The idea that Democrats have taken Hispanic voters for granted over the years is best illustrated by the comments First Lady Jill Biden made at the large Latino conference: “The Hispanic community in San Antonio is as unique as the breakfast tacos.”
Tone deaf is a poor way to describe the offensive comparison between Hispanic communities and fast food.
The Democratic Party assumes that Latinos will vote in unison with the party, regardless of what Democrats or how far Left they lean.
Consider the recent election in Texas of Rep. Mayra Flores, a Republican. She won a special election in South Texas for a House seat. This was in a district heavily Democratic.
This trendline can also be seen in other ways.
Take a look at what’s going on on Capitol Hill. This week, the U.S. House of Representatives will hold a hearing to determine the future of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory that has existed since 1917. The House Natural Resources Committee Bruce Westerman, Republican (R-Ark.), is a key component to the bill’s passage. The issue is resolved.
It’s a matter that is very close to my heart as a Puerto Rican who was born on the mainland and has family on the island.
Puerto Rico, like many Caribbean islands, has suffered from the effects of COVID-19’s decreased tourism. Puerto Rico, aside from the pandemic of health, has been badly managed and is prone to corruption.
It is a beautiful island with incredible natural beauty.
Puerto Ricans have always answered pollsters’ questions about their desire for statehood over the years.
Unfortunately, not all are convinced. This includes Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velasquez (D-N.Y.), two representatives of Puerto Rican heritage, are slow-walking efforts for Congress to grant Puerto Rico statehood.
Their opposition is twofold.
One, Puerto Rico is not guaranteed to send an all-Democratic Party delegation into Congress. Contrary to popular belief, Puerto Ricans are diverse politically and have elected Republican governors.
AOC and Squad members always feel superior to the constituents they represent. Their opposition to school choice is a textbook example of this.
A poll was conducted by the Puerto Rican Statehood Council. It found that 70% of Puerto Rican voters believe the United States is on the wrong track. This margin is 70% to 23%. Responding to the question “Do they approve or disapprove” of President Joe Biden’s performance? 63% to 33%, with only 4% unconfirmed.
This means heartburn for AOC, Squad, and Democratic Party leaders.
There has been a misconception that the Hispanic voting bloc is a stable cornerstone of Democratic Party wins. Take a look at Congress’s work on the Puerto Rican statehood bill. Republicans are supporting the bill because they recognize that Puerto Rico is a highly competitive state for Republicans. Jenniffer Gonz-Colon, the current representative from Puerto Rico to Congress, has been collaborating with Republicans.
They support a compromise bill, the “Puerto Rico Status Act” or PRSA. This legislation would allow Puerto Rican citizens to vote for statehood. The bill is supported by Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Nydia Velazquez on paper. However, Velazquez has been seen as a long-time opponent of statehood while Ocasio Cortez has never expressed support for Puerto Ricans choosing statehood. The opposition to Puerto Rico’s statehood is being portrayed by progressive Democrats.
That is the problem. Hispanic voters are turning to the Republican Party because Democrats have shifted too far to the right for them. While it may be temporary and Hispanic voters will likely be seen more as swing voters than Democrats, it should concern Democrats going into the midterms because Hispanics are dissatisfied with the direction of the country, which is led by Democrats who show extra contempt for the president.
