Hillary Clinton's ace in the hole?

Manchester, N.H. -- If nothing else, the tears that reddened Hillary Clinton's eyes today at a New Hampshire campaign stop allowed her to dominate news coverage on the eve of the state's primary. If she pulls an upset in the Democratic presidential contest -- or comes close enough to Barack Obama to claim the comeback cloak -- the moment will be enshrined in political history.

But let's say she loses by a 5-to-10 percentage-point margin. Is she cooked?

Many will say yes. By the New Republic's John Judis, in a mid-December article that slipped under most radars, envisioned Clinton's potential plight -- and posited that Latino voters could come to her rescue.

The story was headlined "Hillary Clinton's Firewall," and it walked through the enormous advantage she has enjoyed over Obama in polls of Latino voters. Judis noted how important that could prove in states with fast-approaching caucuses and primaries where the Latino share of the Democratic vote is substantial: Nevada, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, New Jersey and New York.

Perhaps, in face of an Obama bandwagon, Clinton's standing with these voters will evaporate (or at least slip significantly). But Judis is skeptical about that, asserting that her support among Latinos "may have less to do with enthusiasm for her candidacy than with a lack of enthusiasm for" Obama.

He continues: ...

"Over the last two decades, there has been evidence of growing hostility from Hispanics toward African Americans. Some of this hostility is the result of conflicts, or perceived conflicts, over politically controlled resources in cities and states. But as Tanya K. Hernandez, a professor of law at George Washington (University), has argued recently, it may also be a legacy of an older Latin American prejudice against blacks that has been transplanted to this country.

"While this conflict passes largely unnoticed in the popular press, African American and Latino sociologists have been conducting extensive surveys in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Philadelphia. These surveys have generally found that Latinos display more prejudice toward African Americans than African Americans do toward Latinos or than whites display toward African Americans."

The provocative piece bears reading ... and perhaps remembering.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Wilmer Rojas]

Hispanic Racism Will Save Hillary (or so goes the pundit)

Wow! What an absurd idea! So, is Clinton going to be saved by Latino racism against blacks? Why don't you make this your front-page main news?

I don't have statistics, but as for "an older Latin American prejudice against blacks that has been transplanted to this country," I can say the following without hesitation:

-Classism is a much more serious problem in Latin American countries than racism has ever been.

-Sure, there is a certain degree of racial prejudice. But countries like Venezuela, where I am from, are not as racially-obssessed as the United States has been throughout its history.

-If there's any "Latin American prejudice against blacks in this country, it's learned and acquired, not "older." In other words, It's not an "imported" product, but a native one.

-There may be "evidence of growing hostility from Hispanics toward African Americans" (I personally don't see it in my surroundings) but there's no evidence for the unfortunate thesis by professor Tanya K. Hernandez that the hostility comes from an "older Latin American prejudice." If anything, it suggests that racial divisions are so stressed in the USA that Hispanics transplanted to this country may end up caught in the race-obssessed ideologies of the day.

I'd like to stress a fact: there's no evidence that strong Latino support for Clinton stems from Hispanic prejudice against African Americans. That thesis seems to me like the lamentable explanation of a race-obssessed pundit.

[barackoblogger]

How insulting to Latinos that they are going to come in some huge racist wave to rescue Hillary Clinton.

[Toby]

This seems a bit like the fundamentally racist and, ultimately, foolish conventional thinking that indicated that Obama couldn't sway white voters in Iowa (or New Hampshire, as we'll see tomorrow)

[susan]

I certainly wouldn't want to see Hillary or anyone winning by taking advantage of prejudice against Hispancs, but she and Bill have already proven their base of black support (which would have helped her a lot now were it not for Obama and Oprah) and Hispanics would doubtless see her as more supportive and understanding of them than the other white candidates, especially Repubicans -- except for Hispanic Richardson, who's not a serious contender but should throw his support behind her (as should Dodd and Biden, whose views and experience more closely match hers than Obama's). If she gets their support, and maybe campaigns with a prominent Hispanic star to balance Oprah (a hip young one like Christine Aguilera, or even J Lo, or Ricky Martin... just NOT one of the really old ones like Chita Rivera or Charo, she has enough old faces on her campaign!) Hopefully the Mayor of L A can help her reach out to grassroots Latinos who are all over the country staffing hotels, restaurants and service industries all over.

