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Latino voters swing back

Sep 19, 2026 · 32m

Summary

This episode examines the dramatic shift in Latino voter sentiment, noting a 27-point drop in Trump approval and a 43-point swing toward Democrats since 2024. Stephanie Valencia of ECIS explains that this "swinging giant" demographic is driven by economic hardship, broken promises on immigration, and war, rather than strict ideological lines. The discussion highlights common campaign errors, such as poorly translated ads and misidentifying media consumption habits. Finally, Colorado congressional candidate Manny Ruttino discusses his strategy to appeal to Latino voters in a battleground dis…

Topics discussed

Intro: Latino voter shift away from Trump Defining the Latino electorate and introducing guests Why Latinos are a 'Swinging Giant' not a sleeping one Nuances within subgroups: gender, age, and origin Campaign mistakes: media targeting and Spanish-language ads Immigration backlash and broken promises since 2024 Economic factors: wages, inflation, and cost of living Does Trump backlash equal Democratic support? Ideology vs. common sense: healthcare and social issues Demographics, new voters, and the end of inevitable coalitions Manny Rootino: Context of Colorado's 8th district On-the-ground feedback: anger over broken promises Personal politics: veganism and cultural connection Political identity: progressive label vs. pragmatism Policy shifts: single-payer to public option healthcare Explaining policy evolution and evidence-based decision making Cultural competence and kitchen table issues Conclusion: Key takeaways and show credits
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