Hillary and the Republicans

There have been few winks, cynical statements or bold announcements about who will be Obama’s successor. Democrats have a clear outlook. This is even more evident in light of the White House’s most recent actions and announcements. They are having a good streak, augmented by the beginning of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Few members of the Democratic Party disagree that she is the best presidential candidate.

The situation on the Republican side is interesting. On the Republican Party’s website, 28 candidates are listed: Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Skip Andrews, Michael Bickelmeyer, Kerry Bowers, Ben Carson, Dale Christensen, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Brooks Cullison, John Dummett, Jr., Mark Everson, Carly Fiorina, Lindsey Graham, Jim Hayden, Chris Hill, Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, Michael Kinlaw, K. Ross Newland, George Pataki, Rand Paul, Rick Perry, Michael Petyo, Brian Russell, Rick Santorum, Jefferson Sherman and Donald Trump.* From this huge group, the party must choose a contender who can confront the Democratic Party. What the “herd” wants to challenge is the supremacy of U.S. interests at a time when the country seems to be losing ground, after having an African-American president and now facing a female presidential candidate. The Republican Party’s greatest fear is that its conservative and outdated discourse will fall to pieces.

Hillary is the strongest contender for the candidacy, and she is planning a path that will enable her to win the nomination. She is backed by a successful career, a good level of acceptance, and a celebrated start to her campaign. She is also helped by her supportive messages for minority groups. Those points were mentioned by this news source when Clinton released her launch video, which addressed single mothers, the Latino community and same-sex couples, the latter of which are now recognized by the U.S. Constitution. It is worthwhile to reflect on the issues surrounding racial minorities.

On the Republican side, Trump has contributed the most to this debate. His declarations have cost him contracts with Mexican businesses; neither Televisa nor Slim will negotiate with him. He has given no indication that he will retract his statements, despite the criticism that he has received. As a clear indication of what the Republican Party has always been, he has forgotten how the United States was built. Today, the Latino vote is a decisive factor in presidential elections. Trump, with his name in gold letters over building entrances, is not alone. What he said reflects the discourse of his party’s representatives. However, his speeches will take their place in history, as Trump is the one in front of the microphone. He will go no further [in the race], and he has little chance of being the party’s presidential candidate. The Republicans would be shooting themselves in the foot if they allowed him to advance, particularly after they contributed to Obama’s winning streak in Congress. The party must also consider what happened in the 2012 elections, when Mitt Romney obtained 27 percent of the Hispanic vote and Obama was re-elected thanks to 71 percent of the Latino vote.

A week ago, the National Latino Evangelical Coalition convened aspiring candidates from both parties and only one Republican confirmed attendance, despite the party’s long list of potential candidates. Republican conservatism is that strong. Three years ago, Republicans recognized that their lack of attention to minority groups, especially the Latino community, cost them the election. However, the Republicans have already forgotten this lesson. That is how the conservatives of the world function: They are too caught up in their “-philias” and phobias.

*Editor’s note: Additional candidates since publication of this article include Jack Fellure, John Kasich, Dennis Michael Lynch, Shawna Sterling and Scott Walker.