Obama's talk of "change" has resonated which is good, but he says nothing of substance, and Richardson and McCain are right: the White House is NOT the place foron-the-job training.

[ArmyVet]

Prejudice....blacks and hispanics. If prejudice is there, then more young people should go into the military service, where we learn not only to depend upon Americans and foreigners of a different race, color, and creed, but we learn they are just like us: friendlies, and potential friends for life. Hillary should not drive a latino v. black wedge in Obama to give herself an advantage. That would, in my estimation, be the ultimate hiprocracy: telling us that America offers hope from prejudice, then hyping prejudice for personal advantage. Shame on her "handlers" for even considering this tactic.

[Manuela]

who cares about Oprah? I guess millions of stupid fat people do. People can't you think for yourselves??? you need Oprah to tell you how to live your life?
please wake up, exercise, lose some weight and look at how the rest of the civilized world is leaving their lives. America is heading in the wrong direction at the speed of life. people live their lives stuck to their television sets and allow the television and media to dictate their lives.
Oprah is an idiot who forgot how hard it was for a woman to get to the power. I have no respect for her anylonger since she turned her back on Hillary. she should have sided with the women. but she is such a typical stupid woman, she sides with the men, typical women. instead of us smart women to unite together and be strong and unite against the hurt we got from men, we turn against each other and kiss us the guys who hurt us. or maybe Oprah couldn't stand the fact that there might be a woman out there more powerful than she is. I have no respect for Oprah what's so ever. she is an big time idiot.
Obama stole all Hillary ideas and now he is turning into a major jerk. let's not forget that he put her down on national television many times. I don't like him and I don’t trust him. Hillary will make one good president, but I guess this country is way behind the rest of the world to allow a woman to lead. This country is pretty sexist so I am not surprised you will vote for a black guy who is inexperienced rather than vote for a perfectly good experienced candidate who is a woman. Well, I think you guys are making a big mistake for voting for Obama. On the day when you will have to vote for your president, the majority of people will vote for the white republican guy, and hence one more time there will be 8 years of long recession and republican, conservative and narrow-minded era.
wake up and smell the coffee and vote for the right candidate who can bring the country back to the glory days of Clinton when the economy was booming and things were good.
and one more thing, so what Bill cheated on Hilary, how many men out there cheat on their wives on daily basis? or how many physically abuse their wives? please wake up to reality. what's worse cheating on your wife or abusing her physically or emotionally??? please there is at least one case of abuse in every single relationship in this country. but how do you go on with your relationships?? you forgive and learn and go on, because you need each other for different reasons, money, children etc. so think straight before you vote for the wrong candidate just because stupid Oprah said so. Oprah please.. I have no respect for her what's so ever and I am a smart engineer and very educated and well traveled woman. but I know how this world turns and I hate to see smart women turning against themselves just because of jealousy. shame on Oprah. have no respect for her.

[Toby]

The notion that Hillary is more experienced or talks with more substance than Obama is a talking point as vapid as the hope that racism saves her campaign. Anyone interested in EITHER Senator's positions on a wide array of topics can visit their websites for detailed platforms.

As for their stump speeches, I hope no one is suggesting that Hillary's are detailed policy points- that's not what any canidates' stumping on. It's just a jealous talking point spread about because Obama's optimism is inspiring more voters than Hillary's stump speech- which has lately become a litany of attacks against Obama.

[Jesse Chavarria]

What a load of horse manure! While Hispanics adore President Bill Clinton, they dislike Hillary Clinton. Lots of Hispanics are supporting Barack Obama not because of his skin color or race but because he's the best person for the job. (Gee, what a concept!) As a Latino voter, I support Al Gore and wish he were running. But, because he isn't, I'm looking at either Mr. Obama or Mr. Edwards, who are far superior candidates to Mrs. Clinton who seems to care about no one or no thing other than her own political ambitions.

