Thread by @jptheberge

The @DNC has been lucky with Latinos in spite of their lack of strategy and minimal attention to the nation’s second largest voter block. They’ve left a lot of votes on the table by not doing more to understand the diversity / breadth of the community. 1/
gen.medium.com/democrats-dont…

For example, Miami’s political establishment descends directly from Cubans exiled during the overthrow of Batista during the Cuban revolution (late 50s). Then, the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, blamed on Kennedy, cemented their status as Republicans. 2/ pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020…

Cubans have not had the same immigrant experience as other Latinos. In ’65, Cuban Adjustment Act gave the right to pursue residency. Clinton changed that with “wet foot, dry foot” which added the requirement of actually stepping on dry land. 3/ foreignpolicy.com/2020/11/06/tru…

Like all voter blocs, the Latino vote is regional and far from monolithic. @DNC needs to begin by doing more focus groups and research in FL, TX, AZ, NV, GA and PA to develop a cohesive strategy to build trust and educate voters about their positions. 4/
nbcnews.com/news/latino/fi…

If anything, local grassroots organizing have been the firewall against party politics in key states. Their success has been in spite of the party not because of the party. These organizers wouldn’t have to work so hard if the @DNC had a decent strategy. washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/…

Hat tip to @Maria_Hinojosa for her insightful piece on the Latino voter that inspired this thread!

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