Trump Is In No Place To Criticize Biden’s Latino Record

Robert Crohan/Contributing Writer

The fight between President Trump and his potential Democratic rivals is entering a new phase of insanity, one that I find mundane and ridiculous. It’s becoming disrespectful to Latinos and other contested groups of voters who will be targeted by campaigns. 

On October 23rd, Trump’s campaign hijacked former Vice President Joe Biden’s Latino outreach effort, saying that “Joe forgot about Latinos” and inserting a link to the Latinos for Trump website. The episode came as the Biden campaign reportedly forgot to securitize the Todos con Biden website and Twitter handle, leaving the URL open to hackers. The website continues with a detailed record of Biden’s record with Latinos, as well as a list of reasons why Latinos should back Trump.

Indeed, the Obama-Biden record with Latinos is not perfect: deportations spiked, although the families were kept together, and the current economy still has low unemployment among minority groups.

However, the Biden campaign correctly called it “childish antics” that distracted from the president’s awful record of separating families, taking away health care and using threatening rhetoric.

As a voter who is concerned about the future of the Latino community, it disgusts me to see a candidate who is opposed by a majority of Latinos conduct his campaign in an unprofessional manner, even as he faces multiple electoral and legal battles. I seriously doubt it will improve the president’s standing among Latinos as he seemingly thinks it will.

The effectiveness of this messaging will matter deeply to South Florida; FIU alone is upwards of 65% Latino, and many of our fellow Panthers came from Latin American countries from all points and walks of life. Florida remains the largest swing state, and even the smallest turnout can have a big impact. Former President Barack Obama won the state twice by engaging in more Latino outreach, and Trump has kept support from conservative Cuban Americans who fear a socialist United States.

If Republicans want more Latino support, they should consider capitalizing on the benefits they bring to America rather suppressing their votes or pushing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions that tear families apart. Many Latino families have benefited greatly from the Affordable Care Act, especially in cities like Hialeah, so perhaps curbing efforts to repeal it would help.

Oh, and Republicans shouldn’t lie about the Democrats bringing Castro-style socialism in an insulting gimmick bid to win votes. It’s no wonder Trump only has around 19% approval from these communities nationwide, according to a recent NBC News poll. In addition, Democrats should share that Latino communities face societal discrimination and engage in grassroots, face-to-face engagement outside elections as both Andrew Gillum and Ron DeSantis did in last year’s governor race.

Ultimately, Latinos themselves must decide what is best for them, and privileged folk should not press them for going either way. 

Trump and the Republicans face an uphill climb to 2020, including in Florida. To win, they need to grow up and promote real, pro-growth, pro-equality policies that treat everyone equally. 

Otherwise, the 2020 Democratic nominee will cross the finish line with a smile.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

Featured photo from Flickr.