[Nettie Pena]

Hillary Clinton is the candidate of Latinos. She is compassionate, experienced in world affairs, and has a vision for the future of the
United States. She has proven herself a friend of Latinos and has
fought for our children's' right for a good education and healthcare.
Obama has done nothing for us or anyone. He is a slick politician
full of hot air. Personally, if I need an operation, I'm going to select
a Doctor with the most experience and talent. Why would anyone
select a Doctor who doesn't know the difference between a scalpel
and a hammer. Obama thinks he's already a Doctor and hasn't even
opened up a medical book. Californians have to give back to Hillary
and put her in the White House. She is a positive force for all of us.
Hillary is a person of action and reform! Obama is a person of slick talk!

[evelyn]

Wow, the Hillary camp is pretty desperate, aren't they? Yikes. Trying to divide instead of unite. She really hasn't learned anything from the Obama campaign, has she?

[Juan Garza]

I come from one of the founding families of the NFWA (UFW) in Earlimart, California. In my barrio, these divisions were non-existent - except for gangs members.

It would be very sad if we permitted any person from the Clinton Campaign to use Racism as a wedge issue between our communities.

BTW, I have supported Obama since he announced.

[Regular Naive Citizen]

As far as I'm concerned, her tears came at the wrong time. She should have shed tears of anger when Bill cheated on her. Instead, while Mr. Clinton was in office and his scandelous affair surfaced, she defended her husband's "adulterous" actions and did NOTHING.

I believe it was called "compromising" ones ethics toward developing a selfish future. Well Hill, the bigger they are the harder they fall. As you land on the ground, I hope the cement doesn't crack your already unattractive appearance !

However, it might have helped you in the polls had you looked like Britney Spears and not an upgraded dork.

[AL]

All I can say is that many of the Obama supporters I have found in my neighborhood are Hispanic. This is another story like the one about whites not voting for a black president. It just ain't true.

[Fernando Chavarria]

For years, both black and latino leaders, community, political, religious and otherwise, have allowed for stereotypes, resentment and prejudice to foster between the two groups. For years, leaders have failed to develop and implement a program of dialogue, fellowship, cooperation and partnership. For years, leaders have failed to build upon the vast common ground and goals that both groups share. If a wedge further develops, and race-relations disintegrate, leadership will have betrayed their calling and we will have betrayed ourselves.

If voting blocs do form around one candidate or another, I hope the media will capture and cover the "color-blind voting bloc." The voting bloc that votes its conscience and focus on the content of the candidate character. I, for one, will be voting for Obama because I think his vision for America and the World transcends that of any other candidate. I, for one, believe that a more perfect union is filled with color but driven by character.

[Urban Angeleno]

There is in fact some anti-black sentiment among Hispanics, and Rojas is wrong that it's learned here in the US. It can come up in PTA meetings at schools, where the Hispanic parents often don't speak ENglish and want things done and said in Spanish, in the way Hispanic kids have taken over formerly mostly black schools and there's racial tension as a result, in the way we read in this paper and others that there's a rise in brown-on-black gang crime... There's a tradition of blaming all this on whites, even the former head of the S L A AME Church used to claim that although he was an otherwise reasonable man. The reason is really competition for communities, resources from Title I and social services, jobs -- so I see plenty of that here and in Mexico, where blacks are viewed with more suspicion and it's definitely a social plus to have light skin.

But having said this, I'm sure Hillary and her camp are not intentionally dividing the country by race, that would be against everything she and Bill have stood for their whole lives. If anything she's more a part of the trend where blacks and Latinos are forging political coalitions to get things done, and trying to 'get along' in places like S L A, encouraging people to put aside racial differences. If Hispanics rally to her side it's more because she's most likely to unite black and brown in coalitions than they think Obama might, where he's seen as the black candidate who's most likely to be concerned with African-Americans based on his own Kenyan roots. (Something very real to him, as his grandma still lives there and he's very connected to his ancestral Kenyan village.)

