What must the republicans do to appeal to Hispanic voters? As stated numerous times on Election Night and throughout this forum, they are the fastest growing voter bloc in America and if the Republicans don't figure out a way to reach out, the party is in big, big trouble.
I thought that NBC's coverage laid out some pretty honest details concerning the Latino demographic:
1) Could represent 30% or more of the American electorate by 2030
2) The immigration issue seems to be #1 on their minds (for obvious reasons)
3) They tend to be the least educated of the growing population, which presents a serious concern going forward
4) Most are not that well-off financially and thus, are part of the lower end of the socioeconomic line.
Obviously, #2 seems to stem off of #3 and #4 and while many Americans commend the GOP for not wanting to make us a welfare state, many Hispanics (and other Americans) are clearly coming here to the states for our education system, healthcare and the chance to improve their lives. While many of course will abuse the system, they do rely on the gov't for help.
That whole manner seems to go completely the opposite way of how the GOP is trying to portray itself since they want smaller gov't and Americans to fend for themselves and if you can't or won't, then it's your problem.
Opinions?
1. Possible. But note the extensive ethnic assimilation. There's much marriage between Anglos and Hispanics, and how will the kids identify?
2. More likely for some groups than for others. Less for Puerto Ricans than for others.
3. They may already be doing at least as well as Southern white people in educational attainment. Except for the criminal subculture that generally does not vote, Hispanics are not an anti-intellectual group. Poor Hispanics respect the middle class of their own ethnic group more than they trust the economic elite. The divide-and-conquer technique that the Hard Right has done on white people might never succeed on another group until a huge new realignment in politics.
4. The 2008 Presidential election was the one in which economic status
least decided one's vote. 2012 was almost the same. We may have seen a pattern change -- or we could have a reversion to normal.
