10 años para llegar a este país.
Pero también tenemos que trabajar con México y los países centroamericanos para promover la creación de buenos empleos en esos países, que permitan a sus ciudadanos sostener a su familia. Tenemos que hacer algo para parar a aquellos patrones que activamente reclutan a trabajadores indocumentados para no tener que pagar salarios decentes a los trabajadores de este país, pero al mismo tiempo tenemos que proveer una fórmula de legalización para los que han estado aquí, y se encuentran establecidos. Van a tener que pagar una multa, van a tener que aprender inglés y pagar los impuestos que deben, y será necesario que se pongan en la cola, puesto que no sería justo que obtuvieran la ciudadanía antes que los que inmigraron legalmente. Pero en última instancia es importante que les demos la oportunidad de vivir el sueño americano.
Los Angeles Times
Obama leads in battle for Latino vote
The latest polls show he has a surprising advantage over McCain and is favored by up to 62% of voters.By Peter WallstenWASHINGTON — It was called "un mensaje personal a Puerto Rico," a television spot in which Barack Obama spoke to the camera in stilted but effective Spanish."I was born on an island," he said, "and I understand that food, gas, and everything costs more."Obama got trounced in the Puerto Rico primary this week. But the advertisement, with the candidate's personalized appeal and willingness to try the language, is a sign of the unusual tactics that Obama's campaign is preparing to deploy on the mainland as it tries to win over a Latino electorate that voted overwhelmingly for his party rival, Hillary Rodham Clinton, in Democratic primaries.Some Democrats have worried that Latinos view Obama warily and will be drawn to Republican nominee John McCain, who has been popular in that community and has campaigned in it aggressively -- already airing Spanish-language radio ads in the heavily Latino battlegrounds of New Mexico and Nevada.But there are signs that Obama begins the general election battle for Latinos with significant advantages.A new Gallup Poll summary of surveys taken in May shows Obama winning 62% of Latino registered voters nationwide, compared with just 29% for McCain. Others have found a wide gap as well. The pro-Democratic group Democracy Corps compiled surveys from March through May that showed Obama with a 19-point lead among Latinos. And a Times poll published last month showed Obama leading McCain among California Latinos by 14 points.Republicans say McCain's numbers among Latinos at the moment are disappointing -- far below the goals set by a campaign that has long believed McCain could challenge the traditional Democratic dominance of the Latino electorate.The numbers suggest that McCain's image has suffered after a competitive GOP primary in which he renounced some of the moderate views on immigration popular among many Latinos. For example, McCain, who was a chief sponsor of legislation creating a path to citizenship for most of the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants, now says he believes the government must focus first on securing the U.S.-Mexico border before dealing with illegal workers.The new position helped mollify some conservatives who viewed McCain as soft on illegal immigration. But it now leaves the senator forced to come from behind in an area that was supposed to be a strength. And McCain must weigh two competing needs: attracting Latinos in the Southwest and Florida turned off by the GOP's hard-line opposition to his legislation and mobilizing conservative whites who could prove crucial in Ohio and other battlegrounds."If the McCain people don't realize they need to beef up that operation, then clearly he's not going to be president," said Robert de Posada, a Republican consultant on Latino politics.Obama's sizable lead has surprised Democratic strategists after a primary campaign that appeared to foreshadow Latinos as a major weakness.The Gallup survey of Latinos found that Obama, despite his string of losses to Clinton, performed just as well as Clinton in a theoretical matchup against McCain.Obama is "doing better than anyone imagined at this point," said Simon Rosenberg, head of the pro-Democratic group NDN, which specializes in Latino outreach. "But he does have room to grow."The Obama campaign recently hired a press spokesman to work full time on Spanish-language media.Helping with the planning is U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles), New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Federico Pena, a former secretary of both Energy and Transportation under Bill Clinton.Also, on Thursday, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who was a point person for Clinton on Latino outreach, said he would campaign vigorously for Obama, and called him "inspiring." In comments to reporters, though, Villaraigosa sounded nostalgic about Clinton, praising her "passion and persistence and intestinal fortitude."Richardson said he was in Los Angeles on Tuesday recruiting local Latino actors and comics to serve as surrogates for Obama. It is part of an effort to paint the Illinois senator, who was born in Hawaii and had an African father, as someone who can relate to the immigrant experience. The personal approach is a departure from past Democrats who focused primarily on issue-based appeals.It is similar in tone to the strategy used by President Bush, who highlighted his Texas links to Latino culture and Mexico -- and won more than 40% of the Latino vote."With Latinos, you stress that Obama's a minority like us," Richardson said. "You stress that he comes from a modest background."Obama does not speak Spanish, but campaign aides said that the Puerto Rico ad showed that he could master pronunciation by studiously rehearsing the script.Still, some say Obama is far from closing the sale with Latinos.The Rev. Luis Cortes, a political independent who heads a Latino evangelical network, said Obama had yet to lay out a specific agenda for Latinos and remains very much a stranger compared to Clinton and McCain. Cortes is scheduled to meet with Obama next week in Chicago, and he said Obama has agreed to address a Latino prayer breakfast later this month."His campaign has been at 10,000 feet," Cortes said, "so the question is how do we get to him?"Both campaigns view the fast-growing Latino vote as crucial to their national strategies. McCain has told some Republicans that he believes his popularity among Latinos might help him in California, for example, and both campaigns are planning to fight it out for Latino votes in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Florida -- states that could well decide the Electoral College.Steve Schmidt, a McCain strategist, said the campaign was "confident" it would build support over the next five months."The reality is we have to do well and we think we can exceed what President Bush did in 2004," Schmidt said."We think we can top 40% of the Hispanic vote in this election."The radio ads running in the Southwest promote McCain's "realistic" plan to "jump-start" the economy. And McCain is trying to show Latinos that, despite his hardened views on immigration, he still will push his party to change its often harsh rhetoric on the issue.A Memorial Day ad online honored Latino green card holders serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.The ad uses a clip from a Republican debate in New Hampshire where McCain called on his fellow party members to "remember that these are God's children" and said that while immigrants must come to the country legally, "they have enriched our culture and our nation as every generation of immigrants before them."
The latest polls show he has a surprising advantage over McCain and is favored by up to 62% of voters.
By Peter Wallsten
WASHINGTON — It was called "un mensaje personal a Puerto Rico," a television spot in which Barack Obama spoke to the camera in stilted but effective Spanish.
"I was born on an island," he said, "and I understand that food, gas, and everything costs more."
Obama got trounced in the Puerto Rico primary this week. But the advertisement, with the candidate's personalized appeal and willingness to try the language, is a sign of the unusual tactics that Obama's campaign is preparing to deploy on the mainland as it tries to win over a Latino electorate that voted overwhelmingly for his party rival, Hillary Rodham Clinton, in Democratic primaries.
Some Democrats have worried that Latinos view Obama warily and will be drawn to Republican nominee John McCain, who has been popular in that community and has campaigned in it aggressively -- already airing Spanish-language radio ads in the heavily Latino battlegrounds of New Mexico and Nevada.
But there are signs that Obama begins the general election battle for Latinos with significant advantages.
A new Gallup Poll summary of surveys taken in May shows Obama winning 62% of Latino registered voters nationwide, compared with just 29% for McCain. Others have found a wide gap as well. The pro-Democratic group Democracy Corps compiled surveys from March through May that showed Obama with a 19-point lead among Latinos. And a Times poll published last month showed Obama leading McCain among California Latinos by 14 points.
Republicans say McCain's numbers among Latinos at the moment are disappointing -- far below the goals set by a campaign that has long believed McCain could challenge the traditional Democratic dominance of the Latino electorate.
The numbers suggest that McCain's image has suffered after a competitive GOP primary in which he renounced some of the moderate views on immigration popular among many Latinos. For example, McCain, who was a chief sponsor of legislation creating a path to citizenship for most of the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants, now says he believes the government must focus first on securing the U.S.-Mexico border before dealing with illegal workers.
The new position helped mollify some conservatives who viewed McCain as soft on illegal immigration. But it now leaves the senator forced to come from behind in an area that was supposed to be a strength. And McCain must weigh two competing needs: attracting Latinos in the Southwest and Florida turned off by the GOP's hard-line opposition to his legislation and mobilizing conservative whites who could prove crucial in Ohio and other battlegrounds.
"If the McCain people don't realize they need to beef up that operation, then clearly he's not going to be president," said Robert de Posada, a Republican consultant on Latino politics.
Obama's sizable lead has surprised Democratic strategists after a primary campaign that appeared to foreshadow Latinos as a major weakness.
The Gallup survey of Latinos found that Obama, despite his string of losses to Clinton, performed just as well as Clinton in a theoretical matchup against McCain.
Obama is "doing better than anyone imagined at this point," said Simon Rosenberg, head of the pro-Democratic group NDN, which specializes in Latino outreach. "But he does have room to grow."
