Republican presidential candidate John McCain speaks at the National Council of La Raza conference in San Diego on Monday. (Photo by Waldo Nilo - Staff Photographer) Sell
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REGION: McCain says immigration would be top priority
Latinos cheer speech during La Raza conference
By EDWARD SIFUENTES - Staff Writer | ∞
Republican presidential candidate John McCain speaks at the National Council of La Raza conference in San Diego on Monday. (Photo by Waldo Nilo - Staff Photographer) SAN DIEGO ---- If there were any doubts about his support for comprehensive immigration reform, Sen. John McCain appeared determined to erase them Monday when he spoke in front of about 2,000 Latinos gathered at the National Council of La Raza's annual conference.
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The presumptive Republican presidential nominee told the enthusiastic crowd that he had not backed away from supporting legislation to legalize millions of undocumented immigrants, as his Democratic opponent, Sen. Barack Obama, has contended.
"I do ask for your trust when I say, I remain committed to fair, practical and comprehensive immigration reform," McCain said. "I mean it. I think I have earned that trust."
The National Council of La Raza is one of the country's largest Latino civil rights organizations. Several North County activists protested outside the convention, calling the organization racist for its efforts to legalize undocumented immigrants.
In recent years, North County communities have been on the front line of the immigration debate. Escondido, for example, generated national attention for its failed effort to create an ordinance banning landlords from renting to illegal immigrants.
On Sunday, also speaking at the convention, Obama repeated recent criticisms that McCain had retreated from supporting an immigration reform bill he helped write with U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.
On Monday, McCain fired back, saying that Obama was absent from bipartisan negotiations to draft the measure.
McCain's bid for the GOP presidential nomination was nearly derailed by his co-authorship of the failed Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007, which would have created a path to citizenship for the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants, a position anathema to many Republicans.
During the primaries earlier this year, McCain shifted his stance, saying that he would not support his own bill. He said that the country needed to secure its borders first before he would support immigration reform that included legalizing undocumented immigrants.
"We can't let immigrants break our laws with impunity," McCain said during his speech. "We can't leave our borders undefended. But these are God's children ... and we cannot forget the humanity that God commands us as we seek to remedy this problem."
The Arizona senator received cheers and applause from the audience throughout the half-hour speech at the downtown convention center. McCain touched on economic issues most, saying that he would keep taxes low to help small-business owners and that he would double child deductions from $3,500 to $7,000 to help families.
Oceanside City Councilman Rocky Chavez, a McCain supporter, said afterward he was pleased with the senator's speech because he demonstrated knowledge of Latino concerns, such as immigration, education and trade.
"I think the selling point is he knows Mexico, he knows Central America," Chavez said. "I don't think Obama's ever been to Mexico."
In recent weeks, Obama and McCain have heavily courted the Latino vote by making speeches at high-profile gatherings, such as the League of United Latin American Citizens conference earlier this month.
The campaigns are appealing to the up to 10 million Latinos expected to vote in the Nov. 4 election. Many of those voters live in key swing states such as Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Florida.
McCain acknowledged that he has an uphill battle to earn Latino votes, many of whom are Democrats. Several recent polls suggest that he is trailing Obama by double-digit margins among Latino voters, some of whom have been alienated by tough rhetoric against illegal immigrants among some GOP candidates.
"I know many of you are Democrats, regrettably, and many of you would usually vote for the presidential candidate of that party," McCain said. "I know I must work hard to win your votes, but you have always given me a respectful hearing, and I appreciate it."
After his speech, McCain took several questions from the audience. The senator, dressed in a dark suit and red tie, did not deviate from his scripted speech except when two antiwar demonstrators briefly interrupted the event.
"The one thing Americans want us to do is to stop yelling at each other," he told the crowd, drawing some laughter.
Speakers called on McCain to end immigration raids on families and to do more to stop the deaths of immigrants entering into the country on foot through the deserts.
McCain decried the deaths as a "failure of the federal government to exercise its responsibilities."
The senator also appeared frustrated by a question on whether he would make immigration reform a top priority if he is elected president.
"Of course, it's my top priority," McCain said. "It will be my top priority. Otherwise, I would have not done what I did. I think my actions speak for themselves."
Pamela Vargas, a 22-year-old college student from San Francisco, said McCain's speech did not go far enough because he did not mention support for a bill that would help illegal immigrant students earn legal status, called the Dream Act.
Vargas was one of several students who attended the conference to hear what McCain had to say on the bill. One of the members of her group was able to ask McCain a question about the measure.
"It was weird because he didn't address the Dream Act until he was asked," Vargas said. "It's not his priority."
