DNC Convention Preview: Latino Star Power

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro will deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, making him the first Latino to receive the honor. Julian Castro, San Antonio Mayor, To Be First Latino DNC Keynote Speaker:

"As mayor, Julian Castro has worked tirelessly to move San Antonio forward by building its economy from the middle out, not the top down, by putting the city on a path to being a leader in the new energy economy and making innovative investments in education to prepare San Antonio's students for the jobs of the future," said Los Angeles Mayor and Democratic Convention Chair Antonio Villaraigosa in a statement. "That's the same vision forward for the middle class the President has, and it stands in stark contrast to Mitt Romney, who's ready to return us to the same policies that crashed our economy."

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In a video message, Castro, 37, called his role at the convention "an honor I don't take lightly." He recalled watching and being inspired by President Barack Obama's keynote speech at the 2004 convention. That speech catapulted Obama, at the time a state senator from Illinois, onto the national stage.

"We've come so far over the past three and a half years under Obama's leadership," Castro said in the video. "And I know he's not done yet. We've got a lot more work to do."

Video beow the fold.

Democrats are also adding Latino star power to the closing night of their National Convention. According to reports, both Pitbull and Jessica Alba will participate in the event’s grand finale party. Pitbull And Jessica Alba To Host Closing Night Festivities At Democratic National Convention:

Labeled “Super-O-Rama,” the finale fiesta will kick off immediately following President Obama’s Democratic acceptance speech. Alba's co-hosting the event with her hubby Cash Warren and several big names are scheduled to perform.

Pitbull will step up to the stage and kick off a few of his signature hits. The pop band Scissor Sisters have also been booked, though it’s unclear if they’ll be collaborating with Mr. 305.

Not surprisingly, Eva Longoria has confirmed her participation too. The former Desperate Housewives star has been an outspoken supporter of the Prez and recently joined Team Obama as one of the national campaign co-chairs.

The Obama campaign has been engaging in Latino voter outreach by using celebrities like Eva Longoria and Marc Anthony.

Longoria’s ad in support of Barack Obama made its rounds on the Internet in May. Marc Anthony Urges Latinos to Support Barack Obama in New AD:

“Whether he's fighting for affordable health care and access to education, or supporting small businesses in the Hispanic community…over the last three years he's worked to reform our immigration system to give everyone a fair shot at the American dream,” Longoria says in the ad.

“He's fighting to make sure people who have brought here children have the opportunity to earn a path to citizenship and contribute to the country they know as home. That's what this election is about and each one of us is responsible for the outcome in November. ¡Estamos unidos!” Longoria said in Spanish at the end of the clip.

In a 30-second video for the Obama campaign in June, Mark Anthony outlined his reasons why Obama deserves the Latinos vote.

“We’ve got jobs, the economy, education, immigration,” Marc Anthony said. “President Obama is on our side on all of it. We just need to make sure he gets four more years to make more progress.”

“Latinos are a force that can and will help decide this election, and it’s a good thing that we’ve got so much to say, right?” Marc Anthony says in the ad. “The president has our back, so it’s time to let him know that we’ve got his. Go to Latinos.barackobama.com and get involved today. ¡Estamos unidos!” He added in Spanish.