June 14, 2008
Posted: 11:17 AM ET

From ,
 Sen. Barack Obama looks to win over Latino voters before November.
Sen. Barack Obama looks to win over Latino voters before November.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee for president, is looking to shore up support — especially from Latinos.

During the primaries on Super Tuesday, he received only 35 percent of Latinos' vote, while former rival Sen. Hilary Clinton's received 63 percent.

"There really wasn't an opportunity for Barack Obama to introduce himself to Latino voters.

"He needs to get out there and do that and he needs to listen to Latino voters and understand what they care about," said Arturo Vargas, of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

WATCH: The debate over immigration

Obama has supported President Bush-backed immigration legislation, which would have increased funding and improved border security technology, improved enforcement of existing laws, and provided a legal path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants.

The Illinois senator also voted to authorize construction of a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexican border.

The Obama campaign said in a statement: "It's not that we will grant citizenship, but we strongly support requiring them to legalize their status and allowing them to earn their right to commit to this country and eventually become citizens."

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama • Latinos


AntiMcCain   June 14th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Latinos are not stupid, the choice is clear…….Sí, Se Puede!

D-Weezy - OH   June 14th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Go Obama, court whomever you need to get the votes you need. The repubs are going after the pissed off Hillary supporters so by all means necessary get yours.

Republicans…be ready because here we come.

Jen, CA   June 14th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Another shotgun wedding, a la the DNC and Obama?

Gringo   June 14th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

OBAMA - No tu puede.

Latinos can distinguish pandering just like everyone else !!

Patrick   June 14th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Latinos will not vote for this idiot oBama!! No thank you!!

Susan   June 14th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

The Larino vote is important, as is every other vote. They will see the Obama is so close to clintons' ways of thinking, that there is no way they would vote for McBush!

TEXAN   June 14th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Senator Obama, you need to come out and let the Latino community really get to know you. Yes, they did support Hillary because she was Bill's wife and they felt comfortable with her. She campaigned hard and heavy in all the "barrios" here in Texas and the Latinos felt she really cared. She's out…your'e in,. So come on out to ALL the Latino "barrios' in the United States and show them that you care and that you understand their struggles. They will see that there is no way in hell that they can even think of supporting McCain. They will warm up and love you just as much as the rest of us !!!!!!!! The Latino vote is yours…..just show them that they are needed and important to you.

Mary   June 14th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

He is out on the campaign trail stating he is opposed to building a fence to keep the illigals out and and our country safer. Far too many of these people are criminals and do not care who they hurt. All are self-centered believing they have a right to break our laws. We should enforce all the laws on the books and send them home.

Marie in California   June 14th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

He might court it, but I hope he doesn't get it.

Adios, Obama!

McCain - 2008

jack   June 14th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

In the Hispanic community, "loyality" is a trait that is important to family and friends. That loyality was shown in the nostalgia still held for the last Clinton administration. But that is being replaced with hope. Hope that one day like Obama, the public will embarce an Hispanic canidate for the highest office in the land. This primary has shown us that minorities can break the strangle hold of the "All White, Good'Ole Boys, Club" on the office of the President.

If Hillary was able to do it for women and Barrack was able to do it for Afro-Americans, why can't someone like Antonio Villaraigosa (LA's hispanic mayor) become the Democratic nominee? Why not a person who is Indian, Asian or some other ethnic idenity one day become the party's nominee?

Hope!

This is what founded this country. The "Hope" for a better life and the "Hope" of a better life for their children. The hope to dream of a better future.

Hope! its still alive and well.

Abbey   June 14th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

I see he wants them to have drivers' licenses which was a real problem in one of the early debates for HRC. I seem to remember she got slammed for supporting the idea in New York. Amazing now that BO thinks it's a great idea. No pandering or hypocrisy here.

Jeff   June 14th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

He can court it all he wants he's still going to lose in November. The guy's a joke and is unqualified.

Patricia   June 14th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Last September, Obama was one of a minority of Senate Democrats who couldn't bring themselves to condemn the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) - part of the terrorist infrastructure directly involved in killing and maiming American GIs in Iraq. But large chunks of Obama's AIPAC speech last week sounded as if they could have been written by his Republican foe, Sen. John McCain, who addressed the group several days earlier.

Of course all candidates for office tailor their speeches to the audience, but Obama seems particularly apt at
being on opposite sides of the same issue.

Will the real Obama please stand up?

And here's another question.

Given that he used the word "salvation" in one of his speeches and urges us to follow him, does Obama put his halo on the night stand when he goes to bed at night?

bk   June 14th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Obama will not get the lantino vote.

