Sanders' Latino Outreach Director: 'El Bernie' Has Strong Support

[IDemo]

LAS VEGAS - Before becoming part of Bernie Sanders' campaign staff, Arturo Carmona, 37, was part of a Latino group that focused on youth and online organizing. The organization targeted Democrats for voting against expanded deportation relief for immigrants illegally here and protested President Barack Obama on deportation policies. Carmona spoke with NBC Latino about why he is still an agitator, trying to shake up the Latino support for Clinton, who won Nevada's Latino vote 2-1 in 2008.

You started your campaign in Nevada later than the Clinton camp. Has that been a disadvantage?

Well we started at a disadvantage yes, but we've had room to make up. We had to make up ground and catch up and we've done that and especially because we have the great support of thousands of volunteers not only in Nevada but, all across the country.

As it relates to the Latinos and other communities of color, it's been a unique challenge introducing the senator in many respects because he's not a national figure, he comes from Vermont.

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/sanders-latino-outreach-director-el-bernie-has-strong-support-n520316

[Chichiri]

1. Omigod, that's not a joke.

Looking at "El Bernie," I thought that had to be a joke. How sad.

[Punkingal]

2. Why would it be a joke, and why is it sad?

[Bluenorthwest]

4. In English people regularly say 'The Bern' and no one says a word, put it in Spanish and it's a

joke? Why is that?

[Chichiri]

7. That's a good point. nt

[Arazi]

8. I think it's terrific! It's linguistically no different than "The Bern"

while being even catchier imo

[dana_b]

3. "El Bernie"??

He is THE Bernie - there are no other Bernie's around!! lol...

Sorry, it gave me a good laugh. But I am glad to hear that some are willing to look at him and give him a chance.

"We talk to Latino parents and older folks and they are like, "I was convinced by my daughters and sons" and they are like "You know what? I'm taking another look at this." A lot of them said, "I was supporting Hillary." But you know what? There's no loyalty to Hillary … They're like. "Let's give 'El Bernie' a second chance."

Excellent!

[cali]

5. Not even close to as pathetic as phony hill's abuela crap.

The irony of a hill fan mocking this is just fab.

[noretreatnosurrender]

6. So True

What advice would you give to young Latinos who aspire to do what you do?

To not lose that fire in the belly because in whatever place you are there's always going to be pressures to go with the flow, to take the easy path. But the reality is that our community has such titanic needs that we need leadership and we need people to challenge the status quo in order for our communities to be adequately represented and in order for our communities to advance.

Excellent advice.