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It is clear that the Democratic Party has misunderstood Latino voters. We have tried for years to communicate that their extreme, progressive, far-left policies are not accepted by our community. And yet, they continue to push policies that push Latinos even further into the conservative camp.
Recent surveys have shown that former President Trump is winning 40% of Latino voters, while Kamala Harris is struggling with just 55%, which represents a significant 10% drop in support from Joe Biden in 2020. The votes of Latino voters could determine the outcome of the 2024 election in battleground states such as Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania.
Here are five reasons why the Democratic Party’s indifferent attitude toward Latino voters could hurt the party in November and lead to a victory for Donald Trump.
1. The Democratic Party’s focus on abortion represents a disconnect with our communities.
Democrats have made this election about abortion without addressing the issue in a way that resonates with Latinos. How many Latinos truly support late-term abortion? The reality is that the majority of Latinos find the idea of late-term abortion morally unacceptable. Under President Barack Obama, the position was that abortion should be “legal, safe, and rare.” This approach acknowledges the complexity of the issue. Democrats have now dramatically shifted to an “abortion on demand” policy, covering late-term abortions up to the ninth month of pregnancy. This extreme position deeply upsets many Latinos, especially those of faith.
Democrats may appear friendly and tolerant of the Hispanic American experience within their party, but their actions and policies are showing Latino voters that they tell a different story.
As a pastor, I firmly believe that life begins at conception. This belief is deeply rooted in our community. But political realities call for a more nuanced approach, especially when it comes to issues that divide many people. It is more politically effective to present a balanced and nuanced view, even if it does not perfectly align with one’s personal beliefs.
Democrats had the opportunity to return to the rhetoric of President Obama, who championed reproductive rights but understood the complexity of the issue. Instead, they embraced an extreme mantra created by Planned Parenthood that is at odds with the values of the Latino community. Many Latinos who might support some form of reproductive rights cannot accept the idea of unlimited access to abortions up until birth.
2. Kamala Harris’ plan to freeze prices on food and essential goods has raised serious concerns among Latinos.
The Vice President’s words are reminiscent of failed socialist and communist regimes in Latin America – leaders like Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, Hugo Chavez, Daniel Ortega and Fidel Castro whose policies led to economic collapse and widespread suffering. Latinos risked everything to flee these countries in pursuit of the American Dream. Hearing similar rhetoric from a candidate for the nation’s highest office is a stark reminder of why we left our countries and why America must not allow itself to follow the same destructive path.
3. The direction that Democratic-led states are taking on parental rights also raises serious concerns.
Latinos value family above all else. States like Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts have passed laws that allow states to remove children from their parents if the parents do not consent to the child’s new gender identity. Having such power in the hands of states is not only morally reprehensible, it also violates our constitutional values and our God-given rights as parents.
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4. The Democrats’ open border policies have allowed over 11 million illegal immigrants into the U.S. over the past three years.
These policies have strengthened the drug cartels, allowed fentanyl to flood our streets, and brought violence to our communities. Venezuelan gang members have entered the United States, leading to rising crime rates, with little resistance from the administration, all for political gain. Just look at the news last week to see Venezuelan illegal immigrants take over an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado. Brandishing military-grade weapons and showing no regard for American law and order, they demonstrate how the Democrats’ open border policies are putting our communities at risk.
5. Kamala Harris had the opportunity to choose a Latino running mate, but
Similarly, President Obama could have addressed immigration reform, but he prioritized health care during his presidency and put immigration reform on the back burner.
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Democrats are once again showing Latino voters that while within their party ranks they may appear friendly and tolerant of the Hispanic American experience, their actions and policies tell a different story. With each election cycle, the Democratic Party becomes more and more anti-Latino.
President Trump is likely to win at least 40% of the Latino vote, but don’t be surprised if he gets 42% or even 44%, matching the record set by President George W. Bush in 2004. Latino voters are no longer a sure bet for the Democratic Party because they don’t understand us.
To read more from Pastor Sam Rodriguez, click here
