Obama-Clinton fight brewing for Texas Latinos: The Swamp
 
The Swamp
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Posted February 12, 2008 12:07 PM
The Swamp

by Frank James

It looks like one of the interesting subplots to watch will be how Sen. Barack Obama goes after the Latino vote in Texas before March 4 when that state holds its primary.

Obama has been criticized for not taking his campaign to Latinos the way he took it to whites in Iowa, New Hampshire or Washington State, for instance. And that failure has been credited in part with his relatively weak showing to date among Latino voters who Sen. Hillary Clinton has won with supermajorities.

An indication of what is to come in Texas comes at the end of a very informative piece by Ginger Thompson in today's New York Times on how Obama has tried to navigate the always treacherous racial terrain in the current campaign.

Thompson writes:

While Mr. Obama has made great strides in appealing to white and black voters, his campaign has proved less effective in drawing Latino support. While a few experts point to longstanding rivalries between blacks and Hispanics over jobs and other opportunities, most faulted him as doing too little, too late.

“Obama’s campaign failed to rise to the occasion,” scolded La Opinión, the leading Spanish-language newspaper in California, which had endorsed Mr. Obama.

Mr. Obama’s national field director, Cuauhtemoc Figueroa, vowed that Mr. Obama’s effort in Texas would be different.

“You are going to see Senator Obama campaign the way he did in Iowa,” Mr. Figueroa said. “We’re going to take him to little communities so that he’s not only going to touch voters with his words, he’s going to be able to reach out and physically touch them.”

If you're a student of American politics you have to love this.

It's now the new conventional wisdom that March 4 is the do-or-die date for the Clinton campaign and that significant wins in Texas and Ohio, which also holds its primary on that day are essential to Clinton if she is to stop Obama's February momentum.

That momentum will likely get an additional shove today as a result of the Potomac Primaries featuring the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, jurisdictions in which Obama is expected to do quite well.

It's also likely to get another boost on Feb. 19 if he wins Wisconsin which many think he will. And he shouldn't any trouble winning the contest in his native Hawaii on the same day.

So it can't be overstated how badly Clinton needs Texas. But Obama's campaign now indicates it is going to go aggressively after Hispanic voters that the Clinton campaign has been able to count on up until now.

Clinton's campaign obviously won't sit back and let this happen without countering fiercely. That makes the fight for Texas look as if it could be as spirited as anything we've seen since Davy Crockett took on General Santa Anna Mexican army. It assures that the eyes of the nation will be on Texas.

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Comments

Subject: FOLLOW HILLARY CLINTON’S MONEY!
http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/?p=261#more-261 , here is a direct link to the story below

Subject: why didn't Senator Hillary Clinton vote against the Bankruptcy law in 2005 ?? And Hillary says she is for the Working Class people , then why these positions that don't suggest that is the case ???


With all the consumer debt and mortgage debt issues , did the 2005 bankruptcy bill that was made law , did that open the door to all the predatory lending we are seeing cause all the economic crisis , and why didn't Senator Hillary Clinton vote against the Bankruptcy law ?? Senator Clinton was the only Democrat to not vote on the new Bankruptcy law , and this law has put a big strain on American Consumers needing the flexibility of restructuring debt in time like now , that directly looks like a result of this bankruptcy law of 2005 .
The senator of new York should have voted up or down , but did not vote , so is this pandering , being able to say Hillary didn't support it so her position would not be against the Fascist Banks and other Financial Institutes she was getting funding from ??
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/109/senate/1/votes/44/


RELEASE YOU TAX RETURNS HILLARY!!!

Why not?
Because you represent corporate America and the special interest groups!!!


Texas loves Hillary, and the Latino vote here cannot stand Obama. They want experience and a LEADER who will WORK for Americans.

Hillary's actual accomplishments are a mile deep. Obama's deeds are thin, though his words are big.

Texans love doers, not talkers.


Viva Hilaria! Latinos are not going to go for obama now or in the general if he gets that far. If it is obama vs mccain, mccain wins them, mark my words. HRC is the only way we keep the largest minority group in AMerica on our side and let me say, we do not vote like partisans, we vote on candidates. As a Latino, I can say that not only will I, but I will make sure all of my brothers and sisters in la comunidad vote for mccain.