The Obama campaign recently hired a press spokesman to work full time on Spanish-language media.
Helping with the planning is U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles), New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Federico Pena, a former secretary of both Energy and Transportation under Bill Clinton.
Also, on Thursday, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who was a point person for Clinton on Latino outreach, said he would campaign vigorously for Obama, and called him "inspiring." In comments to reporters, though, Villaraigosa sounded nostalgic about Clinton, praising her "passion and persistence and intestinal fortitude."
Richardson said he was in Los Angeles on Tuesday recruiting local Latino actors and comics to serve as surrogates for Obama. It is part of an effort to paint the Illinois senator, who was born in Hawaii and had an African father, as someone who can relate to the immigrant experience. The personal approach is a departure from past Democrats who focused primarily on issue-based appeals.
It is similar in tone to the strategy used by President Bush, who highlighted his Texas links to Latino culture and Mexico -- and won more than 40% of the Latino vote.
"With Latinos, you stress that Obama's a minority like us," Richardson said. "You stress that he comes from a modest background."
Obama does not speak Spanish, but campaign aides said that the Puerto Rico ad showed that he could master pronunciation by studiously rehearsing the script.
Still, some say Obama is far from closing the sale with Latinos.
The Rev. Luis Cortes, a political independent who heads a Latino evangelical network, said Obama had yet to lay out a specific agenda for Latinos and remains very much a stranger compared to Clinton and McCain. Cortes is scheduled to meet with Obama next week in Chicago, and he said Obama has agreed to address a Latino prayer breakfast later this month.
"His campaign has been at 10,000 feet," Cortes said, "so the question is how do we get to him?"
Both campaigns view the fast-growing Latino vote as crucial to their national strategies. McCain has told some Republicans that he believes his popularity among Latinos might help him in California, for example, and both campaigns are planning to fight it out for Latino votes in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Florida -- states that could well decide the Electoral College.
Steve Schmidt, a McCain strategist, said the campaign was "confident" it would build support over the next five months.
"The reality is we have to do well and we think we can exceed what President Bush did in 2004," Schmidt said.
"We think we can top 40% of the Hispanic vote in this election."
The radio ads running in the Southwest promote McCain's "realistic" plan to "jump-start" the economy. And McCain is trying to show Latinos that, despite his hardened views on immigration, he still will push his party to change its often harsh rhetoric on the issue.
A Memorial Day ad online honored Latino green card holders serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The ad uses a clip from a Republican debate in New Hampshire where McCain called on his fellow party members to "remember that these are God's children" and said that while immigrants must come to the country legally, "they have enriched our culture and our nation as every generation of immigrants before them."
Last week, Congressmen Costa and Cardoza endorsed Senator Obama. Cardoza previously supported Clinton:
Chicago, IL – Today, United States Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) and United States Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) endorsed Barack Obama for president. Congressman Cardoza previously supported Senator Hillary Clinton.
These endorsements mean that Senator Obama has been endorsed by 310.5 superdelegates. Obama is 59 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.
Congressman Cardoza said, “This is the most important election of my lifetime. While I continue to greatly respect and admire Senator Clinton and feel she has made history with her campaign, I believe that Senator Obama will inevitably be our party’s nominee for President. He has proven himself to be a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and inspirational leader and will take America in a new direction, which we desperately need.
“The Bush Administration has been a huge disappointment. Mr. McCain, while certainly an American hero, represents more of the same failed Bush policies.
“I am deeply concerned about the contentious primary campaign and controversy surrounding the seating of delegates from Florida and Michigan – two states Democrats need to win in November. I will not support changing the rules in the fourth quarter of this contest through some convoluted DNC rules committee process. Yet, we must find a resolution to seat the Michigan and Florida delegates so these states’ voters are represented at the Convention. I believe we need to avoid this potentially divisive situation by uniting behind one nominee and bringing the party together immediately. Therefore, I have made the decision to support Senator Obama at the Democratic Convention in my role as a super delegate.”
Congressman Costa said, “It’s been a long presidential primary season, and now is time to bring it to a close. I have tremendous respect for Senator Barack Obama, Senator Hillary Clinton, and all the candidates who ran for the nomination. In my opinion, it is clear that Senator Obama will be the strongest presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.
“I did not come to this decision without careful consideration. Our nation is faced with serious challenges here at home and abroad. Because the next Administration and 111th Congress will face such difficult and divisive issues involving our energy needs, greater fiscal responsibility and international security, it is imperative that we have someone who truly has the skill to bring out nation together and close the partisan divide. I believe Senator Obama has the leadership skills to bridge the differences that exist today.
“In my conversations with Senator Obama, I explained to him that our San Joaquin Valley is the number one agricultural region in the country and in the world. Before the election in November, he needs to come to our Valley and understand the water challenges we face, the diversity of our farm crops, and the combination of the wonderful ethnic communities that make up Valley families, which is truly a reflection of our nation.”
Senator Obama said, “I am grateful for the support of Congressman Cardoza and Congressman Costa at this important time in our campaign. They are serving the people of California and speaking out on the issues that are critical to the people of the 18th and 20th districts – and to all Americans – like ending the war in Iraq, fighting for good jobs at home, and strengthening America’s family farmers and local agriculture. I am proud to have their support today.”
Michelle Obama visited Puerto Rico this week in advance of the Puerto Rico primary on June 1st. Here's an interview she did with El Nuevo Dia, Puerto Rico's largest newspaper:
“El cambio surge de abajo” ¿Por qué los puertorriqueños deben votar en la primaria?Queremos motivar a los residentes de la Isla a que sepan que cada voto cuenta. La participación en la primaria es crítica porque el líder de Estados Unidos va a establecer el rumbo de la Nación y de la Isla por los próximos cuatro u ocho años. Así que exhortamos a la gente a votar. Esa es una de las razones por las que estoy aquí. ¿Por qué los puertorriqueños deben votar por su esposo?La dirección que hemos tomado en este país no ha sido la correcta. Y Barack entiende que vamos a resurgir o a sucumbir juntos, y necesitamos una política que refleje una nación unificada, no que sea una nación blanca y negra, mujeres y hombres o de diferentes religiones. Y creo que la gente siente que él es la persona que puede lograr esa unidad. Una de las cosas que quiero que la gente entienda sobre Barack es que esa visión es real.¿Tiene su esposo una visión sobre el status de Puerto Rico?Él cree en la importancia de la autodeterminación. Cree que está de parte de los ciudadanos de la Isla trabajar el asunto, y que nosotros respetaremos cualquier decisión que sea tomada. Él sabe que ese es un debate fuerte aquí, pero no podemos hablar de una fórmula como tal. Lo que sí sabe es que la decisión tiene que venir desde abajo, de la gente. Porque Barack cree que el cambio surge de abajo, desde la base. No puede ser dictado por alguien de afuera. Así que está en manos de los puertorriqueños decidir qué es lo que realmente quieren.La campaña local ha resaltado que su esposo es multicultural, que nació en una isla (Hawai) y que puede relacionarse con los residentes de Puerto Rico. ¿Cómo le ayuda eso? El mundo observa esta elección, y el mundo sabe lo que es ser multicultural, lo que es vivir fuera de Estados Unidos. Así que no se trata sólo de su crianza en una isla. El vivió en Indonesia y pasó parte de su vida en países del tercer mundo. Su padre es de Kenia, su abuela aún vive allí. La gente que experimenta ese estilo de vida multicultural entiende cómo eso afecta la visión del mundo, cómo uno piensa sobre otras naciones, la política exterior. Todo ello se afecta por la manera en que él fue criado. Y pienso que la gente de esta isla puede entender eso mejor que los que residen en el continente, que la crianza realmente afecta en la calidad de líder que vas a ser luego.