Jim Hightower Opens for Bernie Sanders Albuquerque NM, (5-20-16)

[Donkees]

[Trust Buster]

1. He lost Texas and Arizona by wide margins. It's that Hispanic thing.

[McKim]

4. I Wouldn't Brag about Arizona, if I Were You

I wouldn't brag about Arizona just yet, there were a lot of shenanigans and lawsuits are still pending. I wonder how many of these are paid posters here.

[Trust Buster]

5. Sanders has done poorly with Hispanics in Texas and Arizona. New Mexico and California will be

No different. Lily white states is where Sanders flourishes.

[Plucketeer]

7. Just keep singing that tune!

[SheilaT]

9. New Mexico isn't very much like Texas or Arizona

despite the fact that it keeps those two states from crashing into each other, as India has crashed into Asia.

New Mexico has significantly more Hispanics than either of those two states as a percentage of population. We also have a far more noticeable Native American presence -- ten percent of the population --than Texas or Arizona. A significant number of people here are bilingual. And by significant, I mean that a lot of jobs require Spanish. When I did hospital registration, my Spanish improved immensely.

Spanish is not an official language of the state, although laws are supposed to be published in both languages -- not all of them are -- and Spanish language interpreters are always present at things like traffic court.

You can't lump New Mexico's Hispanics with those in Arizona or Texas. The Hispanic presence here has strongly influenced local culture. They make this state, and especially Santa Fe, very Catholic. Around here, all of the Catholic churches offer masses in Spanish, and many Protestant denominations also have Spanish language services.

I got to see Bernie at the Santa Fe rally, which Hightower also opened.

I think Bernie will do extremely well here. Our primary is officially June 7, but we have excellent early voting. It's already been going on for a week or so at the downtown county clerk's office, and two other locations open today, and are open Tuesday through Saturday through June 4. I'll be voting next week. I always vote early.

[Trust Buster]

10. I disagree. Time will tell.

[SheilaT]

11. Have you ever lived in any of the three states?

I've lived in two of them, Arizona at two different points in my life, and New Mexico for eight years now.

While I've never lived in Texas, I've visited on occasion, driven through it (doesn't mean much, I know) and have known people who have or currently live there.

So I can assure you that Arizona and New Mexico aren't very much alike at all.

Oh, and our current Governor, Susana Martinez, is insultingly called La Tejana by those who despise her. In case your Spanish isn't strong, that means The Texan Lady. She was born and raised in El Paso, went to college in Texas, law school in Oklahoma. Moved to New Mexico in the 1980s.

[larkrake]

17. I have lived in all three states. Texas has big hearted bigots and loons, AZ has insane wealthy

bigots
New Mexico has alot of Indians that struggle, Latinos that struggle, gays, crystal huggers, holistic believers, refugees from big cities seeking a good life, and a smattering of gov scientists.All open-minded people who sought and found peace and beauty in northern NM.
Capitalism in Albuquerque
A military grouping in middle NM
refugee Texan oil folk and UFO believers in Southern NM

So, NM is very diversified, including several major colleges supporting Bernie. I would be shocked if Bernie doesnt take NM easily.

[SheilaT]

18. Thanks for your input.

Northern NM is a lot different from Albuquerque on down.

The New Age stuff in this part of the state is also a large part of the culture. More than once I've seen someone say to a brand new acquaintance, "I knew you in a former lifetime" and the other person not batting an eye at that statement.

[ALBliberal]

12. I completely agree

Diversification is prized in NM we value other's cultures and all our kids are raised to prize our Spanish and Native American roots. We are proudly multi cultural and there's a strong since of inclusion. The minority vote here in NM won't follow the pattern of other states because the lines between race designations are blurred. I am a native Texan and I am speaking from the experience of living there vs. living here in NM. I think Bernie will do very well in NM.

[SheilaT]

13. Yes. I should have said more

about the Native American presence here, because it's very strong, at least in Northern New Mexico.

At the rally in Santa Fe, before Bernie spoke, we were treated to some native dancing and drumming.

[ALBliberal]

14. That's wonderful. NM is a special place. Nt

[mountain grammy]

15. Why don't you just chill for a few minutes

get off your high horse and listen to Jim Hightower. He's always fun, always entertaining, and always right. He's a true blue progressive in the red state of Texas, one of the fun, witty, Texas progressives who tells it like it is. Enjoy your day!

[Gene Debs]

2. Always liked Hightower. He really should have a cabinet post.

[polly7]

3. Hightower is great! nt.

[TIME TO PANIC]

6. Hillary may be indicted. It's an FBI thing.

[mudstump]

8. I LOVE me some Hightower!!

[Left Coast2020]

16. You'll have to forgive trustbuster.....

..They apparently enjoy being one of those "fire hydrants" that Jim refers to.

Well sorry my friend. If you enjoy being a fire hydrant when those dogs walk by, your choice. But not me.

I was there last night. And I'm happy to announce that Bernie has support from the local Native American community here--in case you were not informed.