However, McCain got high marks from some who heard the speech.
Calvin One Deer, a program director at Palomar College, said he was impressed with the passion that McCain demonstrated. After hearing both Obama and McCain at the conference, One Deer said, he remained undecided, but said McCain gave the better speech.
"I came here with low expectations, and I'm leaving thinking, 'He really had passion,'" One Deer said. "Out of the two speeches, I think I would give McCain the edge."
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Contact staff writer Edward Sifuentes at (760) 740-3511 or esifuentes@nctimes.com.
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Gringo wrote on Jul 14, 2008 7:40 PM:Ron Paul the obvious choice.
DaveH wrote on Jul 14, 2008 7:58 PM:My perception is that McCain is working for Soros, and his job is to lose the election to BHO.
Why else would he keep a fomer Mexican Cabinet Minister of his staff when he knows what the totals were against his and Teddy Kennedy's Shamnesty Bill?
Appalled wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:07 PM:I am flatly appalled at the lawlessness that our presumptive candidates are advocating. Rewarding people who are not supposed to be here, and speaking in front of organizations that are for essentially open borders is absolutely, positively incredible. The borders are like a sieve, and a school or bus transit line can easily be targeted by al Qaeda or a similar organization in a suicide attack. OMG.
Bye Bye wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:13 PM:Voters, don't worry with voting for President, since either of these two clowns aren't worth the effort it takes to punch the ballot. Focus on the Congress and Senate since they have far more say in how our country is ruined...'er I mean run!.
Tuck wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:17 PM:To DaveH: I think you are right. We are living in very corrupt times....
Jimmy wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:35 PM:I prefer Les Paul mate!
Im with you wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:48 PM:ByeBye. Clowns, indeed! Looks like no matter who wins, we can look forward to four years of life under the big top.
Roberto wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:07 PM:Its a plot to steal your McJob job...
John wrote on Jul 15, 2008 2:19 AM:With choices like these two yo-yo's, I will stick with my choice of GEORGE CARLIN FOR PRESIDENT (because even a dead comedian-may he rest in peace-is a better choice then these two ...!).
Fool on the Hill wrote on Jul 15, 2008 3:54 AM:I usually risk my vote on a third party candidate. This year will be no different. It isn't popular but sometimes you just have to make a statement and stand your ground. I would rather be one who supports a candidate who loses the election than one who votes for a LOSER! It isn't a horse race and I don't gamble. God bless the USA!
VOR wrote on Jul 15, 2008 6:02 AM:What really needs to be addressed is the hate and bigotry that is expressed on this subject. Posters use fear to bolster their contentions, such as the borders are so open that Al Qaedea can slip across, even though the Mexican border is a hundred times more secure then our Canadian border. But Canadians are not Mexican looking, now are they? The issue here is that changing the law is the right thing to do. And changing the law will allow Mexicans to become citizens and some of us, dont want to add to the Hispanic citizen population of the US. But one thing is certain, just like in 2006, America is craving change because the polarization that Republicans have caused, with their destruction of the Constitution, their total failures across the board and their habit of lying and misleading will be further torn away as Democrats change the structure of government. The voices of discrimination and hate will be pushed behind us and we will begin to be Americans again, not just one group, but all of us. Conservatism is dying and these posters are deathly afraid that their fears and prejudices will disappear too. They are right, they will. Then what will they have to do?
I wish wrote on Jul 15, 2008 6:31 AM:someone would explain to me why we need immigration reform. We have laws that make legal immigration possible. Because 20 million Mexicans do not want to follow our law means we need reform? Because the Mexican government is so corrupt they can't feed their people we need reform? I don't see 20 Million Canadians, Europeans, Arabs, Chinese or any other race here illegally. Seems to me the Activists should be working at the source of the problem, the Mexican government. We do not need reform, Mexico does.
TimT wrote on Jul 15, 2008 7:24 AM:I know Juan didn’t want the fence, however, it appears to be working. The proof is the increased boat entries. These liberals are always wrong. Gosh, dumb and misguided people with a microphone are dangerous in a democracy. Please keep in mind that Hitler was democratically elected.
EscoWatchDog wrote on Jul 15, 2008 7:47 AM:I don't like McCain's platform, but I still feel it is important that he address all sectors of the community even Latinos..(OMG!) You all are going to freak out now right?
How dare I think Latinos should also be considered important voters in this country? Right? Wrong. We all count so let it be.
RG wrote on Jul 15, 2008 7:57 AM:It's easy to see why the racist organization La Raza and all the open border folks are upbeat about the upcoming election. No matter whether Obama or McCain prevails, the open border/illegal supporters win and American citizens lose. It's terrible to see America becoming more like Mexico when efforts should be to make Mexico more like America.
