Ruben Gallego, the recently elected Democratic Senator from Arizona, is offering some fresh perspectives on economic issues within the party. In a conversation on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Gallego highlighted the importance of addressing economic concerns and the need for Democrats to connect with voters on these issues.
According to Gallego, the economy was a significant factor that resonated with people during the election. He spoke of the anxieties he heard from folks in Arizona about the rising costs of living and the frustration that stemmed from spending money without necessarily helping those in need.
Tapper, the host of the show, brought up the topic of spending in Ukraine, to which Gallego agreed that such spending frustrations were part of the problem. He expressed his frustration with the lack of Republican support and the limited intentions to help those in need. Gallego emphasized the importance of addressing economic pain as a priority, as voters have consistently chosen their candidates based on economic insecurity for the past two decades.
In particular, Gallego mentioned the importance of providing economic security for Latino men, who often believe that hard work can solve any problem. He shared a personal anecdote about his own experience, working extra hours during school to make ends meet. He emphasized that recognizing the economic concerns of Latino voters and working to secure their future is crucial for Democrats in winning back their support.
Furthermore, Gallego criticized Kamala Harris’s lackluster performance with Latino voters. He pointed out the party’s tendency to rely on consultants from similar backgrounds to craft messages for the Latino community, such as Ivy League graduates. Gallego believed that many politicians were not attuned to the realities of what was happening.
Overall, Gallego’s campaign focused on border protection and economic matters, which he believed were essential issues for the voters. He urged Democrats to learn from this election and prioritize economic security to connect with voters and regain their trust.
Watch Gallego’s interview on “State of the Union” here:
