July 8, 2008
Posted: 07:20 AM ET

From
Both candidates are courting Latino voters.
Both candidates are courting Latino voters.

WASHINGTON DC (CNN) – The fight for Hispanic voters takes center stage Tuesday as Senators John McCain and Barack Obama both speak separately in Washington to the League of United Latin American Citizens. It’s the second of three major Hispanic and Latino organizations the two presidential candidates are addressing this summer, and another sign of how important this key voting bloc is in the race for the White House.

President Bush won 44 percent of Hispanic and Latino voters four years ago, helping him win re-election. But only 30 percent of that demographic cast ballots for Republicans in the 2006 congressional elections. Put part of the blame for that drop on the divisive debate over immigration reform. McCain himself said earlier this year that “I think the tenor of the debate has harmed our image among Hispanics.”

The presumptive Republican nominee was one of the leaders in the Senate for immigration reform. His stance on that divisive issue hurt him with conservative voters. Nowadays he emphasizes border security first — but has continued to make a play for Hispanic voters, privately pledging to work for comprehensive immigration reform and releasing a string of Spanish-language radio ads in recent weeks.

“Many Hispanics feel that the debate on immigration has been a debate against Hispanics in general, and its made a lot of people register to vote, it’s made a lot of people become citizens so they can vote,” says CNN Spanish Correspondent Juan Carlos Lopez.

But immigration is not necessarily decisive issue for these voters. “They’re just like any other voters in America. They care about education, they care about the economy, about health care,” adds Lopez.

Polls indicate those issues favor the Democrats — but Obama is no shoo-in with Hispanics and Latinos.
Hillary Clinton beat Obama among that group in the Democratic primaries, according to exit polls.
“The first impression was they didn’t know who he was, and now they’re getting to know who he is,” says Lopez.

He seems to be making some progress in introducing himself: a Franklin and Marshall nationwide poll taken in early June among Spanish-speaking voters put Obama ahead of McCain by 8 points, and a Gallup poll conducted two weeks ago gave him a much larger lead.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain


Judgement over experience   July 8th, 2008 9:59 am ET

It amazes me how gullible latinos are but the only thing they are good for to the republicans is cheap labor. Otherwise they could care less about you.

Candy West Virginia   July 8th, 2008 10:00 am ET

The republicans only care about latinos because of the cheap labor they provide for their companies, etc. That is all, no more, no less. Otherwise they would want you out.

Griff   July 8th, 2008 10:10 am ET

No Bias there…

Anthony, Dallas, Tx   July 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Come on my latino brothers and sisters, wake up and relize that Barack will work with you. He has worked for the less fortunate all his life and I don't see that changing.

Latino   July 8th, 2008 10:25 am ET

I am Latino (born in Mexico) and I am supporting Obama (yes, I am a USA citizen). Republicans don't care about latinos and Obama is my choice for president. I never cared about Hillary and I don't understand why so many latinos care about her.

By the way, "Mr. Judgement over experience", you think we are gullible? You sir are an idiot. I come from a hard working family where I am the only one that speaks english and yet I am starting my MBA in September at Penn State.

not even close   July 8th, 2008 10:28 am ET

I do not believe this for one moment. From what i understand Hispanics are solidly for obama and the democrats. Gallup is showing margins of 20% or more for every region, age, income and martial status of Hispanics for obama. This election is going to be a democratic victory but the news networks are going to keep this up in order to make us think things are in a dead heat.

Julie mn   July 8th, 2008 10:37 am ET

latinos, like everyone else who are not like obama, are a speck of dirt to him, all he wants are their votes, this American indian will give mine to the true American, John McCain…

Johnny in NYC   July 8th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Legal Immigrant latinos should vote for for the son of an immigrant who understands what that experience is like. Obama has experience with immigration. McCain can barely say 'Buenos Dias' and he is from Arizona. The only time politicians say let's share America you are welcome here is when they need your spanish vote. Otherwise it's keep 'em out, enforce the border(Not Canada just Mexico), and we need more militia and minutemen along with a higher fence!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   July 8th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Latinos need to recognize Republicans fight to keep them working for underskilled low paying jobs but will not support their legal issues. Latinos need to look at what has happened to them under the Bush administration. John McCain is the Senator of Arizona and ICE along with the Maricopa County Sherrif have herded up Latinos, put the jail and then bused them back to Mexico. Latinos need to get the attention of the Republicans by voting NO which will give them more clout to fight their legal issues. I am a democrat and support my Latino brothers and sisters, however, I can't support them if they can't recognize whose hurting them.