On the other hand, Obama may try to undercut her Hispanic support by promising Hispanics an easier path to citizenship and endorsing illegals' rights as he did when he was in LA last month -- whereas she's trying to toe a more politically moderate balance between that an enforcing immigration laws, which the majority of Americans want. If anything, some Hispanics would accuse Hillary of not pandering enough -- so trying to pin the label of racist pandering on her is just plain dumb.

[Paul Florez]

I am a male Hispanic and right now my decision is to vote for Obama. If anything, I sympathize with him more as I identify with him as a fellow racial/ethnic minority. That does not mean I am voting for him purely because I identify with him more.

[john Smart]

is their some internal rule at the times that all pieces about hillary clinton must be insulting to her?

Saint Obama will be stopped. either in feb or in november.

when will we get the stories about obama walking on water and curing lepers? I wonder - can he fly and end global warming with his nose hair, too?

he is not worthy of the white house. i don't care who ends his nonsense anymore. Hispanics or John McCain are both fine with me. the man is a dangerous fake. and the media has simply abdicated to him. the coverage of this arrogant couple Barack and michelle, is worthy of Teen magazines, it is disgusting.
I never thought i would be more disgusted with the media after they refused to examine bush in 2000. i am more disgusted now. Saint Obama must be stopped.

[She better not...]

I've heard rumblings of this particular tactic before, and that she was aiming it right here at California. If she does pull this stunt, I hope history hounds her to the gates of hell. This old way of politics has to stop.

I am a woman, and I do not want you as my president, madam.

She's not a feminist, she's a hanger-on of men. And who does she have on stage with her, Mayor Villar. Oh YEAH, great choice there. Maybe she can have Hugh Heffner next week. She hasn't got 35 years experience. She hasn't been an "agent" for change.

I'm still leaning more towards McCain, but I may switch over to Obama if I really think he can put this country back together, and repair the international reputation we once had. Maybe he will rise to the job like Kennedy did.

[WomanVoter]

Noone tells me how to vote. Including another woman. I'm insulted that women would think I'm 'betraying the cause', because I won't vote for Hillary.

Give me a break. I don't see color, I don't see creed, and I don't see gender. I just see candidates.

And Clinton isn't the one I'm voting for. If that makes me a "typical stupid woman", so be it.

[Rebecca]

Hillary has not been an elected official for 35 years, the amount of "experience" she is claiming. So if other experience counts, look at how much Obama has accomplished in bringing people together for everyone's best interests when he was a state senator in Illinois and when he was a civil rights organizer.

Furthermore, "living" in the White House does not qualify her for anything, just like being married to a man does not qualify you to do his job. She has not been in the Senate for much longer than Obama.

And finally, she and her husband are responsible for causing our two parties to grow further apart than they already will. This is why Bush was able to win his first election as a "unifier". Of course, he just preceeded to drive the parties even further apart. Hillary can't be part of the solution, she is too much a part of the problem. Republicans will be willing to work with Obama much more than they would with a person they can't stand.

But, you know what? It hasn't always been this bad. Of course there are fundamental differences between Democrats and Republicans, but up until a couple of years after Clinton became president - when the Republicans took control of both houses for the first time in over 80 years, the two parties were at least able to work together. 16 years isn't all that long, so it's not impossible to lift our country up back to being strong and unified again. That's not false hope by any means.

Also, I am so sick and tired of our Presidents - both Bush and Clinton - being held up for the world to ridicule because of all the scandals they've generated. Enough. Let's get someone with a positive vision in there. Obama proved in Iowa that he can get Americans involved in making their country better.

Please note, too, that of the three top Democratic candidates, Obama is the ONLY one not to attack the others. He presents his views and leaves it to the voters to check out the other candidates. In other words, he is not just talking the talk. He is running the most honorable campaign of everyone this year. It's time we got integrity back in our White House.

