But none is planning to play up his race or ethnicity in a presidential campaign, or even to stress the potentially historic nature of his candidacy. Instead, according to interviews with donors, strategists, aides and several of the possible candidates themselves, each is more likely to hit broader themes such as the American dream and the importance of hard work, which, for Jindal, Cruz and Rubio, would include nods to their parents’ immigrant experience.
Such messages would, in theory, have more universal appeal by stressing the commonalities of the American experience instead of its divisions — while also avoiding the identity politics that are toxic among GOP primary voters. It’s a tactic that may be welcomed as an expression of unity by some minorities, but it is already seen by others, especially advocates for immigrants, as dismissive of unique hardships facing their communities.
In a 25-minute interview, Cruz described his approach this way: “When I ran for Senate, I didn’t run as, ‘vote for the Hispanic guy.’ I ran as the strongest conservative in the race … Now, is the fact that my father came as an immigrant from Cuba, penniless, seeking the American dream, an integral part of who I am? Absolutely.”…
“I’m proud of my culture, I’m proud of my heritage, I’m proud of where I come from,” Rubio said in an interview. “One of the great things about America is it allows you to keep all of those things, influence our society, but ultimately we’re united by this common strain … We’re united by what I think is a common aspiration: That is, ensure everyone has an equal opportunity for a better life.”
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