Actor John Leguizamo has voiced concerns about the Democratic Party underestimating the political influence of Latino voters.

Leguizamo emphasized that overlooking this significant demographic could adversely affect the Democrats in the looming presidential race against Republicans, Breitbart News reported.

During an episode of the "Daily Show: Ears Edition" podcast, hosted by Kate Radley and aired on a Monday, Leguizamo expressed his apprehensions. He highlighted the example of Donald Trump's 2020 victory in Florida, attributing it to the Republican's focused outreach within the Latino community.

Republicans strategically used various communication platforms such as Whatsapp and Spanish-language radio, employing emotionally charged terms like "socialism."

This tactic particularly resonated with Cuban, Venezuelan, and Colombian communities, known for their sensitivity to socialist ideologies.

Effective Communication Is Key

Leguizamo criticized President Joe Biden for presuming Latino support based purely on ethnic background. He argued that the Democratic approach should be more proactive and tailored, emphasizing that success hinged on genuine engagement with the voters.

"You have to come for us. You have to work for us. You have to knock on our doors. You have to call us. You have to talk about the words that trigger us into voting for you," Leguizamo stated on the podcast, urging Democrats to change their outreach strategy.

According to Leguizamo, this lack of tailored communication led to disillusionment among Latino voters, who then turned towards more engaging candidates, even if their broader policies did not align with the community's usual preferences.

Republicans Gain Ground

Leguizamo pointed out that economic factors also played a significant role in shifting Latino voter sentiment. He mentioned how the record inflation under Biden’s administration exacerbated the cost of essential goods and services, pushing some voters towards alternate choices.

The actor suggested that Democrats invest more in grassroots organizations aiming to convert traditionally Republican states. According to him, this investment is vital for reconnecting with Latino communities whose votes are crucial for democratic success.

Leguizamo has discussed politics and race in America multiple times, indicating his deep engagement with these issues.

His recurrent intervention in political discourse underlines the importance he places on the representation and participation of Latino voices in the electoral process.

Democrats' Misassumptions and Reality

During the podcast, Radley questioned the efficacy of Democratic strategies in engaging Latino voters, to which Leguizamo responded sharply. He pointed out the community's broad sense of neglect and emphasized that mere assumption of support without action would not suffice.

Leguizamo reiterated the effective Republican strategies:

Republicans were coming at us in WhatsApp with ads, they were coming at us on our Spanish-language radio stations with all kinds of trigger words like ‘socialism.’ That triggers Cubans, Venezuelans, and Colombians. They talked our talk.

He voiced his concern over the perception that Democrats take Latino voters for granted, a recurring theme in his critiques. Leguizamo stressed the potential repercussions of such oversight in future elections.

The Outlook for the 2024 Presidential Race

In his predictions for the 2024 presidential race, Leguizamo speculated about the shift in Latino voter priorities and their potential impact on election outcomes.  Given his active involvement and observant stance on political trends affecting his community, his insights are viewed as critical.

The actor’s comments reflect broader concerns within the Latino community regarding their political leverage and the necessity for both major parties to actively vie for their votes with genuine, appealing policies rather than depending on traditional voter loyalty.

In conclusion, Leguizamo’s discussion serves as a crucial reminder to the Democratic Party. Proactive engagement, genuine communication strategies, and serious investment in grassroots movements are essential to secure and respect the Latino vote in the upcoming elections.