¿Cómo su esposo convencerá a los puertorriqueños, quienes tienen una larga relación con la familia Clinton?Esa es una de las razones por las cuales estoy aquí. Para poder votar por un candidato hay que conocerlo. Honestamente, los Clinton han tenido décadas para conocer a este país. Pero creo que una vez la gente conozca a Barack, entenderá su visión para el País, sus valores, que están mayormente basados en un experiencia multicultural. Él ha visto las luchas que llevan las personas en muchas partes del mundo y parte de las razones por las que está en esto es que sabe que no podemos ir al próximo paso sin ser una nación unificada. Y es esa visión la que energiza y entusiasma a la gente, pero lo que une todo eso, y la gente lo debe saber, es un hombre joven centrado en el servicio. Él no llegó a la política desde una cuna de oro. Los dos crecimos en comunidades de trabajadores de clase media y ambos tuvimos la oportunidad de educarnos, porque éramos brillantes y nuestros padres tuvieron la visión de valorar la educación, algo muy parecido a como la gente de esta isla lo entiende: uno puede seguir adelante si se tiene apoyo sólido en el hogar. Se ha resaltado que en Estados Unidos su esposo ha tenido problemas con el voto trabajador. ¿Que hará para poder atrapar a esos electores?Si se mira los estados donde Barack ha ganado -Iowa, Missouri, Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois- lo ha hecho con un amplio margen en lugares donde había pocos votos afroamericanos. Casi todos eran gente trabajadora. Barack ha estado surgiendo entre las comunidades trabajadoras con casi la misma fuerza que Bill Clinton lo hizo. Lo que diría es que al fin y al cabo esto es política, y lo que los oponentes han tenido que hacer es darle la vuelta para que luzca como que ha tenido problemas en áreas en las que no los ha tenido. Barack es uno de los senadores más populares en el estado de Illinois, Chicago es multirracial, pero el estado es de familias trabajadoras de cuello azul y de granjeros. Y cuando comparen sus políticas contra las de McCain, la gente realmente se va a dar cuenta de quién es el que va a estar luchando por sus valores.¿Se reunirá con el Gobernador? ¿Recaudará fondos?Nos vamos a reunir con el Gobernador en algún punto. Y va a haber algunas actividades privadas, pero la mayoría de mi tiempo estará dedicada a conocer electores. La verdadera razón por la que estoy aquí es para ayudar a los electores locales a entender quiénes somos y para yo poner oído en tierra, escuchar a la gente y pasarle la información a Barack sobre cómo la gente se siente, cuáles son sus batallas, qué está pasando. Esa es la verdadera razón por la cual estoy aquí, y tengo la impresión de que volveré.¿No es desventaja para Obama en Puerto Rico tener el apoyo de un Gobernador acusado?Estamos agradecidos de tener el apoyo del Gobernador. Realmente no estamos aquí para enfocarnos en sus asuntos. Respetamos tanto al Gobernador como al proceso judicial. Soy abogada y respeto eso. La justicia se encargará de esto. ¿Cree que el factor racial afecte a su esposo en su aspiración de convertirse en el primer presidente afroamericano de Estados Unidos?El asunto racial sigue siendo un factor en este mundo. Aún juega un papel, pero lo que hemos visto durante la totalidad de la carrera política de Barack es que la visión, la pasión, el alma y el corazón trascienden las razas. Cuando la gente derriba esas barreras y tiene la oportunidad de conocerse los unos a los otros, la raza realmente no es un problema. Eso es lo que hemos visto durante toda la campaña. Lo que me da mucha esperanza es que yo puedo ir junto a Barack a cualquier comunidad, sea del color que sea, y cuando hablamos sobre nuestros hijos, lo que nos gusta, lo que comemos, es lo mismo. Tenemos políticos que han enfatizado en diferencias que no tienen sentido. Pero con Barack vamos a tener un líder que va a decir: “¿Saben qué? enfoquémonos en las cosas que nos unen, las cosas que tenemos en común, porque hay tantas cosas que trascienden todo esto”.
“El cambio surge de abajo”
¿Por qué los puertorriqueños deben votar en la primaria?
Queremos motivar a los residentes de la Isla a que sepan que cada voto cuenta. La participación en la primaria es crítica porque el líder de Estados Unidos va a establecer el rumbo de la Nación y de la Isla por los próximos cuatro u ocho años. Así que exhortamos a la gente a votar. Esa es una de las razones por las que estoy aquí.
¿Por qué los puertorriqueños deben votar por su esposo?
La dirección que hemos tomado en este país no ha sido la correcta. Y Barack entiende que vamos a resurgir o a sucumbir juntos, y necesitamos una política que refleje una nación unificada, no que sea una nación blanca y negra, mujeres y hombres o de diferentes religiones. Y creo que la gente siente que él es la persona que puede lograr esa unidad. Una de las cosas que quiero que la gente entienda sobre Barack es que esa visión es real.
¿Tiene su esposo una visión sobre el status de Puerto Rico?
Él cree en la importancia de la autodeterminación. Cree que está de parte de los ciudadanos de la Isla trabajar el asunto, y que nosotros respetaremos cualquier decisión que sea tomada. Él sabe que ese es un debate fuerte aquí, pero no podemos hablar de una fórmula como tal. Lo que sí sabe es que la decisión tiene que venir desde abajo, de la gente. Porque Barack cree que el cambio surge de abajo, desde la base. No puede ser dictado por alguien de afuera. Así que está en manos de los puertorriqueños decidir qué es lo que realmente quieren.
La campaña local ha resaltado que su esposo es multicultural, que nació en una isla (Hawai) y que puede relacionarse con los residentes de Puerto Rico. ¿Cómo le ayuda eso?
El mundo observa esta elección, y el mundo sabe lo que es ser multicultural, lo que es vivir fuera de Estados Unidos. Así que no se trata sólo de su crianza en una isla. El vivió en Indonesia y pasó parte de su vida en países del tercer mundo. Su padre es de Kenia, su abuela aún vive allí. La gente que experimenta ese estilo de vida multicultural entiende cómo eso afecta la visión del mundo, cómo uno piensa sobre otras naciones, la política exterior. Todo ello se afecta por la manera en que él fue criado. Y pienso que la gente de esta isla puede entender eso mejor que los que residen en el continente, que la crianza realmente afecta en la calidad de líder que vas a ser luego.
¿Cómo su esposo convencerá a los puertorriqueños, quienes tienen una larga relación con la familia Clinton?
Esa es una de las razones por las cuales estoy aquí. Para poder votar por un candidato hay que conocerlo. Honestamente, los Clinton han tenido décadas para conocer a este país. Pero creo que una vez la gente conozca a Barack, entenderá su visión para el País, sus valores, que están mayormente basados en un experiencia multicultural. Él ha visto las luchas que llevan las personas en muchas partes del mundo y parte de las razones por las que está en esto es que sabe que no podemos ir al próximo paso sin ser una nación unificada. Y es esa visión la que energiza y entusiasma a la gente, pero lo que une todo eso, y la gente lo debe saber, es un hombre joven centrado en el servicio. Él no llegó a la política desde una cuna de oro. Los dos crecimos en comunidades de trabajadores de clase media y ambos tuvimos la oportunidad de educarnos, porque éramos brillantes y nuestros padres tuvieron la visión de valorar la educación, algo muy parecido a como la gente de esta isla lo entiende: uno puede seguir adelante si se tiene apoyo sólido en el hogar.
Se ha resaltado que en Estados Unidos su esposo ha tenido problemas con el voto trabajador. ¿Que hará para poder atrapar a esos electores?
Si se mira los estados donde Barack ha ganado -Iowa, Missouri, Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois- lo ha hecho con un amplio margen en lugares donde había pocos votos afroamericanos. Casi todos eran gente trabajadora. Barack ha estado surgiendo entre las comunidades trabajadoras con casi la misma fuerza que Bill Clinton lo hizo. Lo que diría es que al fin y al cabo esto es política, y lo que los oponentes han tenido que hacer es darle la vuelta para que luzca como que ha tenido problemas en áreas en las que no los ha tenido. Barack es uno de los senadores más populares en el estado de Illinois, Chicago es multirracial, pero el estado es de familias trabajadoras de cuello azul y de granjeros. Y cuando comparen sus políticas contra las de McCain, la gente realmente se va a dar cuenta de quién es el que va a estar luchando por sus valores.
¿Se reunirá con el Gobernador? ¿Recaudará fondos?
Nos vamos a reunir con el Gobernador en algún punto. Y va a haber algunas actividades privadas, pero la mayoría de mi tiempo estará dedicada a conocer electores. La verdadera razón por la que estoy aquí es para ayudar a los electores locales a entender quiénes somos y para yo poner oído en tierra, escuchar a la gente y pasarle la información a Barack sobre cómo la gente se siente, cuáles son sus batallas, qué está pasando. Esa es la verdadera razón por la cual estoy aquí, y tengo la impresión de que volveré.
¿No es desventaja para Obama en Puerto Rico tener el apoyo de un Gobernador acusado?
Estamos agradecidos de tener el apoyo del Gobernador. Realmente no estamos aquí para enfocarnos en sus asuntos. Respetamos tanto al Gobernador como al proceso judicial. Soy abogada y respeto eso. La justicia se encargará de esto.
¿Cree que el factor racial afecte a su esposo en su aspiración de convertirse en el primer presidente afroamericano de Estados Unidos?
El asunto racial sigue siendo un factor en este mundo. Aún juega un papel, pero lo que hemos visto durante la totalidad de la carrera política de Barack es que la visión, la pasión, el alma y el corazón trascienden las razas. Cuando la gente derriba esas barreras y tiene la oportunidad de conocerse los unos a los otros, la raza realmente no es un problema. Eso es lo que hemos visto durante toda la campaña. Lo que me da mucha esperanza es que yo puedo ir junto a Barack a cualquier comunidad, sea del color que sea, y cuando hablamos sobre nuestros hijos, lo que nos gusta, lo que comemos, es lo mismo. Tenemos políticos que han enfatizado en diferencias que no tienen sentido. Pero con Barack vamos a tener un líder que va a decir: “¿Saben qué? enfoquémonos en las cosas que nos unen, las cosas que tenemos en común, porque hay tantas cosas que trascienden todo esto”.