Tony - I hope that Obama keeps pounding away at Clinton's non-vote on the Bankruptcy Bill. He mentions it but more in the context of her talking out of two sides of her mouth (says she voted for it, but says she hoped it wouldn't pass). What he really SHOULD emphasize is that her position ALLOWED the financial institutions (some of which are her financial supporters) to take it to the "little guy" in America w/ up to 30% finance charges & the unconscionable loan documents which are now depriving people of their homes. This hasn't been said enough. On January 8, 2008, Tom Donohue, President of the national Chamber of Commerce, threatened to use millions of chamber members' dollars to fight presidential candidates whose platforms are "anti-business." See

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-chamber8jan08,0,4301350.story

I believe that this story came out between the Iowa caucus & NH primary b/c Mr. Donohue suddenly became quite concerned that Obama may take the Democratic nomination & not Hillary Clinton. Mr. Donohue's tone in the article clearly betrays anger at recent developments - since Hillary was ahead before Iowa, we can conclude that he doesn't want Obama but would be fine with Clinton - big business interests are carving a bigger gap every day between the haves & have-nots in America. Even those who manage to begin to get ahead, are losing those gains to the banks & credit card companies.


Obama is what we call "Texas Toast." Nothing personal...


Is the "battle for Hispanics' the reason why Obama's Texas campaign headquarters flaunt the flag of Communist Cuba and huge posters of Che Guevara?

For the photos, see http://michellemalkin.com/2008/02/12/where-to-buy-a-che-cuba-flag/


I'm a Latino who grew up in South Texas. My parents, my brother, my sister and I are all supporting Obama. He has the integrity and unwavering principles that remind me of my grandfather.


The Clinton Legacy? It brought you Gingrich and DeLay. The Dems lost Congress for the first time in 50 years, and that gave birth to near bankruptcy and Iraq. A vote for Hillary is a vote for McCain.


My fellow Latinos need to do their homework. The more US citizens get to know Obama the more his support grows. Bill Clinton expanded NAFTA, militarized the border (Operation Gatekeeper), and hurt US workers by promoting harmful welfare reform. Hillary's record is no better. Obama is also for immigrants having drivers licenses while Clinton is against it. Ask yourself who will better understand our struggle: A woman who grew up in conservative politics and attached herself to the rich, white, male establishment or the son of an immigrant who turned down big money to serve as a community organizer with poor Blacks and Latinos in Chicago?


So what is this love affair that Latinos have for the Clintonistas? Huh. Sounds like the love affair that Blacks were supposed to have for this dynasty wanna be. Latinos need to ask themselves what Bill Clinton did for them when he was president. Supposedly the popularity of Latinos is greatest among those who do not speak or read English very well. One poll said that among more educated Latinos and those from countries other than Mexico Obama is more favored. It shows that Latinos are not a monolith any more than whites, blacks, or Asians all think and vote the same.


I see Michelle Malkin is still trying to send subliminal messages to her foaming at the mouth raging right wing lunatic fringe followers to bomb Obama's Houston campaign office just like a right winger would bomb or shoot up a women's clinic.

PS Bruce, try linking photos that haven't already been debunked. That picture she and you linked, first of all it was taken November 2, 2004, second it was taken in Venezuala. You are a hoot. By a hoot I mean pathetic.


We need brand new players on the stage. Hillary is entrenched in the divisive politics of the past 15 years. Obama is building a working majority, which we will need to get things done. I fully support Obama, but if Hillary wins the nomination, I will absolutely support her in the general - as should anyone who does not want the same failed policies in place to continue.


And we know the photo of the Che-bearing flag was taken at Obama's office.... how?


Bruce, if you follow the links you eventually get to the original video with a caption that says, "The office featured in this video is funded by volunteers of the Barack Obama Campaign and is not an official headquarters for his campaign."

Put the blame where it is due: on the tone deaf volunteer and not on Obama.


Thinking latinos will realize that Barack will be a better president than Billary.


Bruce:

So one staffer had a flag on her wall. Big deal. George Allen had a Confederate flag in his office.

Leave it to you to cite Michelle Malkin, the worst of the right wing blowhards around.


Once again Bruce DOES NOT surprise us by posting trash from a very far right wingnut dingbat web site.

Just once I'd like to see him link to a truly objective and neutral web site.