R.I.F.   July 8th, 2008 10:43 am ET

In the latest Newsweek poll Obama let McCain 62% to 28%. That's not close and other polls have come out that suggest similar numbers.

CNN, I know you put a lot of time and effort in your exit polls during the primary but THIS IS NOT THE PRIMARY. Because Obama lost the Hispanic vote in the primary has no bearing on the general election. It's like ice cream. A lot of people may like vanilla and chocolate but more may choose vanilla when forced to pick one, but that doesn't mean they don't like chocolate. Now if you put the chocolate up against bussel sprouts, which one do you think will win?

Texas Trail Dog   July 8th, 2008 10:43 am ET

JUDGEMENT OVER EXPERIENCE - It amazes me how gullible Latinos are but the only thing they are good foe the the republicans is cheap labor. Otherwise they could care less about.

LATINOS - REFERENCE IT AMAZES ME HOW GULLIBLE LATINOS ARE. Does this not sound like the thinking of the African Americans. They bashed the one candidate Hillary Clinton who would have put you first in her thoughts. Now they are bashing the second most considerate candidate to your needs, in JOHN McCAIN. Don't be fooled as a lot of whites and browns are ignorantr enough to vote for this empty body suit man. HE IS LIKE A CATFISH. ALL MOUTH AND NO BODY. He speaks like his supporters with a forked tongue. HE TELLS YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR WITH NO TRACK RECORD TO BACK IT UP. Beware of the men in fancy suits who have glib tongues but have never stood for anything. does not have a plan for anything, and WHO WILL SAY ANYTHING, DO ANYTHING TO GET ELECTED.

H-ROD   July 8th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Obama has not changed his position on Iraq ,I know all the right wing press does is lie and spin the truth but they are good at it, you have to be carefull they allmost had me with that lie but I heard his whole speech and nothing has changed 16 still is the goal to pul the troops out but he has to do it carefully (yes Obama can)!!!!

john   July 8th, 2008 10:51 am ET

as a registered Democrat, born and raised in USA. i will wholeheartly vote for Mccain, as will by big family.

Ken   July 8th, 2008 10:54 am ET

If Barack Hussein Obama wants the Latino vote, then he would be better off having Hillary Clinton on the ticket! Hillary can bring a sure victory in November. Without her, Obama doesn't have a chance of beating McCain in November.

Obama/Hillary Clinton 2008

H-ROD   July 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

I was watching Good morning America this morning and they had some OILman on his name was Pickens somebody he is a BIllionair,anyway He starts lieing about how you can't bring down oil price's and 6or 7 dollar a gallon by next year all lies . You can bring down oil prices overnight close the ENRON LOOPHLES and oil prices will drop by 60% the next day and that no lie do some RESEACH don't belive me check it out for your self (FIND OUT ABOUT THE ENRON LOOPHOLES IN US OIL POLICY) (YES OBAMA CAN)!!!!!

Hillary Backer for McCain   July 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Sorry BO Jose and Pepe are on our team and will be moving over to vote for Senor Mack!

ANGIE   July 8th, 2008 10:58 am ET

latinos republicans dont care about you they want to break up your families

DJ Los Angeles   July 8th, 2008 11:00 am ET

No win situation for both candidates. Try to appear too sympathetic to illegal immigrants and they blasted for not defending the borders. Appear too tough on immigrants, they lose Hispanic votes. Both are trying to have it both ways on immigration. I trust Obama more than McCain though since he has been consistant unlike McCain who flip-flopped after the Neo-Con's freaked-out when he drafted the reform bill.

Obama / Clinton 2008   July 8th, 2008 11:02 am ET

You have to give Latinos more credit. They are smart enough to know that the Republican party is just that…a PARTY for the rich.

McFlip worked with Ted Kennedy to give illegal aliens amnesty. McFlop worked to seal the border and send illegal aliens home.

John McCain is senile.

gary   July 8th, 2008 11:05 am ET

LATINO, YOUR TO YOUNG TO REALIZE. THE CLINTONS DID ALOT FOR YOUR RACE WHERE OTHERS DIDN'T. THATS THE APPRECIATION HRC GETS FOR BEING THERE WITH BILL FOR YOU ALL. SHE GETS SWIFTBOATED FROM THE DNC AND PAY OFFS TO SUPER DELIGATES FROM O.B. O.B. WILL DO WHAT EVER HE NEEDSTO DO DO GET ELETED. YOU YOUNG BRAINWASHED FIRST TIME VOTERS ,GOT ALOT TO LEARN. AMERICA GETS JUST WHAT THEY DESERVE.

