Politics –
Julian Castro Already Hillary’s VP Pick?

Not to toot my own horn, but I predicted a possibility a while ago that looks as if it might soon become a reality: Hillary Clinton is strongly considering former San Antonio mayor and current HUD Secretary Julian Castro as her running mate.

Politics
Mexican-American twin brothers Joaquin and Julian Castro took the political world by storm when, in 2012, Julian became the first Hispanic to deliver the keynote address at a Democratic National Convention. His moment in the spotlight and natural charisma was reminiscent of a young Barack Obama, who also once grabbed the attention of Democrats with a convention speech.

Democrats took notice of the youthfully handsome Castro brothers, particularly Julian, and began making big plans for the small (in stature) mayor.

Joaquin Castro had already ignited his own career after being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, it was time for Julian to make the jump from Mayor of San Antonio to the national stage.

In 2014, President Obama plucked Julian from Texas and added him to his cabinet in Washington, naming him Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. I knew then that the HUD post was merely a short-term resume sweetener and that Julian was destined for a future with Hillary Clinton.

It all makes sense. As an Hispanic, Julian Castro is part of the fastest growing voting block in America. Democrats would love to shore up the Hispanic vote by naming him the first Hispanic vice-presidential candidate. Further, with Hillary being from New York (by way of Arkansas), the Texas-born Castro would be an ideal geographical choice.  Also, Secretary Castro is almost identical in height to Hillary Clinton, which would avoid awkward images of a VP running mate towering over the candidate.

Then there’s the generational issue. With Hillary Clinton already 67, the 41-year-old Castro would instantly appeal to the coveted young voter.  His selection by Democrats as their vice-presidential nominee would also mean he’d be next in line to run for president himself. Having 2 young, intelligent and highly qualified Hispanic brothers like Julian and Joaquin Castro waiting in the wings for the Democrats’ “farm team” would set the party up well for years to come.

Politics
It’s the absolute perfect plan.  Imagine America’s first female President of the United States in Hillary Clinton, and the first Hispanic Vice-President of the United States in Julian Castro.  Clinton-Castro would be a double moment in history and a tough ticket to beat.  Not surprisingly, it’s also been in the works for a while and last week, Hillary finally introduced the possibility to the public.

After receiving Julian Castro’s official backing, Hillary made it clear she would seriously consider naming him as her running mate, should she win her party’s nomination.

“I am going to look really hard at him for anything, because that’s how good he is,” Hillary said at a U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

Appearing later with Mrs. Clinton at a “Latinos for Hillary” rally, Castro poured on the praise, saying he has long respected her ability to appeal to people of all backgrounds.

“Through the years she has always, always been there for us, and today we’re here for her,” he said.

With Hispanics running away from Republicans because of their stance on comprehensive immigration reform, as well as disparaging remarks made against Mexican immigrants by GOP presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and the Democrats are eager to lock up as much Hispanic support as possible.

Grooming Julian Castro and his brother Joaquin for a bright career in national politics is a strategic and smart step in the right direction.

Now, I get to say it:  I TOLD YOU SO!

OK WASSUP! covers political news, including reports that
rising Democratic star, Julian Castro may already be
Hillary Clinton’s VP choice.