Fiesta Latina at the White House on PBS - 10/15/09 at 8PM (EST)

WH Celebrates the 'Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx' -- Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Related:
'Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx' now Justice Sotomayor - Orlando Sentinel
Justice Sotomayor celebrated at the White House - Newsday
Sotomayor grateful to nation for unlikely rise - WCAX Vermont
UFW President Gets Invite To White House For Sotomayor - KERO23 Bakersfield
Obama lauds Sotomayor’s confirmation at White House reception - WashingtonTV

Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez - A Brilliant Choice!

Thomas E. Perez, 47, has been appointed Assistant Attorney General by President Barack Obama. Maryland's Secretary of Labor, Perez is noted as an expert on minority voting rights and hate crimes.

In addition to his sterling academic credentials (Harvard, Brown, Kennedy School of Government), Perez was a professor at the Maryland University School of Law, a federal prosecutor for the DOJ's Civil Rights Division and as Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Perez is credited with taking on some of the toughest civil rights cases, including a hate crimes case in Texas involving a group of white supremacists who went on a deadly, racially motivated crime spree.

However, the appointment is not without controversy. NCLR and Southwestern Mexican American groups are unhappy that their favorite, former MALDEF legal expert and LA Mayor Villaraigosa advisor, Thomas Saenz, didn't get the coveted assignment. Janet Murguia fears that the choice of Perez over Saenz raises questions about Obama's commitment to immigration reform.

But Perez is the son of Dominican immigrants who fled the Trujillo dictatorship in the 1960's for the short summers of Buffalo, New York. He's also served on the board of the National Immigration Foundation and the Baltimore-based CASA Maryland, a pro-immigrant service organization.

In short, the selection of Perez is a brilliant move by Obama. Perez' credentials are unimpeachable -- making it difficult for the wingnuts to oppose him, while bringing to the administration a fresh perspective on civil rights from an advocate of Latino and immigrant heritage.

Links:
Thomas Perez - wiki
Md. labor secretary's selection for Justice post riles some
Maryland official tapped for U.S. civil rights post
Uphold voting rights
LULAC Applauds President Barack Obama’s Nomination of Tom Perez For The Department Of Justice Civil Rights Division

Adolfo Carrión Jr: America's Czar for Cities

President Barack Obama named Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión Jr. as his Director of Urban Affairs to oversee federal investments in America's cities. The appointment is a key part of Obama's strategy to lift the American economy through targeted investments in education and infrastructure.

Carrión's appointment "will bring long overdue attention to the urban areas where 80 percent of the American people live and work," Obama said in announcing the selection.

"Vibrant cities spawn innovation, economic growth and cultural enrichment. The urban affairs office will focus on wise investments and development in our urban areas that will create employment and housing opportunities and make our country more competitive, prosperous and strong," the president said.

Carrión earned a master's degree in urban planning from Hunter College in 1990. He also served on New York's City Council, as an urban planner for the city, and as a public school teacher. He currently is president of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

Carrión will report directly to Obama and coordinate all federal urban programs.

Related:
Adolfo Carrión Jr.: The Most Powerful?
Carrión Jr. - Bronx Borough President's website
Adolfo Carrión Jr. - Wikipedia
Joel Rivera v. Ruben Diaz, Jr. for Bronx Boro Prez?

'It's A New Day' by will.i.am at Oprah's

will.i.am debuted his aptly titled 'It's A New Day' on Oprah today. He is the genius and creator of the Yes We Can and We Are The Ones videos.

It's another terrific work of art.

Latino Bloggers Celebrate Obama's Victory

In a quick survey of Latino political bloggers, it's apparent they reflect the joy, pride and sense of relief so many Americans feel in the historic election of Barack Obama as the 44th U.S. President. Some though are set to hold President Obama accountable from Day One on issues of critical importance to Latino voters.

The following is a sampling of Latino political blogger reactions:

Octogenarian first-time voters
Lotería Chicana
This morning, despite both having nagging colds, Papá Chepe and Mamá Toni went out to vote. My dad helped them fill out their sample ballots and drove them to their polling place in Hacienda Heights. They waited half an hour before voting. When they got home, Lori made them pose for a photo. They were proud to show off their stickers. Later, I called Papá Chepe on his cell phone.

“¿Votaron por Obama?” I asked.

“Sí,” Papá Chepe responded. “Lo tenemos que meter.”

YES, WE DID
Chicana on the Edge
I was in Grant Park on Tuesday night, not in the actual event, but standing with thousands of people just outside of the fenced area. When CNN called it for Obama, everyone started yelling and cheering and hugging each other. I stood there stunned for a minute before I began to clap and cheer also. Couples embraced, people cried, including me. The huge Jumbotron showed the words "Obama" and "president" and it was an incredible moment.

