The Hispanic Chamber's Improper Endorsement

But this story isn't really about Castro. It's about whether it was a good idea for a national Hispanic organization to so blatantly advertise its ethnic allegiance by forcing his name into the conversation -- especially this early.

It wasn't. The move was presumptuous, arrogant and improper. It trivialized the idea of the Hispanic vote, and the viability of Hispanic officials such as Castro. It hurt the cause of trying to get more respect for Hispanic voters, and their eagerness to be counted in the political process. Lastly, it makes clear that at least one Hispanic organization has lost its focus, dabbling in politics and making itself the center of attention.

So why would the USHCC, which claims to advocate for nearly 4.1 million Hispanic-owned businesses that contribute more than $661 billion annually to the U.S. economy, do such a thing?

Javier Palomarez, the organization's president and CEO, told Politico that it's because "millions of people living in this country look to Julian as the gatekeeper of the American Dream."

That's silly. It's the USHCC and its leader who want to be the gatekeepers to Hispanic voters. America's largest minority doesn't have a nationally recognized spokesperson. It seems the organization is eager to fill the void.

Be that as it may, Palomarez insisted that his organization is "happily endorsing [Castro] for the vice presidency."

What I'm happy about is that this maneuver -- which, I'm absolutely sure, Castro knew nothing about and would have discouraged if he could have -- puts Clinton in a tough spot. Up to now, Clinton has only said that she thinks Castro would have to be considered for any number of positions in her administration. This could force her to be clearer about her intentions.

Some Democrats think Clinton should pick Tim Kaine as her running mate. Some of them even had the gall to suggest that the senator from Virginia would have greater appeal to Hispanics than Castro because his Spanish is better. How insulting.

In the end, Clinton wants to make her own choice but also keep Hispanics on the line by teasing them with the possibility that she'll choose Castro -- even if she doesn't intend to do so.

We've seen this game before, and it gets tiresome. Whether it intended to or not, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce might have just changed the rules.

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Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com.