BBC: N.M. GOP leader says Hispanics 'won't vote for a black president'
A BBC reporter tooling through the state fair Thursday -- the same day that Democrat Barack Obama was in New Mexico -- was asking Hispanics their views on Barack Obama's presidential bid. Reporter Jon Kelly talked first to a young graduate student who said he was going to vote for Obama.
Then Kelly stumbled upon Fernando C de Baca, chairman of the Bernalillo County Republicans. According to Kelly, C de Baca said Hispanics were a naturally conservative group.
Then C de Baca offered Kelly a blunt assessment on why Hispanics wouldn't vote for Obama.
The reporter, John Kelly, quotes C de Baca as saying:
"The truth is that Hispanics came here as conquerors," he said. "African-Americans came here as slaves.
"Hispanics consider themselves above blacks. They won't vote for a black president."
Kelly, unsure of the assessment, then spoke with a University of New Mexico political scientist Gabriel Sanchez.
Sanchez had this to say:
"I doubt there are more than 10 percent of Latinos who think that way -- and half of them probably won't even go out to vote," he said.
Gabriel stressed that Hispanics were not a homogenous group. Mexicans in the southwest, Puerto Ricans in the northeast and traditionally Republican Cubans in Florida did not behave identically, he said.
"But in this election, I think Latinos are going to behave just like other Americans and vote with their pocket books.
"Obama has poured millions of dollars into reaching out to them. If he succeeds, then he wins the election."
Comments:
Posted 09/20/2008 03:14 with
i think personal ‘self interests’ such as healthcare and the economy are more important to the voters of New Mexico than the coloe of the candidate’s skin. Just my humble opinion
Posted 09/20/2008 11:01 with
As a latino voter, I take offense at C. de Baca’s statement. I came here as a conquerer, and I won’t vote for a white President.
... I’m kidding of course. What a moron. Nice knowing you Fernando, time to go now…
Posted 09/20/2008 11:11 with
Oh, and Fernando, watch Keith Olbermann’s show on Monday, you’ll be on it.
Posted 09/22/2008 11:12 with
That’s funny because I will not vote for a dumb president!
Lets see my choice is John McCain or that smart black man Barack Obama?
McCain who does not know how to use a computer but is willing to learn if we elect him – I’ll just vote for that smart black man.
John McCain who says the economic downturn is psychological? – Na! I’ll vote for the smart black man.
McCain who says you are better off under George Bush? – Nope I’ll vote for the smart black man.
Mc Cain who wants to continue killing more people looking for weapons of mass destruction that do not exist? – Gee! I’ll vote for the smart black man.
McCain who believes that we should stay the course but is not willing to support the people he puts in harms way. – I’ll take a chance on the smart black man.
Should I vote for a man that does not know that 9-11 was caused by Osama Bin Laden not Sedam Hussein? – Easy! I’ll vote for the smart black man.
Vote for the man who does not know if the Sunnis or Sheits are our enemies? – No way I’ll vote for the smart black man.
Vote for the man who helped put our government on the China, Saudi Arabia credit card? – Not a chance I’ll vote for the smart black man.
Vote for the man with the worst temper in the Senate to have his finger on the nuclear button? – No way – I’M VOTING FOR THE SMART BLACK MAN, Barack Obama.