Nothing New wrote on Jul 15, 2008 8:08 AM:America has always been a nation of immigrants. And throughout our history, folks who have been established here a few generations have rained down hate on the newcomers. For better or worse, this is our tradition. There is nothing new under the sun. America's past and future are multicultural, despite the haters.
fedup wrote on Jul 15, 2008 8:12 AM:why would this Pamela want anything for illegals? It only takes away from those that immigrated legally.......
Rocky Chavez sounds like ... wrote on Jul 15, 2008 8:27 AM:Oh My God Rocky Chavez you have got to be kidding!!!!! "I think the selling point is he knows Mexico, he knows Central America," Chavez said. "I don't think Obama's ever been to Mexico." I have been to me Mexico many, many times does that make me ready to be the President. Come on Rocky give us a break. What a stupid comment. I hear you are running for Mayor of Oceanside what qualifies you for the job, how many times have you been to Mexico?
Patriot wrote on Jul 15, 2008 8:43 AM:Mr. Sifuentes says McCain's support for creating a path to citizenship for immigration lawbreakers is "anathema to many Republicans". This is too simplistic a statement. What really irked many people (not just Republicans) is the way in which McCain-Kennedy proposed to go about it. The method was similar to the 1986 amnesty of 3 million which did nothing to end illegal immigration because it left the border open. People have seen what happens when anyone can cross the border, buy a stolen identity, work a job at reduced pay and with no benefits, deliver babies without insurance, sign them up for welfare, send them to public school with free meals and bus rides, and squeal when someone suggests it's not fair to the taxpayer and legal immigrant. A path to citizenship for 12 million lawbreakers is only palatable without the prospect of 48 million lawbreakers demanding the same thing 20 years from now.
Roger wrote on Jul 15, 2008 8:58 AM:Chill out.
The Pandering Express promises to make this, that, or the other "Top Priority" every 24 hours. It's not as if McCain actually intends to do anything, or even remember what it was he promised yesterday.
Democrat Robert wrote on Jul 15, 2008 8:59 AM:Both of these candidates are spineless wimps pandering to the latino vote legal and otherwise. What the hell has happened to my Party?? My God secure the borders with the existing laws... what part of illegal dont they understand? Its hard to admit but as a moderate Democrat I must say I sure would have liked to hear Rep Brian Bilbray shake this this gang. It appears Bilbray is and remains the sole bitbull for legal immigration only.
Write the wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:00 AM:Ruplican and Democrat leaders tell them the people are voting 3rd party this year. They will have till 2012 to get the parties in order.
How stupid and dense wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:02 AM:this politicanss appear, 12 million illegals? Sorry but you guys need to update, perhaps 60 million illegals by now and growing everyday.
Entirely New wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:07 AM:America has historically been a nation of legal immigrants, not border crashers. America has historically restricted the number of legal immigrants and the type of skills they bring in the national interest. Historically, legal immigrants have embraced and immersed themselves in American language and culture. Now instead we have race based political groups (La Raza, MEChA, and others) looking to remake national language and culture to their liking through sheer numbers by defending the rights of illegal aliens to invade the country.
Phil wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:14 AM:So what are you guy/gals going to do today?
Time we ask wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:17 AM:Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum are you Americans or communist?
Daniel wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:47 AM:The people in this country voted in these two candidates. What does that tell you about the citizens in this countries knowledge on issues before voting. McCain had some bogus illegal immigration radio ads when he was running against Rommney making himself look like he was tough on illegal immigration. Obama is promising everything but the kithchen sink. How's it all going to get paid for? They will say and do anything for votes.Isn't there a good 3rd party candidate? We need one.
just wondering wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:58 AM:Its mentioned that McCain 'represents Latino concerns, immigration, education trade'. what country is he representing, USA or Mexico??
Voter wrote on Jul 15, 2008 10:05 AM:I'm going to write in Pat Buchanan. lets start a movement, pass it along
Concerned One wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:01 AM:Ron Paul has something going. He may be our ticket this November. Check out his Liberty Campaign. McCain is embarassing. Obama is in la la land with all his rhetoric. We need someone to make some hard decisions. Regards, C-1.
Yankee Fan wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:35 AM:Hey Phil,
I have already completed numerous chores today. This afternoon I plan on heading to the beach. There is nothing like afternoon sun in S.D. Then, I will watch the All-Star-Game from my beloved Stadium. Before that, I think I will have a tuna sandwich for lunch. What are you having? Enjoy the rest of your day!!!
