Known Latino Activists and Politicians Criticize Lack of Representation at DNC
Known Latino activists and politicians have criticized the Latino community's lack of representation during this week's Democratic National Convention.
Only three Latino speakers have their own speaking slot during the DNC primetime lineup, according to a report.
Latinos who had their speaking slot were Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada.
DNC starts on Monday for four nights, with a two-hour primetime program.
Julián Castro was the only Latino to run for president in U.S. elections 2020. He was the former Housing and Urban Development, Secretary.
Castro was a keynote speaker at the 2012 DNC. This year he will be a speaking panel with other 2020 presidential candidates.
Other presidential contenders will also be speaking in the primetime event. These are Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mike Bloomberg, and Sen. Cory Booker.
"I'd be lying to you if I said that I'm not disappointed that there aren't more Latinos and Latinas generally speaking on that program," Castro was quoted.
He added that he is also disappointed that there is no one who is Native or Muslim American speaking during the said primetime hour.
"You think about the beautiful coalition that has become the Democratic Party over the last few years, I'm not sure right now that it's fully represented on that stage," Castro added.
Others agreed with Castro's opinion.
Cristina Jiménez, the co-founder of United We Dream, said through a tweet how much the Democratic Party cares about Latinos.
Jiménez said that the Democratic Party cares about Latinos so much to include Republicans & Bloomberg in the #DNC speaker lineup & not Julian Castro & other Latino leaders.
Cristóbal Alex, a senior Biden adviser, said that several local Latino politicians would be part of 17 "rising stars" set to give a keynote address.
Alex said that there had been a lot of excitement and questions about the upcoming DNC. He added that Latinos would represent, from around the country, the community's strength and resilience.
Alex said that they would not have 10 hours of speeches per day.
"This is 2 hours per night with a goal of reaching voters across the nation, including Latino voters. That's why @JulianCastro has a role," Alex was quoted.
Top Latino celebrity Eva Longoria Bastón also emceed the Monday night's convention.
Survey of Latinos
A new survey, following the DNC criticism, also shows that two-thirds of Latinos have not seen any outreach from political candidates' campaigns for the 2020 election.
Around 64 percent of Latino voters said they had not received any contact from either party or non-partisan civic group for the 2020 election, according to a Somos/UnidosUS national survey.
President of UnidosUS, Janet Murguia, said that while there is a lot of competition for time, there was a disappointment on not seeing more Latinos in primetime at the DNC.
Murguia added that they have to ensure that representation is not just seen but is also felt.
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