Senator Obama put out this statement today on the immigration marches held in Chicago and in cities across the country:
"Two years ago, I came home to Chicago to witness the mobilization of hundreds of thousands of citizens and immigrants united in an effort to fix our immigration system. I spoke to the marchers that day, and Senator Kennedy spoke to those marching in Washington. They said to us, "today we march and tomorrow we vote." Two years later, our immigration problems remain unresolved, and those who want change will have to vote for change in November. So today, I encourage the thousands of people who are marching and calling for change to work hard registering voters in the months to come. Your vote is your voice.
Four-hundred thousand marchers were in Chicago that day and hundreds of thousands of others came out and stood up around the country. They were marching to put a human face on the idea of America as a country of immigrants: the notion that people can come here and pursue a better life for themselves and, most importantly, for their children, if they work hard and apply themselves.
Two years later, politicians remain polarized and the challenge is unresolved. On the anniversary of those marches, I again express my commitment to comprehensive immigration reform and will do everything I can to bring order and compassion to a system that is broken today. It is in our interest and true to our tradition to come together and solve this problem. And as President, I intend to lead us in that effort."
"Hace 2 años, vine a casa a Chicago para ser testigo de la mobilización de cientos de miles de ciudadanos e inmigrantes unidos en un esfuerzo para arreglar nuestro sistema de inmigración. Hablé a los marchantes ese día y el Senador Kennedy habló a aquellos que estaban marchando en Washington. Nos dijeron, “hoy marchamos y mañana votamos”. Dos años después, nuestro problema de inmigración sigue sin resolverse, y aquellos que quieran cambio tendrán que votar por cambio en Noviembre. Por eso hoy, yo invito a aquellos que marchan por cambio, a que trabajen registrando votos en los meses por venir. Su voto es su decisión.
Cuatrocientos mil marchantes estuvieron en Chicago ese día y cientos de miles de personas más salieron y se unieron alrededor del país. Ellos marchaban para ponerle una cara humana a la idea de América como un país de inmigrantes: la noción que la gente puede venir acá y buscar una vida mejor para sí mismos, y más importante, para sus hijos, si trabajan duro y se aplican.
Dos años después, los políticos siguen polarizados y el desafío sigue sin resolverse. En el aniversario de esas marchas, quiero otra vez expresar mi compromiso a la reforma de inmigración integral y que haré todo lo que pueda para traer orden y compasión a un sistema que hoy esta roto. Está en nuestro interés y es parte de nuestra tradición unirnos y resolver problemas. Como presidente, mi intención es guiarnos en ese camino."
Senator Obama's immigration op-ed ran today in the Charlotte Observer:
Obama: Enforce tighter border, employer verifications One of my fundamental beliefs is that for too long we have had a politics of division and distraction in Washington that's stopped us from coming together to bring about real change. There are few better examples of how broken our politics has become than the immigration debate. Just last summer, we saw comprehensive reform fail in part because of bitter partisanship.While I understand the passions -- and legitimate differences -- on both sides of this difficult issue, we must restore civility and reason to the conversation. The longer we go without comprehensive reform, the more pronounced this problem will become.We must find common ground and take action on the two central issues that lie at the heart of this debate -- and we cannot effectively address one without addressing the other at the same time.First, we must reinforce our borders to deter the more than 2,000 immigrants who cross them illegally each day. Most of these aspiring laborers risk death in the desert to come here illegally, and they are diverting our attention from those trying to enter to do us harm.Strengthening the border requires equipping Customs and Border Protection agents with better technology and real-time intelligence, improving infrastructure, and making smart choices about where patrols should be deployed.We also have to ensure that employers are hiring only legal workers. That's why I've worked with Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley and Democratic Sen. Max Baucus to make it significantly more difficult -- if not impossible -- for employers to hire workers who are here illegally, including the more than 40 percent who came legally and overstayed their visa.This will require a mandatory electronic system that enables employers to verify the legal status of their employees within days of hiring them.Second, we must require the 12 million undocumented immigrants who are already here, including more than 300,000 in North Carolina, to step out of the shadows and onto a path that includes the ability to earn citizenship by demonstrating a sound character, a commitment to America, and a strong work ethic.We have to understand that many immigrants want to get right with the law. They work in their communities, pay taxes, and have become an integral part of our society.While it's unrealistic to deport them, illegal entry cannot go unpunished. That's why we must require them to pay a fine, learn English, and get to the back of the line for citizenship behind those who came here legally.We are a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants, and we must reconcile those traditions. It's time to move beyond our broken politics and achieve real progress on immigration reform, not just for the sake of passing a bill, and not as a favor to immigrants, but so that we can finally address the concerns of the American people, and make real the hopes of all those who want nothing more than a chance at the American Dream.
While I understand the passions -- and legitimate differences -- on both sides of this difficult issue, we must restore civility and reason to the conversation. The longer we go without comprehensive reform, the more pronounced this problem will become.
We must find common ground and take action on the two central issues that lie at the heart of this debate -- and we cannot effectively address one without addressing the other at the same time.
First, we must reinforce our borders to deter the more than 2,000 immigrants who cross them illegally each day. Most of these aspiring laborers risk death in the desert to come here illegally, and they are diverting our attention from those trying to enter to do us harm.
Strengthening the border requires equipping Customs and Border Protection agents with better technology and real-time intelligence, improving infrastructure, and making smart choices about where patrols should be deployed.
We also have to ensure that employers are hiring only legal workers. That's why I've worked with Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley and Democratic Sen. Max Baucus to make it significantly more difficult -- if not impossible -- for employers to hire workers who are here illegally, including the more than 40 percent who came legally and overstayed their visa.
This will require a mandatory electronic system that enables employers to verify the legal status of their employees within days of hiring them.
Second, we must require the 12 million undocumented immigrants who are already here, including more than 300,000 in North Carolina, to step out of the shadows and onto a path that includes the ability to earn citizenship by demonstrating a sound character, a commitment to America, and a strong work ethic.
We have to understand that many immigrants want to get right with the law. They work in their communities, pay taxes, and have become an integral part of our society.
While it's unrealistic to deport them, illegal entry cannot go unpunished. That's why we must require them to pay a fine, learn English, and get to the back of the line for citizenship behind those who came here legally.
We are a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants, and we must reconcile those traditions. It's time to move beyond our broken politics and achieve real progress on immigration reform, not just for the sake of passing a bill, and not as a favor to immigrants, but so that we can finally address the concerns of the American people, and make real the hopes of all those who want nothing more than a chance at the American Dream.
“The role of Puerto Rico in American history cannot be underestimated,” Obama said. “Puerto Ricans have fought with distinction in every war since World War I, and both Congress and the President have an obligation to help Puerto Rico decide its future status. Working in conjunction with distinguished leaders like Pedro Pierluisi, I will work to give a voice to the 4 million U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico and enable them to determine the course of their political future. ”
“Senator Obama promises statehooders in Puerto Rico, indeed all Puerto Ricans, that he will honor his responsibility as President in assisting the people of Puerto Rico in resolving their status issue. Moreover, he vows to honor our people’s decision by supporting our preference for statehood, if that is what we choose,” Pierluisi added.
“Barack Obama is the candidate in the race who will deliver change we can believe in” said Sánchez. “During the course of this campaign, we have seen thousands of inspired Latinos turning out to do whatever it takes to spread Senator Obama’s message of bringing our country together. We need a president with the leadership and judgment to not only unite our country but specifically address the issues affecting Latinos; Senator Obama’s record has proven that he will be a strong advocate for Latinos nationwide.”
“I am proud to have the support of such an influential pioneer in the Latino community,” Senator Obama said. “Frank will play a key role in reaching out to Latinos about our campaign’s vision to unite our country and expand our growing enthusiasm in the Latino community.”
In 1999, Sánchez was the Special Assistant to the President of the United States working in the Office of the Special Envoy for the Americas. While in the White House, Sánchez worked with the National Security Council, the State Department and the U.S. Trade Representative on Western Hemisphere economic integration and the promotion of democracy. Under the Clinton administration, he served as the United States Assistant Secretary of Transportation where he oversaw international negotiations.
He graduated from Florida State University where he received his undergraduate and Law Degrees and holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
I truly believe Senator Obama is the best candidate for the U.S. in general and for Puerto Rico in particular. His agenda, his judgment, and his ability to unite, in matters of foreign and domestic policy, are exceptional and bode well for restoring the economic well-being of Americans and repairing the image and standing of the U.S. as a result of the Iraq war and other unwise policy decisions. In terms of Puerto Rico, Senator Obama has made commitments on issues of paramount importance to the people of Puerto Rico, including the political status issue, job creation, economic development, health care and the clean up of the island of Vieques, among others. Aside from the many reasons to support him, Senator Obama's historic commitments on Puerto Rico, and the understanding he has of Puerto Rican social, economic, political and cultural issues, led me to enthusiastically endorse his candidacy for President.
