Why this crucial voting bloc is inching to the right
Oct 10, 2024
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Paola Ramos, a journalist and author of "Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America," discusses the unsettling shift in Latino voting habits toward the right. She explores the complexities of Latino identity and politics, highlighting the influence of evangelical churches and the impact of Spanish-language media. Ramos dives into the historical context of political trauma related to communism and how it shapes current voter behavior. Her insights provide a crucial perspective on what this means for the upcoming elections.
Latino voters are increasingly moving to the right due to cultural influences and changing demographics, signaling a shift in traditional voting patterns.
The politicization of religious communities, particularly among Latino evangelicals, is fostering acceptance of far-right ideologies, impacting voter alignment in upcoming elections.
Deep dives
Shifting Latino Political Dynamics
Latino voters in the United States are displaying a notable shift towards far-right ideologies, which marks a departure from their historically Democratic leanings. For example, while Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton secured about 70% of the Latino vote in previous elections, Donald Trump saw an increase of 8 to 10 percentage points in Latino support by 2020. This shift is attributed to various factors, including the changing demographics and identities within the Latino community, where individuals are increasingly disconnected from traditional Democratic values. Journalist Paola Ramos emphasizes that Latino voters are not a monolithic group, and growing factions among them are becoming more receptive to ideas such as mass deportations and anti-immigrant rhetoric, influenced by cultural and historical contexts rather than sheer political alignment.
The Role of Faith and Community
Religion plays a significant role in shaping the political landscape, especially among Latino voters, as many find solidarity and community within their churches. However, these once politically neutral environments are increasingly being politicized, with some pastors combining faith with far-right political messaging. The growing segment of Latino evangelicals is particularly susceptible to these ideological shifts, with over half reportedly embracing forms of Christian nationalism. This blending of faith and politics creates pathways for mainstreaming far-right ideas, demonstrating how influential religious leaders can guide the political views of their congregations.
Cultural Grievances and Political Messaging
Cultural narratives around communism and crime significantly influence Latino voters' perceptions and political decisions. Republican strategies capitalizing on historical traumas linked to communism resonate deeply with many Latinos, particularly those with backgrounds from Cuba and Venezuela, who associate leftist ideologies with oppressive regimes. Consequently, the Republican Party successfully frames Democratic candidates as communists, a tactic that has been effective in dissuading Latino voters from supporting left-leaning politicians. As a counter, Democrats attempt to counter this narrative by portraying Trump as a potential dictator, but this messaging has not resonated as effectively, highlighting the complex interplay of culture, history, and contemporary politics among Latino voters.
Democratic candidates for office have historically relied on support from Latino voters. But recent elections and polling show that this crucial voting bloc is starting to move further to the right. In her new book, Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America, journalist Paola Ramos explores the forces behind this shift. She spoke to Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about what all of this could signal for the 2024 election.
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