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The Hispanic Chamber's Improper Endorsement

Ruben Navarrett Jr. on

SAN DIEGO -- Have you ever heard of a national organization endorsing someone for vice president? Let alone doing so before voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and other early states cast a single ballot for the top job?

Me neither. We're in uncharted territory now that the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce -- which has, at this point, not endorsed anyone for president -- is backing U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro for the No. 2 spot on the Democratic ticket.

Hey folks, aren't we getting a bit ahead of ourselves?

Castro has endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. Clearly, this rising star is not "feeling the Bern."

But even if Clinton survives what has turned out to be a strong challenge by Bernie Sanders and emerges as the nominee, whom she chooses as a running mate is an open question.

The choice will come down to three things: politics, politics and politics. It won't be about who is more "qualified," since that phrase is totally subjective. The only qualification that matters in this instance is whether having a certain person on the ticket will help Clinton get elected.

 

If Republicans snap out of their Trump trance and nominate Marco Rubio, it would be smart for Democrats to recruit their own telegenic, well-spoken, 40-something Hispanic lawyer to act as a counterweight. Otherwise, we can expect many Hispanics to vote for Rubio.

Castro, who raised his national profile significantly when he delivered the keynote speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, is a longtime friend of mine. Candidly, I don't think he's ready to be a heartbeat from the presidency.

But then again, watching Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama deal with their most challenging moments in the White House has taught me that this is a job that one is never ready for. As scary as it sounds, serving as president -- or vice president -- calls for on-the-job training.

Still, I'm delighted that Castro is in the mix and that he is being talked about as a possible running mate for Clinton. He has a lot to offer the candidate and the country.

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