Sen. Lindsey Graham said Friday that President Obama has been a “lousy” president for people of color and that Republicans don’t have to run to the left on social issues in order to win support from minority groups.
“We’re down to 27 percent of the Hispanic vote in 2012,” Mr. Graham, a 2016 GOP presidential candidate, said while addressing a summit in Orlando hosted by the Republican Party of Florida. “I’ve never seen a better opportunity for the Republican party to rebuild our relationship with the Hispanic community than right now.
“President Obama has been a lousy president for people of color,” the South Carolina senator said.
The South Carolina Republican, who has failed to gain traction in polling on the 2016 GOP race, was one of many 2016 Republican contenders participating in the summit.
“Here’s my way forward: there are churches full of people in the Hispanic and African-American community who believe just like you do,” he said. “Anybody here pro-life? Who’s the most pro-life demographic in all of America? Hispanics.
“Anybody here believe in traditional marriage?” Mr. Graham continued. “What group in America believes in traditional marriage the most? African-Americans.
“To those who say Republicans have to be socially liberal to win election[s] — you don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. “Republicans have to reach out to faith-based minorities who share our values and form a coalition. I intend to do that if I become your nominee.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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