Florida and 2008
2000 proved conclusively that Florida matters in politics at least.
In response to John McCain attacking Obama in Florida, two Florida Congressional Democrats - Robert Wexler and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz - are now accusing McCain of being the “most anti-Florida candidate in modern history.” (Is that to exclude Andrew Jackson?)
Other than the obvious, though, this introduces some ethnic politics into the mix. Both Jewish Congressmen, Wexler was Obama’s designated hitter during the primaries to defend the candidate from concerns regarding Israel and anti-Semitism. Wasserman-Schultz, the powerhouse young congresswoman who will probably rise fast through the Congressional leadership, was prepared to play a similar role for Senator Clinton. This is, apparently, what they were talking about when the candidates spoke about “unity” and so forth.
Speaking of Florida ethnic politics, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Democrat and President of the US Conference of Mayors, has thus far refused to endorse Obama, partially because of Obama’s staffers role in sending Elian Gonzalez back to Cuba. Obama probably didn’t improve matters with his response that that had happened 8 years earlier - it certainly didn’t win him points with Gonzalez’s family members who remain in Florida. He did, however, catch a break when Fidel Castro became healthy enough to attack Obama.
Obama has taken a subtle approach on Cuba, calling for retaining the embargo on Cuban goods but initiating greater diplomatic contact with the rogue nation, hoping to gain some concessions from its leadership. He will, however, allow greater visitation rights of Cuban-Americans to the island, and expand whom one can send money to. (Previously, it had been just to one’s immediate family - Obama would like to amend that rule)
McCain’s been hitting Obama on the Cuba issue but it isn’t certain how much damage is being done. Older Cubans seem to be more in line with McCain’s view on the issue but there are differing views as to the opinions of younger Cubans. Amongst Latinos in South Florida (largely, though not entirely Cuban), one recent poll showed Obama leading McCain 40-35. Considering Bush beat Kerry 56-44 amongst Latinos over the entire state of Florida, that may or may not be good news.