What would you do to work with Obama on issues important to Puerto Rico?
When Barack Obama is President, and I am re-elected Governor of Puerto Rico we will work together in a framework of shared values and mutual respect. Senator Obama has already demonstrated a deep understanding of Puerto Rico. As he has stated so accurately, "Puerto Rico is a vitally important part of our country and Puerto Ricans have made immeasurable contributions to the United States. As President of the United States, I will pay close attention to issues that have an impact on the well-being of the people of Puerto Rico." Senator Obama's commitment on social and economic issues concerning the Island, his policy of strict neutrality on Puerto Rican status matters, and his support for a deliberative, open and unbiased process to address the political status situation - such as a constitutional convention - demonstrate much-needed understanding and respect and provide an excellent foundation on which we both can accomplish great things for our people.
What are your thoughts on the relationship of Puerto Rico to the rest of the Caribbean and Latin America?
Puerto Ricans are proud of our distinctive heritage, our culture, our traditions, our customs and our language. Moreover, Senator Obama understands that Puerto Ricans on the island and Puerto Ricans in the U.S. are "un pueblo", we are one people. My Administration has placed great importance on strengthening the ties between Puerto Ricans on the island and in the U.S. We have seen how on issues such as the struggle for peace in the island of Vieques, for example, Puerto Ricans came together as one, and whether they live in Chicago or Cleveland, Orlando or San Juan, or wherever, we can achieve many things by coming together and by recognizing that we are "un pueblo" regardless of where we live. In terms of the elections in the U.S., I believe that the more Latinos in general and Puerto Ricans in particular get to know Barack Obama, what he stands for, and what he represents for the future, the more they will support him as the next President of the United States.
Last week, comedian George Lopez endorsed Barack Obama because he believes Obama is the best man to represent the interests of Hispanics.
George Lopez also attended this week's CNN/Univision debate to show his support for Barack and to emphasize why Hispanics play such a pivotal role in this election:
Austin American-Statesman
George Lopez Plays the Spin RoomBy Juan CastilloAmong the interview subjects drawing some of the biggest media crowds in the spin room following Thursday night’s debate was comedian George Lopez.Looking dapper in a dark pinstriped suit, Lopez was all business — mostly — as he mused on the race for the Democratic nomination and his support for Sen. Obama.“I think there’s a hopelessness in America and (Obama) seems to be speaking to that,” Lopez said.Latinos, said Lopez, must become political “because we’re under assault. We’re like rolled up in a ball and we shouldn’t be that way.”Lopez said he had decided to support Obama after much consideration and that he believes he can be a great leader.“You’d like to feel like the White House is your house. It belongs to the people,” Lopez said. After pausing and grinning ever so slightly, he added “Brown people too.”
By Juan Castillo
Among the interview subjects drawing some of the biggest media crowds in the spin room following Thursday night’s debate was comedian George Lopez.
Looking dapper in a dark pinstriped suit, Lopez was all business — mostly — as he mused on the race for the Democratic nomination and his support for Sen. Obama.
“I think there’s a hopelessness in America and (Obama) seems to be speaking to that,” Lopez said.
Latinos, said Lopez, must become political “because we’re under assault. We’re like rolled up in a ball and we shouldn’t be that way.”
Lopez said he had decided to support Obama after much consideration and that he believes he can be a great leader.
“You’d like to feel like the White House is your house. It belongs to the people,” Lopez said. After pausing and grinning ever so slightly, he added “Brown people too.”
The Obama campaign unveiled a new Spanish-language television ad, to appear in Texas and Rhode Island, titled, "Come Padre":
Check out Barack Obama's Op-Ed in the Dallas Morning News on his plan to repair the U.S.-Mexico relationship:
The Dallas Morning News
Under George W. Bush, the United States has not lived up to its historic role as a leader in the Western Hemisphere. As president, I will restore that leadership by working to advance the common prosperity and security of all of the people of the Americas. That work must begin with a renewed strategic partnership with Mexico. Mr. Bush took office vowing to make the Americas a top priority. But over the last seven years, the administration's approach to this issue has been clumsy, disinterested and, above all, distracted by the war in Iraq. Indeed, relations have not fully recovered since Mexico refused to fall in line with President Bush's rush to war. Mexico's President Felipe Calderon just traveled across the United States but didn't even go to Washington, which isn't that surprising given how little Mr. Bush has done to improve relations. Starting my first year in office, I will convene annual meetings with Mr. Calderon and the prime minister of Canada. Unlike similar summits under President Bush, these will be conducted with a level of transparency that represents the close ties among our three countries. We will seek the active and open involvement of citizens, labor, the private sector and non-governmental organizations in setting the agenda and making progress. With our neighbors to the south, that agenda must include securing our border. The hard work of comprehensive immigration reform must be done at home; we will be a nation of laws and immigrants. But we also have to work with Mexico to crack down on both illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations that threaten people on both sides of the border. This will take new investments and new partnerships. Here's some of what we need to do: •Increase technology and real-time intelligence-sharing to allow U.S. and Mexican authorities to track and dismantle drug-trafficking cartels. •Invest in anti-drug education on both sides of the border to reduce demand for illicit narcotics. •Make a concerted effort to disrupt arms smuggling and money laundering from the United States that supplies Mexican drug cartels with weapons and funds. •Partner with Mexico to enhance the professionalism of its law enforcement and judiciary officials. It's also time to develop a bilateral strategy for lifting up our border communities. Six and a half million Americans live in cities and towns next to the border, and 61 million Americans live in the four states that border Mexico. Too often we neglect the unique needs of these communities, which are integrated with their sister cities across the border. As president, I will work with state and local governments to enhance cross-border partnerships in transportation, law enforcement, environmental protection, health care and water usage. At a national level, our diplomacy with Mexico must aim to amend NAFTA. I will seek enforceable labor and environment standards – not unenforceable side agreements that have done little to curb NAFTA's failures. To reduce illegal immigration, we also have to help Mexico develop its own economy, so that more Mexicans can live their dreams south of the border. That's why I'll increase foreign assistance, including expanded micro-financing for businesses in Mexico. Finally, we have to recognize the connection between our rhetoric and our relations – both with Mexico and within our own borders. We can and should have a robust debate about immigration reform, but we should never demonize or scapegoat any ethnic group. Already, we have seen an unacceptable spike in hate crimes aimed at Latinos across America. This has proven divisive here at home, and it risks poisoning our relations with Latin America. Our relationship with Mexico should serve as a bridge to greater security and prosperity in North America and to better relations with Latin America. But we cannot achieve this partnership unless we engage in sustained and focused diplomacy, and develop a more effective working relationship with our neighbor to the south.
Under George W. Bush, the United States has not lived up to its historic role as a leader in the Western Hemisphere. As president, I will restore that leadership by working to advance the common prosperity and security of all of the people of the Americas. That work must begin with a renewed strategic partnership with Mexico.
Mr. Bush took office vowing to make the Americas a top priority. But over the last seven years, the administration's approach to this issue has been clumsy, disinterested and, above all, distracted by the war in Iraq. Indeed, relations have not fully recovered since Mexico refused to fall in line with President Bush's rush to war.
Mexico's President Felipe Calderon just traveled across the United States but didn't even go to Washington, which isn't that surprising given how little Mr. Bush has done to improve relations.
Starting my first year in office, I will convene annual meetings with Mr. Calderon and the prime minister of Canada. Unlike similar summits under President Bush, these will be conducted with a level of transparency that represents the close ties among our three countries. We will seek the active and open involvement of citizens, labor, the private sector and non-governmental organizations in setting the agenda and making progress.
With our neighbors to the south, that agenda must include securing our border. The hard work of comprehensive immigration reform must be done at home; we will be a nation of laws and immigrants. But we also have to work with Mexico to crack down on both illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations that threaten people on both sides of the border.
This will take new investments and new partnerships. Here's some of what we need to do:
•Increase technology and real-time intelligence-sharing to allow U.S. and Mexican authorities to track and dismantle drug-trafficking cartels.
•Invest in anti-drug education on both sides of the border to reduce demand for illicit narcotics.
•Make a concerted effort to disrupt arms smuggling and money laundering from the United States that supplies Mexican drug cartels with weapons and funds.
•Partner with Mexico to enhance the professionalism of its law enforcement and judiciary officials.
It's also time to develop a bilateral strategy for lifting up our border communities. Six and a half million Americans live in cities and towns next to the border, and 61 million Americans live in the four states that border Mexico. Too often we neglect the unique needs of these communities, which are integrated with their sister cities across the border. As president, I will work with state and local governments to enhance cross-border partnerships in transportation, law enforcement, environmental protection, health care and water usage.