Tampa Tom   June 14th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

As a latino, I can tell you that latinos are generally sour on the GOP, but not necessarily on Senator McCain. In addition, latinos are generally more conservative than the general population. Senator Obama would do well to not ignore the latino vote. This is one area where Senator Clinton can really help.

MARK S   June 14th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Again, Barack never had a problem with Latino voters during the primary. Hillary had instant recognition and Latinos had her card punched before the primary season began. It was more difficult for Barack to first introduce himself and then try to change their minds in such a short period of time.This was a problem of brand recongnition like a person who asks for a Kleenex regardless of the actual brand they receive. Now Barack has to create his brand in the same way and make hi name stand for Democratic qualities and cultural issues of Latinos.

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT   June 14th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

I Think Obama Will Set A Good Immigration Policy. Another Reason He Is Getting My Vote!

issues???   June 14th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

I hope you will talk about the issues, Senator Obama when you go after the Latino vote. You and Senator McCain are bantering back and forth, and issues have been kicked to the curb. This election is a joke! Where is Hillary? She always talked about ISSUES….Where are you planning to take this country?? Please stay focused on the ISSUES!! You are running for PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, PLEASE STAY FOCUSED…..PLEASE!!

Ronald Schwartz   June 14th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Obama is so against the U.S> constitution, Esp, the second amendment. I just wouldn't trust him on any issue.

Danny, CA   June 14th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Barack, you are a young kid with a big mouth. Do not expect vote from me neither my friends. Do not come to us. You are fired.

Cecilia Cho   June 14th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Save it Obama…We are a Hispanic-American family out in Los Angeles who voted for Hillary and we will not support you. The way Senator Clinton was mistreated took our breath away, and so we now support McCain – one word: TRUST

Go McCain!

David Goldman for OBAMA   June 14th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

OUR FUTURE PREZ WILL BE THE PRESIDENT OF

ALL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, END OF STORY.

Jan From Boca Raton, Fla   June 14th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Obama can court all Latino's until he is blue in the face.

Latino's are much smarter than the African Americans that are voting
for Obama only becaus he is black.

Latino's vote for who they think can run this country and get us back on track. Obama can make all the "Yes We Can" speeches he wants,
but he cannot and will not fool the Latino's. We backed Hillary and believed in her and knew she would fight for all the people as she has
for the many years she has served. If Obama is elected the blacks
are going to take over this country, collect more welfare, food stamps,
unemployment and health benefits by sitting on their butts and the
hard working people foot the bill. Andwhen ever they get treated the same as everyone else and they don't like it, they pull the race card,
just like Obama does on his campaign.

OBAMA don't waste your breath on the Latino's.Stay with your own.

Sherrie   June 14th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

This is one Latina who will never vote for Obama. Had he been Hillary's VP and run in 2016, then I would have. You earn your strips before you get my vote.

CeciChoMexico@hotmail.com   June 14th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Save it Obama…We are a Hispanic-American family out in Los Angeles who voted for Hillary and we will not support you. The way Senator Clinton was mistreated took our breath away, and so we now support McCain – one word: TRUST

Go McCain!

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   June 14th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

LATINOS WILL VOTE FOR OBAMA BY A LANDSLIDE.

WE ARE HURTING ECONOMICALLY LIKE ALL OTHER

AMERICANS. WE PAY THE SAME PTICES FOR GAS & FOOD.

WE ARE NOT GETTING DISCOUNTS FOR BEING LATINO.

Iamamerican2   June 14th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

GO GET 'EM!

YES WE CAN!!!!

Sharon Minnesota   June 14th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

He's got a lot more than Latino's to get on board with him. He should just give it up. No more money, no more support for this loser.

Ilona Proud Canadian   June 14th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

CNN,

WHY SHOULD I LEAVE A COMMENT, WHEN YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO RESPECT FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH, AND NO RESPECT FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO REALLY TAKE THE TIME TO POST A WELL THOUGHT OUT NON-ABUSIVE COMMENT? YOU POST SO MUCH GARBAGE AND JUST ZAP OTHERS!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 14th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Politically speaking, I don't really understand the Latino voters. They seem to foster some kind of hate and anger which I feel is directed at the wrong people. The Latino community must have the right spokesperson in guiding and not misguiding Latinos so that the problems they face can honestly be addressed.

Steve   June 14th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

He has got my vote. I hope he puts a Hispanic on the ticket.