Last night “That One” became our President-Elect!
LatinoPoliticsBlog
We witnessed history in the making yesterday folks in selecting the first African-American President-Elect to govern this great nation. This is monumental, not only for our African-American brothers and sisters, but for all non-WASP people who have ever dreamed that one day, we may achieve success in this right-center, Anglo dominated country. Barack Hussein Obama, born to an immigrant father and a white woman from Kansas, represents the new face of America, one that is not so easily categorized but reflects the true complexity of what our nation has become.

You Can Call Him "President-Elect Obama" Now
Latino Pundit
There are no words to describe how immensely ecstatic I am right now. I am so lucky to have been able to witness history in the making.

President Barack Hussein Obama!
The Unapologetic Mexican
CONGRATULATIONS TO BARACK OBAMA, the 44th president (-elect) of the United States of America. And to all who supported and worked for or contributed in some way toward this moment. It has been an overwhelming and amazing night. Here’s looking toward the future, and all it may contain.

Some thoughts on last night's election
South Texas Chisme
Obama won by a landslide! OK, I admit it. I'm glad. Obama's way better than the other guy. But, I am still mad about a few things - tone deafness with respect to women, the FISA vote and 'the end justifies the means' campaign tactics. OK, I have hope. But, I am watching and hoping he selects strong women and Hispanics to be around him. Hoping he undoes the damage Bush did to our constitution and the basic fabric of our governmental institutions.

Yes we can.... and we did!!
BrownViews
Tonight I can go to bed at ease... this nightmare of the Bush administration is almost over, and none too soon. I pray for our new president - there are just too many people filled with hate and remain concerned, in large part a result of the McCain gutter campaign. But now is a time to hope, to celebrate. Now, we really can hope. Now we can really instill in our children the possibility of their becoming a future president of the USA. Choosing hope over fear. "Keep hope alive!"

That Whole Latino Vote Thing : A look at the Numeros
VivirLatino
What's next for Latinos, voters or not? Ensuring that at the top of the agenda is ending the terrorism of ICE and that U.S. policy towards Latin America moves away from colonial paternalism. A tall order that not even an Obama presidency may be able to fill.

Political Jargon
no controles
Democracy is like banana bread. Even if you don’t always like all the nuts in it, ya have to admit, it’s pretty good! And i have to admit, i’m happy McCain got his personality back as a parting gift.

Congratulations To El Presidente! We Love You World!
Guanabee
You are probably in a particular good mood today world. Right? Right? So are we. Today, with the confirmed election of Barack Obama as the future President of the United States, there is light at the end of the tunnel during these difficult times.

Obama Must Usher In Era of Rational and Transparent Government
Of América
Lastly, an Obama Administration should set a more humane and rational tone around immigration, a tone that shuts down the borders of irrationality and violence in government while also fostering greater understanding of and openness to the geopolitical, legal and other complexities of immigration today.

Felicidades to Obama and Fortuño
Puerto Rico Sun
As a Boricua, it is amazing and inspiring to see that the first African-American has been elected to serve this country. I am happy I was able to witness this historical moment. Yes we can!

Obama should read between the lines – Latinos matter
The South Chicagoan
I say that because Obama got strong Latino support, even though he ran a presidential campaign that at times seemed not to care about the part of the U.S. population that is skyrocketing in size.

A Bluer New America

The NYTimes has this interesting look at Tuesday's presidential election results compared to 2004. The redder the area, the more people shifted towards Republicans. The bluer the area, the more people shifted towards the Democrats.

The map is interactive on the NYTimes site, allowing viewers to see national, state and county level shifts between 2008 and 2004 (as well as three presidential elections). Click here and here for the maps.

What's evident in viewing the maps is how red (i.e., Republican) the country was when Bill Clinton first won election in 1992; and how dramatically America shifted bluer during George W. Bush's 8 years in office.

With the exception of the deep South, the movement towards the Democrats since 1992 are striking and unbroken. Yet, Bush and Cheney won in 2000 and 2004.

Curious, no?