Annoyed Latina   July 8th, 2008 11:06 am ET

Can everyone PLEASE stop lumping all Latinos into one category? Not all Latinos are immigrants, not all are Mexican, not all work as cheap laborers, and not all are in the Southwest and West! The Northeast is filled with Latinos, most of whom are Puerto Rican and thus are U.S. citizens by birth - they don't care about immigration. How about we focus on the fact that Latinos are just Americans who care about the same issues as everyone else?

gary   July 8th, 2008 11:07 am ET

O.B. HAS NO INTENTIONS TO HAVE HRC ON THE TICKET. HE IS STUCK ON HIMSELF AND AMERICA WILL BE KICKING THEM SELVES IF HE GETS ELECTED.O.B. IS AN ARROGANT,HYPOCRITICAL, FLIPFLOPPER CON MAN.AMERICA GETS WHAT THEY ASK FOR.

COL.{retd]A.M.Khajawall   July 8th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Dear American Voters, reporters, media. professionals, political parties, and our hon. Presidential Nominees,

Subject: Presidential Temperament

Please talk about and "Compare And Contrast" the " Presidential Temperament" of our Presidential presumptive nominees. I will also request and plead to the nominees themselves [ Hon. Senator McCain and Obama ].
Our nation has been applying this yard and stick tor the appointments and confirmation process of our Supreme Court Justices nominees.
Our Greatgrand Nation Foundations are as under:
Family, friends, fellows, faith, funds, fun, with fairness & freedom And without fear, favor, and failure.
It will be disgrace and shameful if the nominees and media will not look into this critical and crucial aspect under current challenging times and circumstances within our country and all around the Globe.

America wake up and the discuss the " Presidential Temperament" of our presumptive presidential nominee's [ Hon. Senator McCain and Obama].

Yours sincerely,
COL. A.M.Khajawall [Ret].
Disabled American Veteran
Forensic psychiatrist, Las Vegas, Nevada

Chicana   July 8th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Obama lost this 'latina' (I hate that term!) when he failed to mention color in his 'race' speech. His world is black and white. His words fall on deaf Chicano ears. We know who fights for us and it isn't Obama.

He may be a child of an immigrant, but he will never understand what our grandparents faced during the days of the 'Bracero' cards. African Americans feel entitled because of slavery. Try having your land taken out from under you and then let's discuss entitlement.

You will find, the US political system is more corrupt than those of Mexico and the Americas - they just hide it better. There is no change. Obama is the newest puppet.

sherry for Obama   July 8th, 2008 11:17 am ET

SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THE LATINO VOTERS GOT SMARTER WHEN THEY DECIDED NOT TO VOTE REPUBLICAN

GO OBAMA….,…,

Hispanic For McCain   July 8th, 2008 11:17 am ET

To R,.I.F.

In the latest Newsweek poll Obama let McCain 62% to 28%. That's not close and other polls have come out that suggest similar numbers.

CNN, I know you put a lot of time and effort in your exit polls during the primary but THIS IS NOT THE PRIMARY. Because Obama lost the Hispanic vote in the primary has no bearing on the general election. It's like ice cream. A lot of people may like vanilla and chocolate but more may choose vanilla when forced to pick one, but that doesn't mean they don't like chocolate. Now if you put the chocolate up against bussel sprouts, which one do you think will win?

Listen BOZO RIF who are you to speak about the Latinos People and those polls are NOT TRUE Polls. The Latinos That I know and the MANY MANY Friends of that Hispanic (Latinos) Community are NOT voting for OBAMA!!! They are Voting for McCain. So you can be this crap about Chocolate up to your you know where!!!!!. Latinos are voting for McCain and all you Liberals morons hate that. The Latinos in Fla are going with McCain, the Hispanic community in PA, OH, MI, WI, AZ, NM, NV, TX, NY, NJ, CT, MA are all going for McCain. Let me tell you all you Morons the Puertoricans are true Dem but are NOT going to vote for this BOZO Obama THAT IS A BIG FACT. The Hillary Latinos people are going to McCain and not OBAMA. What has OBAMA done for the Hispanic (Latinos) community NOTHING, NADA!!!!!!

