Hillary's Plan For Latino Votes In Texas: Exploit Little Mexican Boy

cross-posted to Jack & Jill Politics

I know politicians constantly exploit photo ops for their own purposes, but a friend told me about this awkward moment at Clinton's El Paso rally Tuesday night, and I had to share it. I feel bad for the little boy. See how they quickly escort him out of there!

I'm not saying other candidates don't do it. I'm just saying this looks damn ridiculous. She should have upped the ante, have the lil youngin wack an Obama pinata while he's up there.

Comments

[Teresa Valdez Klein]

I honestly don't see a major problem with this. Is she exploiting a kid? No question. All politicians "kiss babies" at election time.

What's more, I don't see anything particularly racist about parading a cute little guy in full folklorico regalia around the stage. You see little kids dressed up that way quite often in Latino communities where the kids learn traditional dance. It's totally normal and honestly, that's a really cute kid.

[baratunde]

i agree it's not a major problem. nothing along the lines of trying to seat illegitimate delegates from Michigan. I just thought it was funny. her campaign has really tried to highlight her Latino support and claim that latinos don't vote for blacks.

it just looks like a really flagrant attempt to keep her identified with latinos. like, "see, look. i'm standing next to an extremely mexican child right here. the way i'll stand with all mexican-americans if you elect me president. and after you vote for me, i'll push you to the side just like i did this adorable little mexican boy."

or something like that'

I'm sure obama has images with children. like i said, all politicians do it. this just stood out more. plus i don't like hillary clinton. so there's that.

[Paul]

It kinda comes down to how you feel about people as props. When I first saw that speech (which was dull enough for MSNBC to cut away from) I couldn't help wondering if the Taco Bell dog wouldn't have worked just as well.