Feb 28, 2008 11:29 pm US/Eastern
Obama, Activists Comment On Black, Hispanic Divide
Activist's Remarks Spark Strong Reactions From Local Hispanic, African American Leaders
DALLAS (CBS) ―
In an interview with Tracy Rowlett, noted Latino community activist Adelfa Callejo told CBS station KTVT-TV in Dallas 11 that Hispanics would not support a Black candidate in the Texas primary.
"Obama has the problem that he happens to be Black," said Callejo when asked if it was smart for Senator Barack Obama to reach out to Latino voters.
"When Blacks had the numbers, they didn't do anything to support us," said Callejo. "They always used our numbers to fulfill their goals and objectives, but they never really supported us, and there's a lot of hard feelings about that. I don't think we're going to get over it anytime soon."
KTVT-TV's Jay Gormley was the only North Texas television reporter traveling on the Texas campaign trail with Obama. In an exclusive interview, he asked Obama about the comments.
"Supporters of different campaigns, sometimes in their enthusiasm for the candidates, say things that are unwise," said Obama. "I wouldn't ascribe those words to Senator Clinton. I won't ascribe those words to the entire Hispanic community."
Because Callejo is a Clinton supporter, Sen. Clinton was also asked about the comment. Her campaign has now gone on record "rejecting and denouncing" the statement.
Now, some of Callejo's strongest allies are also criticizing her sentiment.
"First of all, it's pure nonsense," said Rene Martinez.
"Race is not an issue. It's who'll do the best for our children everyday," added Diana Flores.
Martinez and Flores are two well-known Hispanic community advocates in Dallas. They both have worked with Callejo and both now support Obama for president. Both say Callejo's comments are off-base.
"While I understand some of what she was saying, I'm saddened by it, because he's not to blame for the politics of divisiveness that's occurred at some level here in the City of Dallas," said Flores.
"Her assumption is we've all had the same experience with African Americans as she, and it's not true," said Martinez. "It's unfortunate, because it's not true."
Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Elba Garcia, a Clinton supporter, said she too distanced herself from Callejo's comments.
Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price also supports Clinton. He said, "The words are unfortunate, and those of us involved know it's not factual."
However, in an email to media outlets, Jesse Diaz, president of the Dallas-area League of United Latin American Citizens, wrote the following statement, separating himself from his fellow activists:
"Recent racial tensions and race relations between Black and Latino students at Seagoville High School and Skyline High School indeed gives a brief snapshot of this picture… There may be a few die-hard Latino politicians out there who would want the general public and general media to believe there is a love-fest out there between our respective communities. But go out to the many barrios within Dallas proper and surrounding Latino communities within Dallas County and ask La Raza on the streets for their take on this subject, and you'll see Adelfa has ample support from an abundance of Dallas' Latinos."
"We need to focus on those issues that we all have in common and work together," said Sen. Obama. "That's the goal that I have as president of the United States."
Callejo could not be reached for comment.
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