At a national level, our diplomacy with Mexico must aim to amend NAFTA. I will seek enforceable labor and environment standards – not unenforceable side agreements that have done little to curb NAFTA's failures. To reduce illegal immigration, we also have to help Mexico develop its own economy, so that more Mexicans can live their dreams south of the border. That's why I'll increase foreign assistance, including expanded micro-financing for businesses in Mexico.
Finally, we have to recognize the connection between our rhetoric and our relations – both with Mexico and within our own borders. We can and should have a robust debate about immigration reform, but we should never demonize or scapegoat any ethnic group. Already, we have seen an unacceptable spike in hate crimes aimed at Latinos across America. This has proven divisive here at home, and it risks poisoning our relations with Latin America.
Our relationship with Mexico should serve as a bridge to greater security and prosperity in North America and to better relations with Latin America. But we cannot achieve this partnership unless we engage in sustained and focused diplomacy, and develop a more effective working relationship with our neighbor to the south.
La Opinion: The Democratic choice is Barack Obama The Democratic Party arrives at the California primary with a historic choice between two extraordinary candidates. We believe that of the two, Senator Barack Obama represents fundamental change in a campaign in which "change" has become a central theme. Obama's approach to immigration and his inspiring vision are what the country need to break through the current feeling of political malaise. There is no doubt that Senator Hillary Clinton would be an excellent president if elected. She is capable, competent, disciplined, and hard working. She has shown herself to be a talented legislator and is on the right side of the major issues. Her plan for universal health care is one example of the courageous initiatives she has proposed as a candidate. And it would be wonderful to elect the country&*#39;s first woman president. She has garnered significant Latino support from such influential and high profile national leaders as Raúl Yzaguirre, Henry Cisneros and Antonio Villaraigosa. She has worked tirelessly over many years to represent the best interests of Latinos and her personal commitment has been well-documented throughout this campaign. Yet, this is a historic moment and tremendous skills and experience are not enough to inspire a feeling of renewal in our country after eight long years of George W. Bush. As well, we were disappointed with her calculated opposition to driver's licenses for the undocumented, which contrasts markedly from the forceful argument in support made by Obama. We understand that this is an extremely controversial issue but we believe there is only one right position and it is that of the senator from Illinois. And, while both senators support comprehensive immigration reform, only Obama has committed to bringing forward new legislation during his first year in office. It is this commitment to the immigration issue which drove Obama to condemn the malicious lies made during the immigration debate, to understand the need for driver's licenses, and to defend the rights of undocumented students by co-authoring the DREAM Act. The senator has demonstrated character by maintaining his position despite the hostile political climate. At the same time, there are not huge differences between the two Democractic candidates on most of the major issues. Thus, vision makes the difference! Obama offers an inclusive message of hope that addresses our country&*#39;s historic moment. He has a conciliatory style that can reverse the vicious cycle of rancor which has dominated Washington over these past decades and has paralyzed its ability to come together on major decisións. We need a leader today that can inspire and unite America again around its greatest possibilities. Barack Obama is the right leader for the time. We know that he is not as well known among our community and while he has the support of Maria Elena Durazo, Senator Gil Cedillo and others he comes to the Latino community with less name recognition. Nevertheless, it is Obama who deserves our support. By deciding between a woman or an African American as their presidencial nominee, the Democrats are making history. Barack Obama has the sensibilities of a man from humble beginnings raised in a multicultural home. He is the best option for a truly visionary change.
La opción demócrata es Barack Obama El Partido Demócrata llega a la primaria de California con una oferta histórica entre dos candidatos extraordinarios. Creemos que entre ellos el senador Barack Obama representa realmente el cambio en una campaña en que "el cambio" es el tema central. Los puntos sobre inmigración del legislador de Illinois y su visión inspiradora es lo que necesita el país para salir del sentimiento actual de agotamiento político.
No hay duda de que la senadora Hillary Clinton sería una presidenta excelente si fuera electa. Es una mujer capaz, competente, disciplinada y trabajadora que ha demostrado talento como legisladora y que tiene la posición correcta en la mayoría de los temas. Su plan para un seguro de salud universal es un ejemplo de las valiosas iniciativas que ha propuesto la candidata. Sería grandioso poder elegir a la primera mujer presidente de esta nación.
La senadora ha obtenido un respaldo significativo de influyentes y reconocidos líderes nacionales latinos como Raúl Yzaguirre, Henry Cisneros y el alcalde Antonio Villaraigosa. Ella trabajó arduamente durante muchos años representando el mejor interés de los latinos y su compromiso personal esta documentado a lo largo de esta campaña.
Sin embargo, este es un momento histórico donde la gran capacidad y experiencia de la senadora es insuficiente para brindar al país el sentido de renovación que necesita después de ocho años de George W. Bush.
Nos ha desilusionado también la calculada oposición de Clinton a las licencias de conducir para los indocumentados, que contrasta con la contundencia de los argumentos de Obama a favor de las mismas. Sabemos que eso es muy controversial, pero hay una sola posición correcta y es la del legislador de Illinois. Ambos senadores respaldan una reforma integral de inmigración, pero Obama es el único que se comprometió a presentar de nuevo el proyecto de ley durante su primer año de gobierno.
Ese mismo compromiso con el tema migratorio llevó a Obama a condenar en un debate las mentiras que se dicen maliciosamente sobre ellos; a comprender la necesidad de las licencias y a defender a los estudiantes indocumentados con la coautoría del DREAM Act en la Legislatura. El senador ha mostrado carácter, manteniendo su línea pese al antagonismo del clima político.
Al mismo tiempo, no existe una gran diferencia entre los dos demócratas en la mayoría de los temas más importantes; por eso la visión marca la diferencia. Obama tiene un mensaje inclusivo y de esperanza, necesario para los momentos que vive el país. Él reúne las condiciones conciliadoras para revertir el círculo vicioso de rencor que desde hace décadas predomina en Washing-ton y paraliza las grandes decisiones necesarias.
Necesitamos un presidente que de nuevo inspire y una a los ciudadanos alrededor de las grandes posibilidades que nos brinda el futuro. Obama es el líder adecuado para este momento. Sabemos que no es muy conocido en nuestra comunidad y si bien tiene el respaldo de María Elena Durazo, del senador Gil Cedillo y de otros. No obstante, es quien hoy merece el respaldo de la comunidad latina.
Los demócratas ya están haciendo historia al tener que decidir su candidato a presidente entre una mujer y un afroamericano.
Barak Obama tiene la sensibilidad de un origen humilde, de un hogar multicultural y es la mejor opción para un cambio visionario.
Teddy in East L.A.
Politico.com
Kennedy addressed an Obama rally at East Los Angeles College this morning, introduced with a credential that the campaign hopes will appeal to Hispanic voters: Kennedy and Obama were the only two senators, the campaign says, to participate in the giant May 1, 2006 immigration marches.
"In the streets of Chicago it was our next president, Barack Obama, that marched, and in the streets of Washington, D.C., it was Sen. Edward Kennedy who marched," said Maria Elena Durazo, a key Los Angeles labor leader.
But the event, at a mostly Hispanic college in a Hispanic and Asian part of town, also served as a demonstration of the ground Obama has to make up here: The crowd seemed largely made up of Obama supporters from elsewhere in Los Angeles.
"I've never seen a lot of white people here before," said Edwin Morales, 25, who grew up in the neighborhood and now studies at Cal State Los Angeles but came back to see Obama.
Morales said he'd supported Edwards but switched to Obama because the two share an ideology: "They're for the poor, for the working class."
Kennedy spoke of Obama's "transformational" potential, and tried out his own Spanish.
"Un voto por Obama es un voto para la gente," he said, gamely, before offering his joking excuse.
"It's a Castillo accent — it's a Castilian accent," he said, to laughter.
Yesterday we noted that yes, Latinos will vote for black candidates despite arguments to the contrary from the Clinton campaign. Today, Reuters seizes on the pushback to that narrative. But the fact is, Hillary has done better amongst Latinos because she has actually done a far better job in wooing that vote.
Now the question is how much can Obama cut into that Latino disadvantage on Feb. 5.
Large numbers of Hispanic or Latino voters will head to the polls for "Super Tuesday" voting on February 5 in states such as California, New York, New Jersey, Arizona and New Mexico, where public opinion polls put Clinton ahead in the contest for the Democratic presidential nomination.
And on that front, this is gold for Obama, with Ted Kennedy getting royal treatment on the El Piolín radio show today. This is significant for several major reasons. Hillary is leading Obama in southern California in huge part because of the Latino vote -- helped in large part by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's support and machine. Big city mayors are some of the best endorsements a candidate can get because they have a patronage machine they can activate on behalf of candidates they support. Yet down in southern California, El Pioín owns the market and is the largest radio show in the country. Yup, that's bigger than you-know-who.