Latinos in the know, KNOW that the Clinton's are charming the latino vote by telling them what they want to hear! Latinos that are for the Clintons are asking for more of the lies and deception that existed in OUR White House in the past! Take a good look at what you are voting for Latinos!! The Clintons are not FOR us, they are FOR THEMSELVES, taking advantage of US! Obama may have less experience, but at least he's Honest, Honrable, and On OUR SIDE for who we are, not for what we can give! The Clinton's just want our VOTE, not our VOICE, as they proved by firing Solis, their former campaign manager.


Well, Brucie?

It's been 3 hours since you posted your slime, in which time numerous posters have debunked it.

So how come you haven't defended your post yet??


This Latina is voting for Obama. Perhaps the reason is that I actually went to barackobama.com and I READ the issues that are ALL up there. See http://www.barackobama.com/issues/.


Just a reminder that under Bill Clinton, Latinos were appointed to positions in the administration, some of them history-making appointments. I would tend to believe that Hillary will continue the tradition of recognizing the contributions of Latinos by placing them in her administration. See below:


President Bill Clinton names Federico Peña to the position of Secretary of Transportation;
President Bill Clinton names Henry Cisneros to the cabinet position of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); he is the first Hispanic to hold that post. President Bill Clinton appoints Norma Cantú, the former director of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, to the position of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Department of Education. The president also appoints 25 Hispanics to positions that need confirmation by the Senate


hillary for the "little guy"? Isn't this the same person who dismissed the "underfunded entrepeneur"? Isn't this the same woman who, when confronted by a female claims adjuster who told her the Hillary Health Care Plan she tried to foist in the 90's would cost her her job, replied "tough - ge a new job." Yea, hillary is for the "little guy" - so long as it suits her purpose. You Latinos need to wisen up.


"M V D STATES SPEAKS"

YOU BETTER HAVE SOME ID WHEN YOU LEAVE MARYLAND "OBAMA"

YOU BETTER HAVE "VEHICLE" WITH CURRENT REGISTRATION AND A JOHN MCCAIN "SKYWATCH" TATOO SENATOR CLINTON.

YOU BOTH BETTER RECOGNIZE THE DIVISION OF AMERICA WHEN YOU GET TO TEXAS.

IF YOU WERE BORN AFTER 1964 MR. OBAMA, YOU BETTER HAVE YOUR "REAL ID" WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH CRAWFORD.
DICK CHENEY'S ORDERS.

SO SAID THE "SECRETARY"


Bottom Line:

It looks like you got some vote fraud hanky-panky, and selling of votes going on in the democratic caucuses. Obama seems to be doing disproportionately well in the caucuses where it is easier to commit vote fraud, and sell votes. Obama has not been doing as well in the non caucus primary's where you can't cheat the vote as easily.

I smell a pole cat. I smell the Karl Rove vote fraud machine at work. This looks like past presidential elections where most voters leaving the poles said they voted for the other guy. But Bush still won. No wonder Obama thinks the republicans have some good ideas. Apparently a lot of republicans are voting for Obama in the democratic caucuses.

The insurance companies, and medical industry that have been ripping you off, and killing you are determined to keep you, the American people from having good universal health care. So it seems they are supporting Obama. Along with the republican vote fraud machine.

This looks like a great story for a team of aggressive investigative reporters. Or maybe some good documentary film makers like Michael Moore, or Oliver Stone.

If I were the Clinton's, I would focus like a laser bean on what has been going on in the democratic caucuses. No wonder the Republicans like Obama so much. Looks like he's their man in the democratic caucuses. http://prorev.com/2008/02/in-search-of-obama.html

I'm absolutely convinced now that Hillary Clinton is your best choice for good universal health care coverage. And HR 676 (Medicare For All). "Single payer, Tax Supported, Not For Profit, True Universal Health Care" free for all as a right. Like every other developed country in the world has. See: http://www.house.gov/conyers/news_hr676.htm

"HR 676:
For church goers: less money to insur. companies and more to the church- lots more.
Srs on Medicare: save way over $100/wk. Because no more medigap, long term care & dental insur. needed. No more drug bills."

They really think you are all stupid, inattentive cash cows... It may be time to bring back Bad Bill, Good Bill.