Christopher London: Obama's Victory Was The Dream of My Father (also)

I found myself standing among friends and family last night in the Sheraton Ballroom in New York City with tears streaming down my face. While I was happy and moved, for a few moments I was alone in my thoughts. After Obama surpassed 270 Electoral votes, the room went crazy as some of NY's leading Democrats ascended on stage in a triumphant spirit. Watching Governor Patterson speak before Obama came on screen, I looked around the room and so many people had tears in their eyes, black, white, Spanish, Asian, young, old, from students, young professionals, creatives, business men and women. It was so beautiful. And I thought of my father, a great American Citizen who was born in Colombia, South America who came to the United States to go to college and marry my Chelsea, New York City born mother who was of Italian and German heritage. I remember his words so clearly. "Some day my son, I hope that you will have someone who inspires your generation, in the same way that JFK and RFK, Bobby, did for mine, and then America will clearly have brighter days ahead." To my father in Heaven, "YES WE DO" Dad and I love you and my country even more today. I wish you were still here and that I could share this moment with you. You gave me the ability to reason, think independently, to appreciate all cultures and gave me profound respect for the less fortunate. Every day that I see a small piece of you in me and my brothers I salute you. You may not have been born in America but you were truly one of its greatest citizens.

This morning I got ugly emails from a handful of Republicans who were like "let's see if your magical black man can produce now." And then they wonder why I find such a hard time with the Republican brand and a party that refuses to respect the will of the people and the right of all citizens, lower income and minorities included, to vote and participate in the political process. Only a deluded right wing nut job cannot appreciate the breadth and extent of this historic victory and how people all over the world love President Elect Obama and will love America again. Make no mistake GOP Vote Suppression efforts were successful. Hundreds of thousands of registrations and votes were knocked out in battleground states, preventing an even greater margin in the electoral college and holding back even greater gains in the Senate. They could not steal this election in its entirety. The revolution of the people was too overwhelming but they sliced and diced at the margins. Consider Al Franken one of its victims and Michele Bachmann one of its beneficiaries.

Watch as in the coming days the RNC/GOP will send out the talking points that Obama's win, while historic, does not give him a mandate. That is the biggest load of bullshit. My friends, if we have learned anything, never become complacent, there are dark forces who like Freddie Kruger want to steal your dreams. Remain hopeful, determined and vigilant. Stay engaged in the political process. The transformation has only just begun!

God bless Democrats, Independents and yes Obamacans, thinking and thoughtful Conservatives who crossed party lines to support Obama. But most of all, god bless America. As Barack said last night, let's wipe away the tears and roll up our sleeves. This is our time. Americans will face some of the most challenging times since The Great Depression we must band together. In the words of another Kennedy, Teddy: "The work begins anew, the hope rises again and the dream lives on."

Sincerely,

NYC Consigliere's Corner

Barack Obama's Victory Speech in Video

Barack Obama pays tribute to John McCain's service to the country.


Barack Obama calls on Americans to help 'remake this nation' and 'pitch in to help ourselves and each other.'


President-elect Barack Obama 'All things are possible'


President-elect Barack Obama 'Yes we can'

Signs of Hope & Change: Election Night

The Obama campaign's election eve video. Very nice.

Barack Obama's Victory Speech

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Obama Takes The U.S. Presidency!

It's 9:30 pm EST and I'm ready to project Obama as the next president of the U.S.A.

Bravo!

Obama has won both Ohio and Pennsylvania -- making it impossible for McCain to get to 270 electoral votes.

Woo hoo!

Obama has 200 EVs: Maine, NY, NJ, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, all of New England, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, New Mexico.

Add in California's 55 EVs, Oregon's 7 and Washington's 11--states still voting that are solid for Obama and you're over the top with 273 EVs.

But there's also Obama's 4 EVs in Hawaii, and his likely 9 EVs in Colorado and 5 in Nevada yet to come. And he's ahead in Florida (27) and North Carolina (15). And there's still a chance to capture Virginia's 13 and Indiana's 11 -- two states where it's still to close to call. And then there's Montana's 3 EVs.

The nightmare is over. New America has been born.

SUPERBARACK

Prediction: Obama-Biden Win with 353 EVs

American Taíno has followed this historic presidential election with the belief and hope that America would again chose a leader worthy of the office of the president.

America demands a leader whose progressive policies will lead to a fairer economic system, more jobs with good salaries, better schools, health coverage for all, sensible foreign policies, environmental action, immigration reform and better fiscal management. A tall but necessary agenda.

In surveying the early field of candidates it became clear early on that only Barack Obama offered the best chance for such change. A relatively unknown rookie senator from Chicago, Illinois, with a funny name and of biracial heritage, Obama seemed to many an unlikely answer to America's leadership needs.

Improbably, twenty-four months later Obama stands on the verge of becoming America's next president.

But by what margin victory? That is, will he squeak by or will he win a mandate for change?

American Taíno predicts that when the last vote is counted tomorrow, Obama-Biden will defeat McCain-Palin 353 electoral votes to 185. In political terms, a landslide.

The next 24 hours will likely be every bit as exciting as the proceeding 2 years.

