Former Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro said Tuesday that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) should have initially scheduled more Latino speakers in this week's convention, warning Latino voters could potentially move away from the party after the November election.
“Some folks pointed out that last week, out of the 35 primetime speakers, the DNC only had three Latinos in it and no Native Americans, no Muslim Americans,” Castro, a former presidential hopeful, told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.
The DNC highlighted prominent Republicans and former Trump administration officials who have thrown their support behind Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden
Joe BidenAzar in departure letter says Capitol riot threatens to 'tarnish' administration's accomplishments House Democrats introduce measures to oppose Trump's bomb sale to Saudis On The Money: Retail sales drop in latest sign of weakening economy | Fast-food workers strike for minimum wage | US officials raise concerns over Mexico's handling of energy permits MORE in the first two nights of the convention.
Last week, Castro senior adviser Sawyer Hackett noted on Twitter that “there are as many Republicans speaking at the convention as Latinos.”
But over the weekend, the DNC added participants to its schedule, including actress and activist Eva Longoria, Castro said.
“I think there’s room for improvement in terms of the showcasing of Latino talent at the DNC, but we should make no mistake that in Joe Biden and in Kamala Harris
— The Situation Room (@CNNSitRoom) August 18, 2020Kamala HarrisOn The Money: Retail sales drop in latest sign of weakening economy | Fast-food workers strike for minimum wage | US officials raise concerns over Mexico's handling of energy permits Biden scolds Republicans for not wearing masks during Capitol attack Biden and the new Congress must protect Americans from utility shutoffs MORE we have two fantastic people who have a strong track record with the Latino community," @JulianCastro says. pic.twitter.com/cHg16t4Oqt
Castro added that the DNC’s initial schedule was “disappointing” because “Democrats built up this beautiful coalition over the last several years that has helped power in several victories, including massive wins in Congress and in states across this county in 2018 and we need that to defeat Donald Trump
Donald TrumpCIA chief threatened to resign over push to install Trump loyalist as deputy: report Azar in departure letter says Capitol riot threatens to 'tarnish' administration's accomplishments Justice Dept. argues Trump should get immunity from rape accuser's lawsuit MORE in November.”
The former HUD secretary said Tuesday that he is confident that Latinos will support Biden and his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), in the November election, but Democrats should be worried about what comes after that.
“If we win in November, what we really want to do is cement a strong relationship between one of the fastest growing communities in the United States and Democrats because not every politician is as off the rails as Donald Trump,” Castro said Tuesday. “Not every Republican is as disliked by Latinos as Donald Trump.”
