Cassy Garcia, a Hispanic Republican running for Congress in Texas, is using First Lady Jill Biden’s remark about the Hispanic community to her advantage.
During the “Latinx IncluXion Luncheon” as part of the UnidosUS Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas, Biden made a comment that drew criticism.
“[Raul Yzaguirre] helped build this organization with the understanding that the diversity of this community, as distinct as the bogedas [sic] of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio, is your strength,” she said.
Garcia used the quote as inspiration for a shirt.
“Woke Democrats think Hispanics are tacos. Unfortunately for them, we’re voters. Help me beat Joe Biden’s ‘Latinx’ puppet. Buy your shirt,” Garcia tweeted.
Woke Democrats think Hispanics are tacos. Unfortunately for them, we're voters.
— Cassy Garcia for Congress (@CasandraLGarcia) July 12, 2022
Help me beat Joe Biden's "Latinx" puppet.
Buy your shirt ➡️ https://t.co/gpDmOVxUj2 pic.twitter.com/8cNdYvol5B
During an interview with The Daily Wire, Garcia explained Biden “said the quiet part out loud yesterday. Woke Democrats don’t know us or our culture. Their understanding of Hispanics goes no deeper than a taco. Unfortunately for them, we’re voters.”
She added, “CNN and The New York Times attack me because I’m fighting for the people of my community. Hispanics want a strong economy, safe communities for our families, and an end to the chaos at the border — not the radical policies of Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats, like Henry Cuellar.”
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) issued a statement slamming the first lady for the remark, as IJR reported.
“Using breakfast tacos to try to demonstrate the uniqueness of Latinos in San Antonio demonstrates a lack of cultural knowledge and sensitivity to the diversity of Latinos in the region,” the association said.
The statement continued, “NAHJ encourages Dr. Biden and her speech writing team to take the time in the future to better understand the complexities of our people and communities.”
Michael LaRosa, the first lady’s spokesperson, tweeted an apology.
“The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community,” LaRosa wrote.
The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community.
— Michael LaRosa (@MichaelLaRosa46) July 12, 2022
Several have offered their commentary on the reaction, including “The View” co-host Ana Navarro.
“Pro tip, when speaking to Hispanics, really, really avoid any comparisons to tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, alcapurrias,” she said.
