So all Hispanics must be on the left and share William Richardson III’s particular views on immigration, or they’re not really Hispanic? According to Bill Richardson, graduate of Tufts University (bachelors degree: French and PoliSci), yes:
QUESTION: What does [Bill Richardson] think of Ted Cruz.
BILL RICHARDSON: I’m not a fan. I know [Ted Cruz is] sort of the Republican latest flavor. He’s articulate. He seems to be charismatic, but I don’t like his politics. I think he introduces a measure of incivility in the political process. Insulting people is not the way to go. But I guess he’s a force in the Republican political system, but I’m not a fan.
QUESTION: Do you think he represents most Hispanics with his politics?
RICHARDSON: No, no. He’s anti-immigration. Almost every Hispanic in the country wants to see immigration reform. No, I don’t think he should be defined as a Hispanic. He’s a politician from Texas. A conservative state. And I respect Texas’ choice. But what I don’t like is… when you try to get things done, it’s okay to be strong and state your views, your ideology. But I’ve seen him demean the office, be rude to other senators, not be part of, I think, the civility that is really needed in Washington.
Richardson’s view is a narrow, even a racist one, even if it’s a bit more artfully phrased than Democrat Dick Harpootlian’s latest racist jibe at SC Gov. Nikki Haley. But you’ll never see anyone in the media call Richardson out on it. And it’s likely to resonate on the left and have some effect.
Democrats are already so fearful of Cruz that they’re building up a couple of memes about him. One is that he’s angry and uncivil, and alleged conservative Jennifer Rubin is giving the left aid and comfort to push that meme. Another is Richardson’s line that the son of Cuban immigrants isn’t a true Hispanic because he doesn’t agree with the Democrats. The same racist trick has been played against black conservatives like Clarence Thomas, and unfortunately it has mostly worked.
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