The MeidasTouch Podcast: "The LATINO VOTE for Trump and WTF Happened?!!! Interview with Mike Madrid"

Release Date: November 10, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas engage in an insightful conversation with Mike Madrid, a renowned political consultant and author of Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy. The discussion delves deep into the surprising shift of the Latino vote towards Donald Trump in recent elections, examining the underlying causes, implications for the Democratic Party, and strategies for reclaiming this crucial voter base.

Unveiling the Latino Shift

The episode kicks off with Ben introducing Mike Madrid’s pivotal role in predicting and analyzing the Latino vote's unexpected leanings towards Trump. Ben remarks, “Mike Madrid... wrote the manifesto that predicted the way the Latino vote was going to go” ([00:00]). Mike echoes this sentiment, expressing astonishment at the outcome despite his long-term predictions: “I was taken aback myself... This Latino shift... played a critical role in the outcome of the election” ([01:19]).

Economic Concerns Over Immigration

A central theme of the discussion is the shift in Latino voters' priorities from immigration issues to economic concerns. Mike challenges the conventional wisdom that Latinos primarily vote based on immigration stances, emphasizing, “There’s very little data saying this is becoming more conservative, the Latinos are becoming more conservative. That’s not happening. Latinos... are becoming more populist” ([01:19]). He argues that economic hardships are the driving force, citing that only 20% of Latinos viewed the economy positively in key polls ([08:04]).

Debunking Stereotypes and Misconceptions

The conversation addresses and dismantles prevalent stereotypes about Latino voters. Mike refutes the notion that Latino culture is uniformly anti-woman or hostile towards Black individuals. He states, “Latino culture was anti-woman... It just doesn’t hold water” ([09:24]) and highlights the remarkable rate at which Latinos elect women to office, surpassing other demographics: “Latinos elect women to office at higher rates than any other race or ethnicity” ([09:24]).

Generational Changes and Identity

Mike underscores the importance of generational shifts within the Latino community. He explains, “The vast majority, the explosive growth that is happening with the Latino vote is with third and now fourth generation voters” ([04:30]). These younger generations identify more with being American than with their ancestral origins, which influences their political perspectives and voting behavior.

Strategic Recommendations for the Democratic Party

Addressing the Democratic Party’s challenges, Mike offers strategic recommendations to regain Latino support. He emphasizes the need to focus on economic populism and address pocketbook concerns: “If we start speaking to those pocketbook concerns... we can move this considerably” ([13:49]). Mike is optimistic, believing that with leaders like Ruben Gallego and Catherine Cortez Masto stepping up, the party can effectively reconnect with Latino voters.

Controversial Topics and Open Dialogue

The episode does not shy away from controversial topics, such as machismo and potential misogyny within Latino culture. When questioned about these issues, Mike provides evidence-based counterarguments, demonstrating that cultural stereotypes do not align with voting behaviors: “The two US presidential candidates who did that best... were Barack Obama... and Hillary Clinton... they both received over 70% of the Latino vote” ([09:24]). He emphasizes the importance of moving beyond racial and ethnic lenses to understand the true drivers of voter behavior.

The Path Forward: Reconciliation and Adaptation

In concluding remarks, Mike stresses the urgency for the Democratic Party to adapt and address the mistakes of the past: “This is imminently gettable. It’s entirely possible to bring them back to the high 20s” ([13:49]). Ben echoes this call to action, urging listeners to acknowledge the problem, learn from it, and adapt accordingly: “It’s never too late to acknowledge a problem, learn from it, and then adapt, right?” ([15:33]).

Key Takeaways

• Economic Populism Over Immigration: Latino voters are increasingly prioritizing economic issues over immigration, contradicting traditional assumptions.

• Generational Shifts: Younger Latino generations identify more as American, influencing their political affiliations and priorities.

• Debunking Stereotypes: Stereotypes about Latino voters being uniformly anti-woman or influenced solely by immigration are inaccurate.

• Strategic Reclamation: The Democratic Party must focus on economic concerns and engage with Latino voters on issues that matter most to them.

• Leadership and Adaptation: Strong Latino leaders within the party can play a pivotal role in reconnecting with and mobilizing the Latino electorate.

Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast provides a profound analysis of the shifting dynamics within the Latino electorate. Through Mike Madrid's expertise, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the factors driving Latino voters towards Trump and the necessary steps the Democratic Party must take to reverse this trend. The discussion underscores the importance of data-driven strategies, cultural understanding, and economic focus in political campaigns targeting the Latino community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Meiselas ([00:00]): “Mike Madrid... wrote the manifesto that predicted the way the Latino vote was going to go.”

• Mike Madrid ([01:19]): “This Latino shift... played a critical role in the outcome of the election.”

• Mike Madrid ([04:30]): “The vast majority, the explosive growth that is happening with the Latino vote is with third and now fourth generation voters.”

• Mike Madrid ([09:24]): “Latinos elect women to office at higher rates than any other race or ethnicity.”

• Mike Madrid ([13:49]): “This is imminently gettable. It’s entirely possible to bring them back to the high 20s.”

• Ben Meiselas ([15:33]): “It’s never too late to acknowledge a problem, learn from it, and then adapt, right?”

Final Thoughts

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the ideas presented in this episode by reading Mike Madrid’s Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Latino electorate’s evolution and provides valuable insights for political strategists and voters alike.

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