A video secretly taped as Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney spoke with wealthy donors in May continues to make waves. Not only was Romney recorded telling a group of fundraisers that nearly half of Barack Obama's supporters are "dependent upon government" and "believe that they are victims," he also made pointed remarks about Latinos and Palestinians.
"If the Hispanic voting bloc becomes as committed to the Democrats as the African-American voting bloc has in the past, why, we're in trouble as a party and, I think, as a nation," he said.
But Romney seems misinformed about why Democrats appeal to Latinos more than Republicans do. He suggested that he'd get more support from Latinos if his late father, George--who grew up on a Mormon colony in Mexico--had actually been born to Mexican parents. But having Mexican lineage, or lack thereof, entirely misses the point. Romney hasn't supported the DREAM Act, legislation that would put law-abiding undocumented youth brought to the U.S. as children on the path to citizenship if they enrolled in college or in the military. The former Massachusetts governor's plans for immigration reform also remain unclear. Given this and Romney's belief that it "isn't [his] job to worry" about people dependent on government services has likely further alienated Romney from Latinos and other voters of color.
Latinos reportedly lost more wealth than any other racial group did during the economic recession. With the exception of African Americans, they have the highest unemployment rate of any major U.S. racial group. I imagine that they're seeking a president who doesn't write them off as having a victim mentality or believe that because they receive unemployment benefits or desire healthcare, they refuse to "take personal responsibility and care for their lives," as Romney said on video. The fact is, Latinos aren't going to vote against their best interests, whether Romney is Mexican or white. This is precisely why tea party favorite Herman Cain never seriously posed a threat to Barack Obama before dropping out of the presidential race. Cain, while black, had political views that didn't resonate with the African-American community overall. To suggest that voting in the United States comes down to tribal politics is an insult to voters of color.
Romney also took a dig at Palestinians while secretly recorded. He said Palestinians have "no interest whatsoever in establishing peace" with Israel. But many Palestinians would argue that they're defending their ties to their homeland and characterizing them as anti-peace overlooks the ways they feel Israelis have trampled on their rights. If Romney does win the presidential election, he will enter office with Palestinians viewing him as an antagonist.
Comments
what’s the problem? …everything he said was true
you must enjoy being lied to by the democratic party
You refuse to see what is clearly in front of your face. Obama seeks to keep blacks in the welfare/subserviant role that they have played since Lincoln freed the slaves. He promises them the world and gives them NOTHING but more of the same. YOU, as a black woman, should be ashamed of yourself for perpetuating the same policies that have created the mentality that government will “take care of you” That is exactly the same thing as slave holders said to the slaves that they owned! It’s about time that you realize that the ONLY way to freedom and equality is to stop waiting for handouts from a government that seeks to enslave and get out there and strive for a better life! It isn’t easy but it CAN BE DONE in a free enterprise system. A system that Obama seeks to destroy!
I totally disagreed with Ellen comments on Obama. Who is enslaving who whites or blacks, democrats or republicans? Common Ellen be realistic and tell the truth!
The facts are clear the Palestinians from the leaders point of view are not interested in peace. Arafat was presented with 95% of what he asked for a rejected it, because he knew it would have been his murder. Just like Sadat was killed for making peace with Israel. Even today the Palestinians refuse to reconize Israel even as a country. So much for peace from the Palestinians side, it will never happen.
Besides his support for self-deportation (making life so miserable for people that they go home), the Romneys talk down to Latinos. Instead of really looking at why Latinos would favor the Democratic candidate, Ann told Latinos that they need to “get over their biases.” Very condescending and no self-awareness!