This Latino Radio Host is a Stereotype-Busting Powerhouse of the Airwaves

"I was under the illusion that I was in control," he told me. "It's not true. It's great to have a plan, but you have to be ready to change it."

The change that Salcedo made, just three years ago, was to go from an employee to a brand.

"I got tired of depending on other people, and their idea of what I needed to be," he said. "So I created the idea of 'The Chris Salcedo Show.'"

It was a good idea. With a morning show on WBAP-820 AM in Dallas, an afternoon show on KSEV-700 AM in Houston, and a national show on Glenn Beck's digital creation, TheBlaze Radio Network, Salcedo is talking up a storm.

"I like what I do on radio," he said. "I have the ability to express my opinions. In a more structured news environment, it wouldn't be as much fun. Here, I get to do my kind of radio."

Salcedo's kind of radio revolves around what he calls "the beer factor." It's about making listeners feel as if they want to have a beer with him. And that's all about being authentic.

"People can tell when you're being you," he said.

This being an election year, I asked my friend why he became a conservative.

"Because I recognize why the U.S. has been a success," he said. "As we lean toward liberalism, we become less successful -- in race relations, foreign policy, domestic policy."

As for backing Trump -- a position that, according to the polls, is shared by only one in five Latinos -- Salcedo insists the Republican nominee is the most "pro-America" choice on the ballot. And while many Latinos consider Trump's words offensive, Salcedo doesn't see it that way. For him, the immigration debate isn't about race, but border security. He also maintains that Trump is giving voice to the concern shared by many Americans that the country has lost its way

Salcedo is determined to help get us back on track. And whether you agree with him or not, we can expect him to be part of the national discussion for many years to come.

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