Three Main Points for Latinos
By Cristobal J. Alex, President of Latino Victory Project
Original column published on Univision.com
On Monday, January 11th, I attended the historic Iowa Brown and Black Forum at Drake University, to support and watch first hand how the democratic presidential candidates address the issues that matter most to minorities in America. In the midst of a packed auditorium full of diverse students, grassroots activists and politicians, we engaged in the first National conversation focused on Latino and African American priorities in this 2016 presidential election cycle.
Unlike other presidential events, the host, FUSION, made sure that the format and questions asked was such that would probe candidates and force to talk about issues not normally addressed in debates and public forums. The format — 30 minutes one-on-one with each candidate — gave us a more well rounded picture of each candidate’s personality, strengths, weaknesses and even sense of humor. One would think this one-on-one format would be easier for the candidates. However, those who have seen Jorge Ramos conduct interviews knew not to expect an easy ride. The moderators were not beating around the bush, they were going straight to the point y sin pelos en la lengua.
Three major points resonated loudly with Latinos and helped to highlight the power of our community and the political strides we’ve made in the past year.
1. The outrage over deportation raids continues to grow, and our community is not taking no for an answer from their public officials — including the three Democratic Presidential candidates.
Across the country, immigrant and refugee families have lived in increased fear since the Administration’s deportation raids began January 1. The calls to put an end to the raids have been fierce. Just yesterday Members of Congress sent a letter to the President outlining the measures he can take to provide Temporary Protected Status to Central American refugees. Last night, Hillary Clinton joined Martin O’Malley and Bernie Sanders in calling for a stop to the deportation raids and for due process for Central American children. Prior to the forum, Hillary had been under fire for not being more outspoken and clearly denouncing the raids. The fact that all three candidates stand opposite the leader of the Democratic Party on this issue speaks to the power of our community and to the growing outrage over these senseless and inhumane deportation raids targeting refugees.
As we get closer to the summer the question remains will we have an uptick in the number of refugees coming to our border? And if so, what are we going to do to deal with the crisis? Should we be doing more to deter refugees from seeking a safe haven? The fight isn’t over yet, but Latinos have spoken loud and clear that there is a basic minimum level of decency and humanity that we expect from our elected officials and the treatment they give our Hispanic refugee brothers and sisters.
2. The issue of staff diversity within the campaigns was addressed for the first time on a national stage.
Earlier this year, Inclusv –an organization looking to increase the number of people of color involved in politics and advocacy-released a report on the diversity of each candidate’s campaign staff. All three Democratic candidates have placed Latinos and DREAMers in powerful roles to shape the overall policy, positions and direction of each campaign.
3. The Democratic Party still lacks diversity.
The Democratic Party must do more to build a pipeline of future leaders that reflect our nation. As evidence, the moderators contrasted the field of Democratic Presidential candidates with the Republican candidates who boast two Latinos and one African American. As an organization working to increase Latino political power, we at Latino Victory Project could not agree more that the Democratic Party needs diversity and needs to do more to support and elevate Latino candidates.
We must also emphasize that while it’s important to have diverse candidates on the ballot, we must also ensure those candidates reflect values and priorities that will uplift our community. And that’s the problem with the Republican side. They now have leading candidates, but unfortunately, those same candidates have turned their backs on our community and present a clear threat to Latinos.
Last night’s forum served as a reminder that we need to have more conversations like this. Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans and others all deserve unique space and time with the candidates.