DEMOCRAT FOR MCCAIN   June 14th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

as a hispanic…

i will be voting for mccain for the first time in my life..voting republican

we love the clintons and many of us are scarred as to how obama

and his campaign treated hillary….and now that to embrace us

its not if you win or lose, its HOW you play the game…and obama

you are NOT THE NEW POLITICS….neither you, donna brazile,

jack cafferty and your "independent" friend, roland martin and anderson cooper

will change my mind…

HISPANICS FOR MCCAIN 08

After further review,Texas.   June 14th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Im against line jumpers at the movies,concerts,waiting for gas,the grocery store and to get into the country.I know a lot of good people that had to wait years to become good citizens.Go to the back of the line and wait like many from all over the world are doing.

Will   June 14th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

You know, supporting Bush's immigration policy, wanting to extend a version of his tax cuts, changing to a similar line on Cuba and Israel… Is it me, or is he starting to out- 'McSame' the other guy?

Fox   June 14th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Si se puede Obama!

Erick FL   June 14th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

NO way… I'm from Miami & plenty of Hispanics here in South FL. Not 1 will vote for Obama. I know plenty of Hispanics & blv me, not oven 1 of my hispanics peers will vote for Obama including myself.
McCain 08 & Hilary 12

Cynthia   June 14th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I think that Senator Obama should try and win over all voters regardless of what race. As I stated in an earlier blog I never understood why poor people vote Republican in the first place.

Charlotte   June 14th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

He is courting and making promises he cannot keep. The President does not make the laws, he merely signs them into law. The congress makes the laws. The courts interpret the law. It is suppose to be a checks and balance form of government. This Congress has a lower rating then the President and as McCain said, " that means it is down to employees and relatives." We, the people, don't matter except at election time. Pandering is part of the game. I will write Hillary Clinton on my ballot in November, and for those that say it will be wasted, tell that to the people who wrote in FDR for a third term. He did not seek re-election and won anyway. That is why we now have a two term limit on the Presidency. If we all write her name on our ballots, she can win!

JRod   June 14th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Oh, here comes suck up time. Obama votes to build a 700 mile fence along the US-Mexican border and now he wants Latinos to support him? A path to citizenship? Once Obama gets Latino votes in November he will forget all about us. His core constituency has been all about Latino bashing in the inner cities for years. They blame Latinos for coming here and doing jobs Americans won't do. After he gets elected, Obama will throw Latinos on the bus back to Mexico and the DR, and won't care how many Latinos get run over by the bus.

Proud American   June 14th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Lets Go Dems!!!

Carmen, Ret Vet Florida   June 14th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

My families and friends are not voting for you. You are just like Bush arrogant, inexperience,cold,out of touch with reality. With a name like
" HUSSEIN" and wife that after forty something years now six months ago she feels like an american. What is wrong with this picture?. How could anyone with those sentiments go to the White House?. Are you taking your other antiamericans like Rev. Wright too?.

Venus   June 14th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Go get em' Bam!

LaurieG   June 14th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Obama supported BUSH-backed immigration legislation!! Wow!! Wasn't that legislation called MCCAIN-Kennedy, and got McCain into trouble with conservatives? This is such a strange world. Why didn't Obama step forward and sponsor bills to help Latinos?

Bush has been a huge friend to Latinos, beating back efforts of conservatives to round up Latinos and throw them out of the country. McCain sponsored legislation to help keep Latinos in this country. And Obama has been bashing Bush and McCain? Maybe Obama should eat crow and say Bush and McCain were right on this one. But if Obama wants support of Latinos, maybe he should not have voted to build that fence on the Mexican border. Maybe Obama should build his fence on the Canadian border.

Debby   June 14th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Maybe he can send Richardson out again he really does well with Latino's just look at Puerto Rico. LOL

rachel   June 14th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

There was plenty of time in New Mexico, and Puerto Rico, but in Puerto rico his just took their money then went on vacation.

Loretta from California   June 14th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

and I applaud this effort, but I'm not sure he'll be successful, not without Senator Clinton.

BILL   June 14th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

"He needs to get out there and do that and he needs to listen to Latino voters and understand what they care about,"

They might want to know why he did not vote for a latino Supreme Court Judge.

Obama: The 2nd Carter Term.

jimmy velman   June 14th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

NOT A CHANCE . NOT BY A LONG SHOT.

Frank   June 14th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Latinos are much smarter than many Whites and Blacks in this country and they will not fall for the empty promisses of an inexperienced racist black man! Just watch and learn!!!!

km   June 14th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

All the stupid government has to do is start fining the companies who hire illegal immigrants and giving jail time to repeat offenders…and the problem would disappear. I welcome legal immigrants….but they cost these companies more….and may just force them to pay a living wage which would benefit all Americans.

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