Maids get out of bed and slip on their uniforms, landscapers load leaf blowers into rusty flatbed trucks before chugging up the freeway and cooks turn on restaurant stoves to make flapjacks. They, like other listeners, know [Eduardo] Sotelo as El Piolin, or Tweety Bird, and they regard him as a Mexican immigrant hero, someone like them, a role model. Twenty years ago, Sotelo sneaked across the Mexican border into California by hiding in the trunk of a car, and now his Spanish-language radio show, "El Piolin por la Mañana," has made him a rags-to-riches story, a DJ who beats Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh and Tom Joyner every weekday morning, according to Arbitron ratings.
Remember the big immigration protests last year? This was the guy who fueled them nationwide. So he's not just a fun D.J., he can move people. And to this crowd, Sen. Ted Kennedy is a HUGE hero -- the man who has been fighting to pass comprehensive immigration reform in the Senate.
And today, his show was one big love note to Obama, featuring none other than Kennedy.
The El Piolín radio show [...] gave a BIG buildup for Teddy at 7:40 a.m. California time with a three minute pre-produced bio calling him "the best senator in America" highlighting Kennedy family history and his leadership on education, health care and immigration reform.
Blogger Al Giordano blogged the radio appearance, and three particular points stand out:
Kennedy talks about the fight for immigration reform he waged "and at my side from the beginning was Barack Obama." [...] Kennedy: "Only two senators marched for immigrant rights on May 1, 2006, one in Washington and the other in Chicago. I marched in Washington and Barack Obama marched in Chicago. He was not afraid to stand up when others wouldn't." [...] "I'm committed to coming back on the immigration bill and Barack Obama will be with me. He is the one candidate who has said that he can do this in his first term. There's too many people that are living in the shadows. Men and women of dignity who love their families who love their faith. I'm on their side and Barack Obama is on their side."
Kennedy talks about the fight for immigration reform he waged "and at my side from the beginning was Barack Obama." [...]
Kennedy: "Only two senators marched for immigrant rights on May 1, 2006, one in Washington and the other in Chicago. I marched in Washington and Barack Obama marched in Chicago. He was not afraid to stand up when others wouldn't." [...]
"I'm committed to coming back on the immigration bill and Barack Obama will be with me. He is the one candidate who has said that he can do this in his first term. There's too many people that are living in the shadows. Men and women of dignity who love their families who love their faith. I'm on their side and Barack Obama is on their side."
This was worth millions in free advertising to the Obama campaign and can move real numbers. In a state were Obama is closing the gap fast according to the most recent polling, this could be game changing.
SI SE PUEDE WITH OBAMA In various previous bulletins we have pointed out numerous contradictions and challenges facing us during this presidential campaign. The aspirations for political change that conforms to the myriad social needs of Latinos, the working majorities of the U.S., and all people of color are huge. Fair and humane immigration reform, an end to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and the return of U.S. troops to their loved ones, universal and affordable healthcare, fair versus "free" trade policies and an end to the export of millions of jobs, immediate relief to working families devastated by the subprime housing crisis, equitable and progressive tax rates, a reduction of the budget deficit not on the backs of working people, a restoration and protection of privacy rights and an end to government spying and surveillance on its citizens and residents, protected right to organize a union and negotiate a collective bargaining unit, an end to the era of dependency on fossil fuels, the inviolability of women's right to choice and immediate access to health services – these and many more issues are moving millions of people into motion in search of relevant change in our country. The real question before us is whether any of the current presidential candidates measures up to our expectations and aspirations for change within the context of a constrained political system dominated by two main political parties – Republican and Democratic, its various minor parties, but an ever growing and robust independent segment of the electorate? The Mexican American Political Association (MAPA), the oldest political-civic organization of Mexican Americans and Latinos in the U.S., answers the question in the affirmative with some reservations. The task before us is enormous and we refuse to invest everything on one woman or man aspiring to assume the highest political office in the land, and expect that this will create the change we desire. This is only one element of the political equation. The majority of the responsibility for change is ours – our collective responsibility to create sweeping social movement and impose our political will as the majority producers of society. We do this by participating in political elections, mobilizations of masses of people, social protests, lobbying, sit-ins, petitions, recall of elected officials when necessary, and the use of many other tactics. No political candidate is perfect, but which candidate comes closest to our ideal and speaks to our issues and interests, exudes confidence, demonstrates a track-record for integrity and speaking truth to power, and voting in favor of working peoples interests?
Our first choice was Congressman Dennis Kucinich. We firmly believe that his platform is our platform, and that his progressive trajectory as an elected official speaks for itself. However, for many reasons citizen Kucinich retired from the presidential primary race to pursue a re-election bid for his current seat. MAPA stood on principle to support the candidate who thoroughly stands for peace, fair trade, humane immigration reform, universal healthcare access, women's choice, worker's rights, and while his candidacy may have represented an impossible long-shot – we resolved that elections in and of themselves do not constitute the main measure of political change, and that our fight is a strategic one premised on deep-rooted organization of political conscious Latino workers and families in alliance with affinity constituencies. However, something nasty in the national campaigns reared its head over the past two weeks, which motivated us to consider another endorsement for a presidential candidate of the Democratic Party primary elections. We have observed with utter disgust the use of racially divisive and polarizing tactics employed by the Clintons, both Hillary and Bill, against Senator Barack Obama, not the first presidential candidate of African American origin. This is something that we would have expected from Republican candidates, but instead it surfaced from the bowels of the center-right institutional currents of the Democratic Party. The tactics are absolutely deplorable and clearly demonstrate what the Clintons think of all people of color. In other words, when they speak and refer to Senator Barack Obama in the racially disparaging manner in which they have, they are really referring to all of us people of color – African Americans, Latinos, Asian Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans. Perhaps worst yet, they think little of white members of the electorate wrongly believing that such tactics would move white voters away from Senator Obama - the scary specter of a black candidate with little experience and questionable credibility assuming the reins of power. The repeated claim by the Clintons' paid pollster, Sergio Bendixen that Latinos won't vote for a black man is one more example of the polarizing self-fulfilling prophecy injected into the campaign of late. Certainly they will deny such a charge, but then again, they are not people of color and have not been the victims of their own invective. MAPA has historically supported candidates it believed were competent to represent the corresponding electorate irrespective of their national origin, race, gender or age. The content of their character is what mattered most to us. The leadership and membership of MAPA have resolved to endorse Senator Barack Obama as the presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, who also just happens to be African American. We also observe with great pride growing numbers of young white voters enthusiastically embracing the message of Senator Obama, black voters turning out in greater percentages than previous elections exuding pride and hope, Latino culinary union members who see themselves in the candidacy of the young senator, and women who deposit their faith in the intelligence and oratorical imagery displayed by candidate Barack Obama. All of this bodes well for the future of America – seeing beyond race – capable of assimilating the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Senator Obama is the only remaining candidate who has declared in favor of issuing driver's licenses to immigrants (much before the current campaign) and the right of immigrant youth to higher education through the Dream Act, pursuing humane immigration reform his first year in office, returning all U.S. combat troops from Iraq, (one of the few federal legislators who originally opposed the war publicly), and pursuing universal healthcare reform (albeit retaining a role for private insurance companies) – these are a few of his down-payment commitments to the electorate he seeks to convince that now is the time to carve the change required due to the current maladies plaguing the country. It is our obligation to move this campaign and candidacy still closer to the wishes and pressing needs of the majorities.