To all my Hispanic, Latinos Brothers and Sisters OPEN Your Eyes OBAMA is a fake, fruad flip flop and a enemy to the Hispanic Community!!!!!!!!!!!! and go for a True American Hero and that is John McCain!!!! Los Hispanos sabe que Obama NO es para los Latinos!!!

Michael   July 8th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Why should Latinos back Obama. Latinos have made it in two generations. Only African Americans, steeped in the ideology oif dependency and victimhood, can't make it.

Fed up with the lies   July 8th, 2008 11:19 am ET

And he dares call Sen. Obama a flip flopper? This guy gets turned over more often than a fish in the frying pan. You can't tell Mexicans "No, you can't come here in one speech and then try to tell them you're their best friend in the next".

Obama 2008

HENRY   July 8th, 2008 11:22 am ET

#1 IM A LATINO FROM THE DOMIICAN REPUBLIC AND A US CITIZEN AND REPUBLICANS DONT CARE ABOUT US I LIVE I MIAMI FL LATINOS LETS GO OBAMA 08

Texas Trail Dog   July 8th, 2008 11:22 am ET

GARY - You are right on. Obama does not want someone on the ticket that is smarter, tougher, and far more experienced than he. HILLARY should stop with campaigning for him right now. It is only going to hurt her politically in the long run. If this man gain office he will use everything in his power to insure that she can't run against him in four years. However, it won't do this idiot any good in four years because the people themselves will ride him out of Washington on a rail, right along with the Deans, Kennedys, Pelosi, Kerry, Rchardson, Byrd and all the rest that had a hand in derailing Hillary's candidacy.

William,from Cali!   July 8th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Stop the pandering, for Hispanic votes! protect our borders! and do something "Real"………………. about important issues; that affect all Americans,everyday; no just "special interest" groups……………………………….now, that would be a change, I could welcome!

Ernest Caldwell   July 8th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Julie mn: latinos, like everyone else who are not like obama, are a speck of dirt to him, all he wants are their votes, this American indian will give mine to the true American, John McCain…

Re:AMERICAN INDIAN????? Since when did Native Americans ever embrace the name American Indian? If your going to be a bot for McCain at least get it right. We don't call Native Americans, Indians…we call them what they are NATIVE AMERICANS. They don't come from Indian. If I'm not mistaken some find it disrespectful to call NA, Indians. For someone who claims to be a Native American,how did you miss this memo? And let me help you out on another thing, When refering to blacks you may wanna use African American, not Afro American for the same reasons stated earlier…cuz lord knows we all don't have afro's

Obama 08

wilbert white   July 8th, 2008 11:34 am ET

When a sinner is born again and accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they become a new creation; the Old Life is gone a New LIfe begins. In Washington politics, the old has degraded this country in such a disparaging way that it is time for a Change. You cannot put new wine into old wine sacks, for they would burst. Therefore, Senator Obama, accordingly has to make a complete change from Washington Politics…the sama as usual. IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE THROUGHOUT WASHINGTON. I BELIEVE OBAMA IS A MAN SENT FROM "GOD" AND IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU.AND WHEN GOD IS LEADING YOU……YOU CANNOT FAIL.

mitchell hussein martin   July 8th, 2008 11:41 am ET

mccain wants to put illegal aliens in guantanamo.he wants to deport latino children,and tear their families apart.

Fed up with the lies   July 8th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Dear Texas Trail Dog; spoken like a true "my father was a republican so I guess I am too" voter. It doesn't matter that the majority of Americans chose Obama over Clinton to you. No sir, you just want to spout your ignorance to whomever will listen. It is a good thing for democracy that your vote won't count as you will forget to put "Vote Today" on your calendar. Or for that matter, forget to buy a calendar.

Ms. Sims   July 8th, 2008 11:45 am ET

@Texas Trail Dog…ugg go AWAY!!! Every post you say the same thing over and over and over and over and over again. Each time less effective than the one before. 18 million people voted for Obama as well. He had the most delegates (pledged and super) before all the flood of supers came in at the END of the primary season. Hillary lost big deal every primary someone losses that's a fact. She was given more leeway than she should have in MI and FL even though she knew the rules. Support which candidate you would like but for goodness sake shut up about it. You have 4 choices…MAKE ONE! (AND HILLARY AINT ONE OF EM)

Cracka lova   July 8th, 2008 11:49 am ET

for all the latinos that want Mc Cain……make sure all of your relatives are on this side of the fence before you cast your vote

Doris,Memphis,TN   July 8th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Sorry Ken, Obama doesn't need your girl!
Read my lips, Barack will select Joe Biden
as his VP. Bye Hillary!

