Latinos push for Cabinet posts
from Politico.com - Weeks before Barack Obama won the presidency, he met privately in Washington with his former Democratic rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, and Latino political leaders who had fervently backed her bid.
The cards were laid upon the table, according to one of the participants. The Hispanic leaders said they expected at least two Latinos to be named to an Obama Cabinet — meeting the standard set by President-elect Bill Clinton in 1992 — but preferred three. Of course, they also wanted sub-Cabinet-level posts.
In return, Obama needed assurances that Hispanics — who had overwhelmingly voted for Clinton during the Democratic primaries — would be mobilized in large enough numbers to make him the winner in the battleground states of Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Florida.
On Election Day, Obama won all four states over Republican John McCain largely because of the Latino vote.
The cards were laid upon the table, according to one of the participants. The Hispanic leaders said they expected at least two Latinos to be named to an Obama Cabinet — meeting the standard set by President-elect Bill Clinton in 1992 — but preferred three. Of course, they also wanted sub-Cabinet-level posts.
In return, Obama needed assurances that Hispanics — who had overwhelmingly voted for Clinton during the Democratic primaries — would be mobilized in large enough numbers to make him the winner in the battleground states of Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Florida.
On Election Day, Obama won all four states over Republican John McCain largely because of the Latino vote.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Maria Santos on -
I do hope this new administration realizes the importance of the Hispanic population and comes through for us.
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Permalink Reply by JP on -
You know what is really cool? Latinos getting invovled in politics! First of all, I am impressed by the amount of voters this election. Second, the Latino voice was strong. Let our voices be heard! Just think, we will possibly see a Latino run for president in the next eight years.
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Permalink Reply by Rob Steward on -
Hey JP. Don't forget that Bill Richardson ran for President this year, and is a potential cabinet appointee by Obama.
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