I think we've seen that voting blocks are far less monolithic than exit polls would have it. He's carried Latinos in his Chicago district--I imagine there's a reason.

If you're researching candidates, the SF Chronicle has a podcast of the full 48 minute interview he did with their editorial board before they endorsed him. He gives substantive answers, and they ask plenty of follow-up questions: enlightening if you want to see how he does when pressed for details on his proposals. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=5&entry_id=23636


I hope the Democrats nominate Obama.

You all had a chance with Hillary. Barak Hussein Obama has no chance. McCain will hand his tush to him. Democrats keep giving us these light weights like Kerry and Barak Hussein. Thanks guys.


Billary's idea of universal health care is to force everyone to buy it. What about disabled people with pre-existing conditions? The premiums are nearly $500 a month and there is a 12 to 24 month waiting period. I know because my husband is one of those disabled people who have to depend on Medicare. What a joke that is!!


Go Hillary! Vote Hillary! The days of Clinton favored those that had less and Obama leads due to the higher classed and monies at hand. Be careful and do not be fooled. Experience is the most important factor to carry out the directives needed to handle situaitons at hand. She has been to 82 countries and understands foreign policy. She cares about the Latinos and people in general. The idea of change is really "sweet" but is doing nothing for me. Nobody is perfect, but this country was in better shape with the Hillary at Clinton's side. GO Hillary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


A VOTE FOR HILARY IS A VOTE FOR MCCAIN! THERE IS NO WAY SHE CAN BEAT MCCAIN.

GO OBAMA!


Jack Smith is spamming the hankypanky vote fraud post. Just type in the keywords hankypanky vote fraud and see how many blogs have this post. It's anti Obama spam. Not even orginal thinking.


"The Truth" you forgot one headline: "Hillary fires Latina Solis"!!


The Party of the People.

I think Rush is right, no matter who wins the primary votes, Hillary will be the candidate.

THe Supers, the party "Bosses" will take the position, "The people have spoken, now shut up and we will tell you what you said."

THIS WILL BECOME THE NEW MANTRA FOR THE "PARTY OF THE PEOPLE"

Cool...



None of the Latinos I know will vote for Obama. They don't buy the Obama kool-aid or the media's infatuation. The man has no accomplishment in politics but were suppose to hand over the presidency - maybe he takes back the statement he will talk to Chavez and Ahmedinijab.


Latinos don't want to reintroduce the Clinton corruption into the White House. They know that this thoroughly corrupt couple would badly damage our country.


What the hell Barrack Hussein Bin Obama ever done for the Latinos in texas,he is the Black candidate(thanks jesie Jackson jr)


"Latinos think this." "No, Latinos think that."

I submit to you that Latinos do not have a collective consciousness. Revolutionary, isn't it?


As a Latino, I am amazed at the extent to which some Latinos display their ignorance about black people. Lest we forget that black people played a major role in shaping the Latino culture and defining who we are as people. The Latino dance (salsa, merengue etc), music and musical instruments are African in their origin. They were brought to the SA continent by African Slaves and their descendants.
I am so fed up with all the "Latino don’t like black people" talk played by the media and some ignorant Latinos in this election. A large chunk of Latinos are descendants of African slaves. The Latino community in general is not monolithic, but racially diverse. We have Latinos of African, European, Asian and Native Indian descents.
Ex-President Fujimore of Chile is a good example of a Latino of Asian descent. President Chavez of Venezuela and Lula of Brazil were born to a family of African, Native American and European stock. However, they were certainly not among the first or the most famous Latinos of African Origin. That honor belongs to Mexico's Vicente Guerrero. Vicente Guerrero was a towering figure in the Americas, masterfully commanding Mexico's liberation army during much of its independence movement, and later assuming his country's presidency (on April 1st, 1819) where he fought off foreign invaders.
Those Latinos who won’t vote for Obama or a black candidate simply for being black are ignorant fools who need some lessons in Latino cultural history.


chicano power, stand tall and vote for Hillary


My observation of all these plans that Senator Clinton has for our future is that they could have been emplemented during the time of ex-President Clinton's term in office. She could have suggested or encouraged ideas that she may have had to help make this a better country. So why wait until you are running for President to present the possibilities?.

My vote will go to Senator Obama. When all is said and done it will be " PRESIDENT OBAMA'. Marian


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