Cracka lova   July 8th, 2008 11:51 am ET

don't be fooled by the repubs……..you mean nothing to them……wait until a latino is running for office then you will see how important you are to them…….not really important

M.S. Indiana   July 8th, 2008 11:59 am ET

Julie mn,
A little out of touch ??? Obama was born on American soil, unlike McCain who was born on a base some where (Panama Canal Zone), now who is the real American ??

Obama do social work in Chicago, when was the last time McCain did something for you ?? Even he speaks more Spanish then McCain who lives in a Latino world…

gary
you sound like a brainwashed puppet of McCain…

M.S. Indiana   July 8th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Just look at McCain's stand point on Cuba, like that failed view will help them get home, ever…..

Newsdiva   July 8th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Texas trail dog, you're pretty sad dude…guess you been out in that blazing suna little too long. and you've gone a little coo-coo..you know like that old buzzard Mc Same.

The one person who played the most prominent role in Hillary's FAILED campaign was Hillary herself. Of course her deluded staff was a huge help in supporting her demise. Who in their right mind introduces a candidate who has just LOST the last primary & the entire process as "THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES??" Sheer stupidity, which YOU Mr. Dog totally understand.

The nomination was Hillary's to lose and she did a BRILLIANT JOB at doing exactly that. Lies on bosnia, finance problems, melt downs, stupid staff, race baiting, changing strategy every five minutes and fake tears on the election trail. The list goes on and on, but you get the picture buddy.

Obama doens't need Hillary on the ticket, she's nothing more than heavy, heavy baggage…and that comes with a side order of Bill…who is also pretty strange in his old age.

Obama will be just fine with whom ever he chooses as his running mate and he will be elected as the next president by a LANDSLIDE in November. Read it and weep Traildog…can't wait 'till November cause I know somewhere you'll be so incredibly disappointed. Love it, love it and & LOVE IT.

Obama 08 & 12

From New Mexico   July 8th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

I'm Latino, and everyone I know including lots of ex-Hillary supporters, is now supporting Obama. Its the only choice for Latinos.

The rich people will vote for Mccain.

The rest will vote for Obama.

Its as simple as that.

tedious898   July 8th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog July 8th, 2008 10:43 am ET
LATINOS - REFERENCE IT AMAZES ME HOW GULLIBLE LATINOS ARE. Does this not sound like the thinking of the African Americans. They bashed the one candidate Hillary Clinton who would have put you first in her thoughts. Now they are bashing the second most considerate candidate to your needs, in JOHN McCAIN

*****************************
Texas Trail Dog = a bumbling idiot.

African Americans have supported every democratic candidate over the last 30 years by as much as 90%. Guess what …there are a lot of white people supporting Barack Obama. How does that play into your theory "Oh enlightened one" Looks like you stepped in a pile out thar on the trail pahdna

Bill From Florida   July 8th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

I can tell you straight away, in Florida the Latino are NOT going to vote for Obama. They do not trust him and don't believe a word he says.

Not only will Obama loose the Latino vote, the Jewish community
are not going to vote for him. McCain will win Florida.

Mireille   July 8th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Obama will certainly do the most he can to make things easier for hispanos. Hispanics, if you really know what is good for you vote for Obama.

Yes We can
viva Obama

tedious898   July 8th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Bill from Florida….And how you know? I'm pretty sure you're not doing the polling for the state of florida….are you?

So let's just tell the truth, you're talking out of your rear - right? : )

Ex Republican - never again!   July 8th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Bill from Florida - spoken like a true white republican male.
Oh and Texas Trail Dog - I didn't even read what you said but I am sure it was ignorant. I stopped reading your stuff a while back. ead what you said but I am sure it was ignorant. I stopped reading your stuff a while back.

Brandon Hillary Democrat for Mc Cain-Pa   July 8th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

They did not vote for him in the primaries why would they vote for him now lol…. Good luck bambi

Latinos still want Hillary look at the states she won….
New Mexico and Nevada will definetly be Mc Cain country..

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com