Caution: Roads slippery for Obama
Driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants remains a major crash-and-burn issue in California. Some fear they could be used to prosecute license holders, while others don't want to give illegal immigrants anything except a kick across the border. As the San Francisco Chronicle points out, even Hillary Clinton backed off the issue after voicing support for it in a debate last year. So why would Barack Obama be fueling the fire by revving up his support for the measure?
Because he really, really needs that jump start in the polls among Latino voters. According to the Field Poll, he's trailing Clinton by 40 points — 19% to her 59%. She's banking on her name and nineties nostalgia. Apparently, it's working.
Some also argue that it has to do with racism against African Americans — an idea Gregory Rodriguez trashed yesterday. Along with Rodriguez and Roberto Lovado at the Huffington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune's Ruben Navarrette Jr. partly blamed this popular misconception on the media, who often "don't know much about Latinos." Some say Sen. Ted Kennedy's endorsement of Obama will bring in more Latino voters; then again, Clinton now has some Kennedys of her own.
In any case, Obama stands to benefit from taking a stronger position on licenses in two ways: He distinguishes himself from Clinton on a policy matter (which has become increasingly dificult as the campaign continues) and he could lure some Latino voters away from the Clinton camp.
But, the SF Chronicle article points out, Democratic pollsters say two thirds of voters oppose the licenses. So is the gamble really worth the risk?
Probably. Because even if he gets negative publicity, it's still publicity — which could boost name recognition among Latinos. And right now, he needs as much of that as he can get. From last week's Times:
A Spanish-language news report from the Nevada caucuses described some voters as unclear even as to the name of Clinton's prime challenger. "They were looking for an Omega, not an Obama," Pachon said. "So his name is just not recognized yet."
Why would the American people want someone that refuses to say / repeat the Pledge of Aliengence, turns his back when it is said. Never sports the colors oif the Americas - red-white-blue, removed his lapel pin sniding it's nothing but cosmetic jewlery anyway. ( pin of the American Flag ) And why does he demand to be swarn in on the book of the Quarn when this country was established on the Christian Bible ? This country was / is based on Christianity - not some Mosluem belief that views of Christianity as some third rate belie. Wake up America - Wake up peoples of this great country and smell the roses ! Your listening to a idolic religeon that supports discredit of / for/ and about the freedom of the peoples oif the U.S.A ! Doese the American people really want someone in office that doese not support the aliegence of what the American Flag represents and stand for ? If you really think this country id faultering now, just elect this individual ( obama ) into office, and be prepaired for a ride that will make wish you voted for someone that will embrace that aligence. How can the American proples support some one that will not hold aliengence to America ? Not to mention snub his fellow coleagues.... J
Posted by: J Mc gameries | January 29, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Obama 08
Posted by: Maxy08 | January 29, 2008 at 06:37 PM
I'm going to assume this post isn't a joke, so let me direct you to this
More on Lovato.
Navarrette
And Rodriguez
Overall, let me suggest learning what you're talking about before posting on them.
Posted by: NoMoreBlatherDotCom | January 29, 2008 at 07:07 PM
I take great offense to the statments that Clinton's surrogates have made regarding Latintos voting for an African-American. This Latino will be voting for Barack Obama.
Posted by: Enrique | January 30, 2008 at 07:51 AM
jmacgameries:
it is amazing that you are spinning information that has been proven false over two weeks ago. you should change the sources of your information, that way you are not a dupe of the corrupt clinton machine. Sen Obama is a devout christian, was sworn into the US senate with his hand on the bible and always stand, sometimes leads the pledge of allegiance. Please get correct information. GO OBAMA!!!!!
Posted by: paul | January 30, 2008 at 01:21 PM
link
link
link
Heres some facts..
Posted by: Southern girl | January 31, 2008 at 07:34 AM
The Latino Vote
I am so proud that Hector P. Garcia was one the first to get involved in the civil rights movent going back to 1948. As a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, i admire this man for being involved to the end to further the Hispanic cause through Education. Now, If Hector P. Garcia would be alive, i believe, he would endorse Hillary Clinton for president base on her excellent record on Education and health care. I am proud to be fouth generation-American and securing our border and be humane and fair to those that are married and have children in America. Let's face it my fellow Americans: The Clintons have done more for the Hispanic community than any president in History. Obama, still does'nt get it about our people and how we are not all sons and daughters of immigrants, therefore, speak to me in English or don't speak to me at all. Does he think all Hispanics are vying for legal status. Well, perhaps Obama needs to learn a little History about our people and our struggles throughout History. I remember the Alamo, when tejanos fought together as Texans and died together. The Republic of Texas later joined the Union. Let me remind this folks that it was the Spaniards that financed Columbus's voyage by Queen Isabella and we are not new to America we introduced the rest of the world to the discovery of America!We are the descendants of Europe for my bloodline includes Spanish, Greek, and native blood. Only a person born in Mexico is a Mexican-American because it's a nationality not a race.I call my self an American and a Texan. I'm leaving Cali to my home and Praise lyndon Johnson for delivering JFK's broken promises.
Posted by: Mary Esther Salinas | January 31, 2008 at 12:33 PM