IMO, if Hilary had not been married to a former President, or if she were a male, no one would have paid the least attention to her bid for the Presidency.

And finally, as a female, she is not the kind of person I want to represent me as the first woman President. She is exactly like the stereotype that has kept us back for so long: cold ambition for personal power that is unattractive in either gender, while at the same time too emotional to handle hardship. Not only was she the only one to lose it on national television during the debate, today she got all teary eyed for no good reason other than she was probably exhausted and at a loss as to what to do next. As John Edwards pointed out, yes campaigning is hard but so is being President. Hopefully we've got some sharp, cool women in politics now who will be ready to surge forward in eight years. Maybe, by then, America will be much less divided than it is now and she will inherit a Congress much more willing to work within itself, rather than one that's been moving at a snail's pace like the last 16 years.

[pJL]

I believe that Latinos will, like African Americans, vote their conscience for the best candidate because they all understand that our country is in peril.

Senator Barack Obama unites all races, religions, ages, Dems, Repubs, Independents to form a working majority that will transcend the kind of racism this kind of journalism uses to divide us.

He believes that we are one nation united, and when we work together in unity we will forma a vast majority that will overcome the enormous challenges we face as a country.

[Divide and conquer]

Yup. The white folk are totally blameless regarding race. If only the minorities would stop thinking about race, then racism would come to an end. Forgive me if I've heard this pathetic line of reasoning before, in the same pages of this grey paper.

In the same way, they managed characterize the LA riots as a Korean-Black conflict, rather than the powderkeg created by decades of brutality by a racist police force towards the African American community and neglect by the oligarchy toward the poor.

It's human nature, I guess. Everyone wants to cluck their tongues and shake their heads sadly at the racism and tribalism of every group but their own.

[Regular Naive Citizen]

By defacto, Obama has the natural draw towards attracting voters of "color". African-American, Latino and Asian Democrats finally can identify with someone outside the traditional "paradygm" of presidential hopefuls. People of color - whether they liked him or not initially- followed his trail by virtue of him being "different". The stunning victory in a predominately white Iowa, confirmed his appeal beyond the minority groups.

The exact opposite has happenned to the Clinton campaign. Unfortunately, for Hillary, her campaign organizers "now" decides to target a specific group for a last minute on-slaught, which in this case are the Latinos. Simultaneously forging another divisive dagger towards another group. Should the Clinton people been "wooing" ALL peoples of "color" all along?

A couple of months ago, I saw a confident Hillary stating that the ney-sayers were not attacking her because she was a woman, but they were doing so because she was "ahead". My oh my, daddy always said, "pride always comes before the fall."

I hear she's got a pretty mean temper. Fortunately she has a loving husband and a beautiful daughter that are able to comfort her -at home- during her time of need...that is if Bill didn't step out for a minute to go buy a box of "cigars" at the "corner" market.

In retrospect, Hillary might have been "more" of a woman had she actually took a stand and divorced her husband...too bad!

[Marlon]

I am appalled at the article and some of the comments. I am Hispanic and am voting for Obama. Not because of race, gender, not to jump on the wagon, not because of Oprah (by the way Oprah choosing Obama over Clinton shows that she isn't choosing over race or gender, or else she would have endorsed other black candidates), I am voting for him because of his position on the issues. I have read his stance on issues, I am content with his bio and his education. I have seen the debates and read articles, and he is the one that stands out from the usual rhetoric given by all these other politicians. He is a person with compassion and can stand up for this country. He is strong and righteous. If any of the other candidates, regardless of race or gender, had Obama's qualities, I would take their side. If Obama didn't make it, I would choose Edward over Clinton.

[Joseph]

So White Princess Hillary's ace in the hole is to aggravate any racial divisions between US Blacks and US Hispanics? Wouldn't that be a great thing for the country. Go away John Judis and go away Hillary. The Clintons want this way too badly and for all the wrong reasons.