As the 2024 election approaches, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris intensify their efforts to win over Latino voters, employing contrasting strategies that reflect the changing political landscape.
At a Glance
- Trump hosted a “Latino Americans for Trump” roundtable in Miami, emphasizing border security
- Harris conducted a Telemundo interview, focusing on economic initiatives for Latino entrepreneurs
- A USA Today–Suffolk University poll shows Latino voters favor Trump over Harris 49% to 38%
- Both campaigns are targeting Latino men, a key demographic in battleground states
- Trump touts his past economic record, while Harris proposes new economic opportunities
Trump’s Appeal to Latino Voters
Former President Donald Trump’s recent “Latino Americans for Trump” roundtable in Miami-Doral, Florida, showcased his strategy to capture the Latino vote. Trump’s approach centered on border security, a topic he believes resonates strongly with this demographic.
During the event, Trump emphasized, “The biggest thing is the border,” and boldly claimed, “Close the border, and it’s closed.” This focus on immigration aligns with his campaign’s belief that strong border policies appeal to Latino voters concerned about community safety and national security.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump race to win over Latino voters as US election nears via @FT
https://t.co/Doc0m04un9— James Politi (@JamesPoliti) October 10, 2024
Harris’s Economic Focus
Vice President Kamala Harris, in contrast, is targeting Latino voters through economic initiatives. In a Telemundo interview, Harris outlined her vision for empowering Latino entrepreneurs and workers, proposing concrete economic measures.
“Latinos have dreams and hopes but not necessarily access,” Harris stated, highlighting the need for increased economic opportunities.
Her plan includes offering 1 million forgivable business loans of up to $20,000 to Latino entrepreneurs, doubling registered apprenticeships, and removing college degree requirements for certain federal jobs. These proposals aim to address the economic concerns of Latino voters, particularly men, who have shown increasing support for conservative policies.
Shifting Political Landscape
The intensified focus on Latino voters reflects a changing political landscape. A USA Today–Suffolk University poll shows Latino voters favoring Trump over Harris 49% to 38%, indicating a significant shift towards Republican policies among this demographic.
“We are very confident that these policies resonate because we’ve seen them resonate in speeches and focus groups,” said Matt Barreto, a Harris campaign pollster. “It speaks to Latino men in particular about being successful and achieving the American dream.”
This shift is attributed to various factors, including concerns about community safety, individual economic empowerment, and perceived changes in Democratic Party values. The Latino vote has become increasingly crucial in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada, making it a key focus for both campaigns.
Economic Records and Promises
Both candidates are leveraging their economic records and promises to appeal to Latino voters. Trump touts his past economic achievements, excluding pandemic-related job losses, and promises to reduce inflation. “We had the greatest economy in the history of our country,” Trump claimed, adding, “Now we have a lousy economy primarily because of inflation. So we’re going to get rid of the inflation.”
Harris, positioning herself as a “pragmatic capitalist,” proposes initiatives aimed at increasing Latino business ownership and economic opportunities. The Labor Department reports an increase in registered apprenticeships, aligning with Harris’s goal to double their number.
Conclusion
As the 2024 election approaches, the Latino vote remains a critical battleground. Trump’s emphasis on border security and past economic achievements contrasts with Harris’s focus on future economic opportunities and entrepreneurship. The outcome of this contest for Latino support could significantly influence the election results, particularly in key swing states.
Sources:
- Latino Votes at Stake as Trump Hosts Roundtable, Harris Talks Economy
- Harris speaks about creating economic opportunity for Latino men; Trump airs familiar grievances
- Harris and Trump See Economic Policies as Best Chance to Win Latino Voters