To Voter wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:41 AM:Pat Buchanan?! ... Not on my worst day!
To Concerned One wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:42 AM:The main problem with Ron Paul is that he's a libertarian in republicans clothing. I like a lot of what he has to say, but he would have gained much more credibility if he would have run non-partisan than he did by hiding under the republican umbrella.
esteban wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:46 AM:Bye bye...I totally agree with you. But the president is important. I vote for McCain, not because I like all his policies...but because I want rational conservative judges nominated to the Supreme Court. Once that old bat Ginsberg retires, I do not want another liberal clone. That's why we need a conservative prez.
logfish wrote on Jul 15, 2008 12:18 PM:Quit freakin out about stuff and stuff like that.
sdraoul wrote on Jul 15, 2008 12:20 PM:The lowest common denominated classless of North County speak down on this article.
They threaten to vote for a third party, for Ron Paul and even mention Pat Buchanan's name.
Losers all.
kriskey wrote on Jul 15, 2008 12:37 PM:'Nothing New' voiced concerns that we are a nation of immigrants...however, when my great grandparents came to this country, there was no welfare, food stamps, free lunch and breakfasts, free medical care,
etc. When their children where born, THEY paid the hospital bill...when they needed food, THEY paid the grocer....when a kid was sick, THEY paid the doctor...THEY learned the English language and made sure their children did well in school....They assimulated into the American culture and where proud to be here. There is a big difference from immigrants of the past...and the illegal immigrants
of today. These two candidates are nothing but whimps who will not stand up for what the majority of the American People want done with immigration.....
Your third party wrote on Jul 15, 2008 1:32 PM:voters are going to hurt the republicans and democrats, my advise is to get McCain and Obama to tll exactly what theywill do with the border.
Mc Bama wrote on Jul 15, 2008 2:30 PM:I promise a state-of-the-art, secure, and green border that addresses the needs of each country with overnight campgrounds with toilets and showers, free health care clinics with full maternity care, job assistance centers staffed with government employees speaking 45 different languages to match willing workers with employers, and free, renewable fuel-burning bus service to major cities.
write-in wrote on Jul 15, 2008 2:36 PM:Vote for Glenn Beck, a vote for common sense.
Yes wrote on Jul 15, 2008 3:21 PM:McBama for president!!!!
Hatch in Escondido wrote on Jul 15, 2008 4:13 PM:McCain has flipped and flopped on illegal immigration. Obama has maintained his pandering stance all along. It was said that the people voted for these candidates. Why not look deeper into why. The majority of the country is still unaware of the burdens we bear with illegal aliens. They hear or read snippets in the news, but, they don't live the long waits at emergency rooms or write out checks for state income taxes, over 15% of which is to cover the costs related to illegal aliens. They don't know. What they hear is that anti-illegal immigration people are racists or uncaring conservatives. They just don't know. I travel enough around the country and around the world and have discussed these issues with many. They simply don't know. That is OUR biggest failing, even more than who we made as candidates. After all, had enough people in this country knew what was going on, the McDweeb and Obamarama would be singing different tunes.
Deja Vu wrote on Jul 15, 2008 4:23 PM:We've been here before, folks ... in 2004, it was either George Bush or John Kerry. Very sad!
McAmnesty has my vote wrote on Jul 15, 2008 7:18 PM:Did he say Amnesty? Yes I think I heard him say Amnesty!!! All he wants to stop are the drugs coming across the border not the immigrants, yes, that means amnesty!!!
why is it... wrote on Jul 15, 2008 8:15 PM:both candidates see giving amnesty as a top priority and rewarding those who openly violate and break our laws citizenship..??? Why do they and the rest of our elected officials continue to turn away from their constituencies on this matter.??? Bush tried to push it through and the people of this Nation spoke loudly against it..So much so, that the matter was tabled. Obviously anyone who wants to run for major political offices as also got to turn into the Major Political Whore, playing to the special interest groups rather then listening to the majority of what the people who work for and pay their inflated, unearned salaries need or think. Government is hugely out of touch with the populace of this country anymore, and while the candidates who are whoring for the votes, it's the citizens of this country who consistently get screwed....
Mexicat wrote on Jul 16, 2008 12:01 AM:Why does nctimes censor my stuff. The ut always approve my comments. Anyway, I'm glad to see their are other Latinos who are against this organization. Like they say, you don't speak for me.
Disgusted wrote on Jul 16, 2008 12:02 AM:These two polititians make me sick. They say anything to get votes and then when they get elected it's bye bye public and hello lobbyists and special interests. Money- money- money
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