Stay tuned.

Barack Obama On Brink of Historic Victory

According to the latest Pollster.com polling trends, Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a significant 7.1 point lead nationally over John McCain and Sarah Palin.

While the actual verdict will be rendered in tomorrow's presidential vote, preference polls show Obama-Biden hold a commanding 364 to 171 advantage over their rivals in the all important electoral college sweepstakes.



Note: Click poll results for state-level trends.

Alabama: McCain +23.2 (9)
Alaska: McCain +16.9 (3)
Arizona: McCain +5.2 (10)
Arkansas: McCain +9.7 (6)
California: Obama +19.7 (55)
Colorado: Obama +6.9 (9)
Connecticut: Obama +21.1 (7)
Delaware: Obama +19.4 (3)
Florida: Obama +2.6 (27)
Georgia: McCain +1.7 (15)
Hawaii: Obama +33.6 (4)
Idaho: McCain +32.6 (4)
Illinois: Obama +25.0 (21)
Indiana: McCain +0.9 (11)
Iowa: Obama +12.9 (7)
Kansas: McCain +17.4 (6)
Kentucky: McCain +13.2 (8)
Louisiana: McCain +10.8 (9)
Maine: Obama +16.9 (4)
Maryland: Obama +18.0 (10)
Massachusetts: Obama +20.5 (12)
Michigan: Obama +16.1 (17)
Minnesota: Obama +13.0 (10)
Mississippi: McCain +9.6 (6)
Missouri: Obama +2.0 (11)
Montana: McCain +1.9 (3)
Nebraska: McCain +22.3 (5)
Nevada: Obama +6.8 (5)
New Hampshire: Obama +11.9 (4)
New Jersey: Obama +15.2 (15)
New Mexico: Obama +8.6 (5)
New York: Obama +26.2 (31)
North Carolina: Obama +0.5 (15)
North Dakota: Obama +3.1 (3)
Ohio: Obama +5.1 (20)
Oklahoma: McCain +27.5 (7)
Oregon: Obama +15.7 (7)
Pennsylvania: Obama +7.7 (21)
Rhode Island: Obama +17.3 (4)
South Carolina: McCain +9.6 (8)
South Dakota: McCain +7.5 (3)
Tennessee: McCain +15.0 (11)
Texas: McCain +13.5 (34)
Utah: McCain +18.1 (5)
Virginia: Obama +6.1 (13)
Vermont: Obama +21.3 (3)
Washington: Obama +12.9 (11)
West Virginia: McCain +11.9 (5)
Wisconsin: Obama +10.9 (10)
Wyoming: McCain +24.3 (3)

One Day to Change the World - Vote Obama-Biden!

One Day to Change the World


American Prayer


"There's Nothing We Can't Do"


Respondele a Obama


"We Have a Lot of Work to Do"


Ethel and Max Kennedy on Barack


Jay-Z for Barack: "Obama's Running So We All Can Fly"


Yes We Can


The Ruler (from Malcolm to Barack) by Fly Gypsy * VOTE EARLY!!


Bruce and Barack: The Rising in Cleveland


War - Alexei Jendayi & Sol Edler * VOTE EARLY!! VOTE BARACK!!


Si Se Puede Cambiar

Obama Loves McCain's Cheney Endorsement

Obama congratulates McCain on winning Cheney's endorsement.


Dick Cheney's "delighted to support John McCain."

Latinos for Obama

Latinos talk about why they're reaching out to their family and friends to do grassroots organizing for Obama.

Obama's 30 Minute Ad: American Stories, American Solutions

With this groundbreaking half hour commercial, Barack Obama has proven again why he is the leader America needs. Beautifully produced. Honest about America's challenges. Hopeful about what a movement for change can produced for regular Americans. True political leadership.

Jorge Mas Santos Favors Barack Obama

Jorge Mas Santos of the Cuban American National Foundation, the leading Cuban exile organization with a distinctly conservative Republican hue, spelled out the five policy changes the presidential candidates must pursue to win the Cuban American vote (How to Win the Cuban American Vote, WashPo 10.25.08).

1) Allow direct aid to dissidents.
2) Lift restrictions on travel and remittances.
3) Maintain sanctions on hard currency.
4) Engage democratic forces in Cuba.
5) Rebuild U.S. intelligence capabilities in Cuba.

Furthermore, Mas Santos cited George W. Bush's failed policies towards Cuba, and then concludes his letter with an endorsement of Barack Obama as the candidate whose US-Cuba approach best matches his proposal.

Stunning!

Controversial. Upsetting to some (as expressed here and here). And potentially a game-changer for the evolving politics of South Florida. Stay tuned!