Race for the White House

The starting gun has been fired and the big race for the White House has begun early with the launch of candidates for the two traditional parties of the United States. On the Republican side, there are senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, both of Latino origin although in name only since Cruz was born in the city of Alberta, Canada and Rubio in the United States. Yes, they are children of Cuban parents but despite their race, they have been declared anti-immigrant. They belong to the hard-liners or the tea party, the ultra-conservative wing of the Republican Party that is against President Obama’s health care plan, also known as “Obamacare,” and his executive action over immigration reform, which the tea party considers unconstitutional. It is expected that joining the candidates soon will be Jeb Bush, of the Bush dynasty that includes father and son ex-presidents; Jeb Bush has yet to make an official announcement.

On the Democratic side there is Hillary Clinton, known in Honduras particularly for visiting San Pedro Sula while secretary of state. Her announcement was not made at a mass rally, as would be traditional, but in her own unique way through social networks. Contrary to the conservative candidates, she has made manifest her intention to support the issue of immigration. Hillary has other views on important issues as well, such as the economy and inequality, particularly related to the stagnation of individual income, the exorbitant profits of the few, and financial regulations that would increase taxes on the rich. She also claims to be a supporter of same-sex marriage, after opposing it previously when she was first lady, senator, and secretary of state.

Between the two Latino candidates it is thought that Cruz doesn’t have any chance against the Democratic candidate. On the other hand, Rubio brings a certain degree of expectation and in the political environment he is considered a potential contender in a race against Clinton due to his charisma and political experience in the U.S. Senate. He also enjoys a great talent for fundraising as an individual and as a business, which is key for these types of multimillion-dollar elections.

In our opinion, to have a Hispanic last name is not sufficient to win the Latino vote; nor is having a last name that evokes the perpetuation of power or the influence of ex-presidents, as in the case of Hillary Clinton or Jeb Bush. Neither is enough to attract the vote of the United States community, which seeks a change in the political life of the nation.