She should not have said that.
In a recent appearance on MSNBC, Maria Hinojosa, the founder of Futuro Media, shared her insights regarding the changing dynamics of Latino voters, particularly their shifting allegiance toward the Republican Party. During the discussion, Hinojosa commented on a new NBC-Telemundo poll that shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump among Latino voters but noted that the Democratic advantage has significantly decreased to its lowest level in four election cycles.
Hinojosa suggested that some Latino voters aspire to align themselves with White identity, stating, “Latinos want to be White. They want to be with the cool kids.” She also mentioned that despite Trump’s problematic business history, many Latinos perceive him positively, associating him with success. Hinojosa highlighted that these voters are reluctant to be associated with immigrants who are often criticized by Trump, which could pose a risk to Harris’s electoral prospects.
According to the poll results, Harris currently has the support of 54% of Latino voters, while Trump stands at 40%, with an additional 6% of respondents undecided. Hinojosa warned that this trend might jeopardize Harris’s chances in the upcoming election, as the same Latino voters who could propel her campaign could also contribute to its decline if their support wanes.
In addition to Hinojosa’s comments, CNN analyst Harry Enten noted that Harris is struggling to maintain support among voters of color, particularly in the diverse Sun Belt region. He pointed out that while Harris has secured 82% of the Black vote, this is a notable decline from Biden’s 92% in the previous election. Furthermore, he highlighted the alarming drop in support among Hispanic voters, from 66% for Biden in 2020 to just 52% for Harris today, underscoring a significant shift in voter sentiment.
Overall, these insights reflect a broader trend of changing attitudes within the Latino voting bloc, emphasizing the need for the Democratic Party to address these shifts effectively. The upcoming election could hinge on how well candidates resonate with this demographic, especially as they navigate complex identities and perceptions influenced by both political parties.