Si Se Puede con Obama, Yes We Can with Obama, is the recurring chant that we now will also raise to oppose those candidates who live in the past, seek dynasty, angle to divide and polarize us, or propose continued neo-liberal directions for the nation-state. Si Se Puede with Obama, and with and by and for the people. Nativo V. Lopez National President
El Diario
Mi voto para ObamaOPINIÓN - 01/30/2008Por Yrthya Dinzey Hace 14 años llegué a este país, y aunque es corto tiempo para desarrollar un desencanto total por la política electoral de esta nación, así es. Pero este año es para mi diferente y un candidato en particular ha motivado en mi un sentido de esperanza y entusiasmo, Barack Obama. Yo me identifico con todos esos jóvenes que ven en Obama un candidato diferente, y al igual que los Kennedy, veo en él a un presidente capaz de cambiar nuestra historia, y la mía como mujer latina.He leído en varios artículos entrevistas con alguno que otro latino que opina que nosotros como comunidad electoral no estamos listos para elegir a una persona de color al puesto presidencial. Otras personas han entendido que para los latinos la cuestión de raza será un factor decisivo en esta elección. Pero yo no creo, ni quiero pensar, que este será el caso. Como latinos, entendemos el valor de la diversidad ya que somos, después de todo, la categoría de electores de mayor diversidad. Además de esto, entendemos que en la unión está la fuerza y que es muy importante tener aliados en la lucha por nuestros derechos.Obama ha demostrado ser el único candidato que ha corrido una campaña neutral, o sea, donde raza, género, etc., no son los elementos principales para animarnos a votar. También ha sabido crear una coalición sólida, real y duradera entre diversas comunidades. Esto es evidente no sólo en su campaña, sino también en Chicago, ciudad que hoy representa luego de lograr una fuerte unión entre las comunidades afro-americana y latina de esa ciudad. No debemos subestimar la importancia de un candidato que no necesitó la experiencia de perder una elección para entonces reconocer la gran importancia del voto latino y de la contribución tan importante de nuestra comunidad en el país. Cuando Obama nos ha dicho que reconoce la importancia de los latinos en este país, nos lo ha demostrado también con acciones.En todo aspecto, Obama es representativo del tipo de nación que podríamos ser —una nación unida, con un espíritu de inclusión, con respeto por el resto de la humanidad, y una nación que valora la contribución de cada uno de sus miembros y que les permite realizar su potencial. Su carisma y honestidad nos obliga a escucharlo y sus planes de acción nos dan esperanza y nos inspiran a ser parte de algo nuevo, de un futuro mejor.Aunque es cierto que Obama no tiene décadas de experiencia como gobernante, también es cierto que esta falta de experiencia le permite más fácilmente identificarse con el electorado y nuestra frustración con un gobierno que se vuelve cada día más paternalista y menos participativo. Además de esto, es importante notar que la experiencia en ausencia de buena razón vale poco. Obama en su corto tiempo como oficial electo ha sabido tomar muchas decisiones rectas y basadas en buen razonamiento y no solo en polos de opinión. Y esto es lo más importante de todo. A la hora de elegir yo daré mi voto por la persona que como yo, votaría con su conciencia. Por eso mi voto, es para Obama. es residente de Nueva York.
Mi voto para ObamaOPINIÓN - 01/30/2008Por Yrthya Dinzey
Hace 14 años llegué a este país, y aunque es corto tiempo para desarrollar un desencanto total por la política electoral de esta nación, así es. Pero este año es para mi diferente y un candidato en particular ha motivado en mi un sentido de esperanza y entusiasmo, Barack Obama.
Yo me identifico con todos esos jóvenes que ven en Obama un candidato diferente, y al igual que los Kennedy, veo en él a un presidente capaz de cambiar nuestra historia, y la mía como mujer latina.
He leído en varios artículos entrevistas con alguno que otro latino que opina que nosotros como comunidad electoral no estamos listos para elegir a una persona de color al puesto presidencial. Otras personas han entendido que para los latinos la cuestión de raza será un factor decisivo en esta elección. Pero yo no creo, ni quiero pensar, que este será el caso. Como latinos, entendemos el valor de la diversidad ya que somos, después de todo, la categoría de electores de mayor diversidad. Además de esto, entendemos que en la unión está la fuerza y que es muy importante tener aliados en la lucha por nuestros derechos.
Obama ha demostrado ser el único candidato que ha corrido una campaña neutral, o sea, donde raza, género, etc., no son los elementos principales para animarnos a votar. También ha sabido crear una coalición sólida, real y duradera entre diversas comunidades. Esto es evidente no sólo en su campaña, sino también en Chicago, ciudad que hoy representa luego de lograr una fuerte unión entre las comunidades afro-americana y latina de esa ciudad. No debemos subestimar la importancia de un candidato que no necesitó la experiencia de perder una elección para entonces reconocer la gran importancia del voto latino y de la contribución tan importante de nuestra comunidad en el país. Cuando Obama nos ha dicho que reconoce la importancia de los latinos en este país, nos lo ha demostrado también con acciones.
En todo aspecto, Obama es representativo del tipo de nación que podríamos ser —una nación unida, con un espíritu de inclusión, con respeto por el resto de la humanidad, y una nación que valora la contribución de cada uno de sus miembros y que les permite realizar su potencial. Su carisma y honestidad nos obliga a escucharlo y sus planes de acción nos dan esperanza y nos inspiran a ser parte de algo nuevo, de un futuro mejor.
Aunque es cierto que Obama no tiene décadas de experiencia como gobernante, también es cierto que esta falta de experiencia le permite más fácilmente identificarse con el electorado y nuestra frustración con un gobierno que se vuelve cada día más paternalista y menos participativo. Además de esto, es importante notar que la experiencia en ausencia de buena razón vale poco. Obama en su corto tiempo como oficial electo ha sabido tomar muchas decisiones rectas y basadas en buen razonamiento y no solo en polos de opinión. Y esto es lo más importante de todo. A la hora de elegir yo daré mi voto por la persona que como yo, votaría con su conciencia. Por eso mi voto, es para Obama.
es residente de Nueva York.
Caroline Kennedy wrote an op-ed in the NYTimes today endorsing Senator Barack Obama. Please check out the Spanish version below as well.
Un presidente como mi padrePor CAROLINE KENNEDYA lo largo de los años, me han conmovido profundamente los que me han dicho que quisieran poder sentirse inspirados y esperanzados con respecto a América como las personas se sentían cuando mi padre era presidente. Es por eso que apoyo a un candidato presidencial en las primarias demócratas: Barack Obama.Mis razones son patrióticas, políticas y personales, y las tres están entrelazadas. Toda mi vida, personas me han dicho que mi padre les cambió la vida, que se involucraron en el servicio público o la política porque mi padre les pidió que lo hicieran. Y la generación que él inspiró ha transmitido ese espíritu a sus hijos. Conozco jóvenes que nacieron mucho después que John F. Kennedy fuera presidente, pero sin embargo me preguntan cómo vivir sus ideales.A veces tarda un rato reconocer que alguien tiene la habilidad especial de hacernos creer en nosotros mismos, vincular esa confianza con nuestros ideales más elevados e imaginar que juntos podemos hacer cosas excepcionales. En esos raros momentos, cuando una persona así aparece, tenemos que dejar a un lado nuestros planes y tratar de alcanzar lo que sabemos es posible.Tenemos esa clase de oportunidad con el senador Obama. No es que los otros candidatos no tengan experiencia o conocimiento. Pero este año, puede que eso no sea suficiente. Necesitamos un cambio en el liderazgo de este país, igual que lo necesitamos en 1960.La mayoría de nosotros preferiríamos basar nuestra decisión a la hora de votar en diferencias entre políticas. Sin embargo, los objetivos de los candidatos son similares. Todos han expuesto planes detallados acerca de todo, desde el fortalecimiento de nuestra clase media a la inversión en la educación de la primera infancia. De modo que las cualidades de liderazgo, carácter y juicio desempeñan un papel mayor que de costumbre.El senador Obama ha demostrado estas cualidades durante más de dos décadas de servicio público, no sólo en el Senado de Estados Unidos sino en Illinois, donde ayudó a cambiar el rumbo de comunidades atribuladas, enseñó derecho constitucional y fue oficial electo estatal por ocho años. Y en la actualidad el senador Obama muestra las mismas cualidades. Ha construido un movimiento que está cambiando la fisonomía de la política en este país, y ha manifestado el don especial de inspirar a los jóvenes -conocidos por su disposición a ofrecerse de voluntarios pero aversión a la política- a involucrarse en el proceso político.He pasado los últimos cinco años trabajando en las escuelas públicas de la ciudad de Nueva York y tengo tres hijos adolescentes. Hay una generación que llega a la mayoría de edad que es optimista, trabajadora, innovadora e imaginativa. Pero demasiados de ellos también se sienten desesperanzados, derrotados y desconectados. Como padres, tenemos la responsabilidad de ayudar a nuestros hijos a creer en sí mismos y en su capacidad de forjar su futuro. El senador Obama les infunde a mis hijos, los nietos de mis padres, ese sentido de posibilidad.El senador Obama está llevando una campaña digna y honrada. Ha hablado elocuentemente sobre el papel de la fe en su vida y ha dejado ver su carácter en dos impactantes libros. Y en cuanto a su juicio, Barack Obama acertó respecto a la cuestión más importante de nuestro tiempo al oponerse a la guerra en Irak desde el principio.Quiero un presidente que entienda que su responsabilidad es articular una visión y animar a otros a realizarla; que se atenga –y exija que se atengan los que los rodean- a los principios éticos más elevados, que apele a las esperanzas de los que todavía creen en el Sueño Americano, y a los que en todo el mundo todavía creen en el ideal americano; y que pueda levantarnos el ánimo, y hacernos creer de nuevo que nuestro país necesita que participemos todos y cada uno de nosotros.Nunca he tenido un presidente que me inspirara de la manera que otros me dicen que mi padre los inspiraba. Pero por primera vez creo que he encontrado el hombre que pudiera convertirse en ese presidente, no sólo para mí, sino para una nueva generación de americanos.
Click here for the English version.
