Latinos Tell The Democratic Party: It’s Not Enough To Say You’re Better Than Trump
*Is the DNC sending a one-note message to Latino voters? “Trump is going to deport you.” VL
By Alice Ollstein, Think Progress
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA — The Republican National Convention featured vocally anti-immigrant Sheriff Joe Arpaio on its main stage, along with several other speakers who portrayed immigrants as criminals and terrorists. The Democratic National Convention featured, on its opening night, two undocumented immigrants telling their personal stories. The contrast was as clear as the message: that Democrats are the only party that respects Latino voters.
Yet away from the stage lights, Latino participants at the DNC and those marching in the surrounding streets said they’re frustrated with what they see as the party’s inability to confront its own mixed record on deportations, refugees, and Latin American policy.
“It’s not enough to say to minorities, ‘Trump wants to deport you,’ so you should vote for us,” said Erika Andiola, the former Latino press secretary for Bernie Sanders. “Fear tactics, for me, are not empowering.”
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Recent polling indicates that the vast majority of Latino voters will side with Hillary Clinton this November. But even those who say they will vote for her, such as 19-year-old Tana Quillupangui from New York City, say they have serious concerns and reservations.
[Photo by Kira Lerner/Think Progress]
