Politics

Bill Richardson rejects Ted Cruz’s Hispanic heritage because of immigration stance

Jeff Poor Media Reporter
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Former Democratic New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson argued Sunday that Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz should not “be defined as a Hispanic” in light of his position on immigration reform.

“I’m not a fan,” Richardson said of Cruz about two minutes into the web-only portion of ABC’s “This Week.”

“I know he’s sort of the Republican latest flavor. He’s articulate. He seems to be charismatic, but I do’’t like his politics. I think he introduces a measure of incivility in the political process. Insulting people is not the way to go. But I guess he’s a force in the Republican political system, but I’m not a fan.”

Host Benjamin Bell asked Richardson about whether Cruz, whose father came to the U.S. from Cuba, represents the view of Hispanics on immigration. Richardson replied that he does not think Cruz represents the view of Hispanic Americans on immigration. He also said that he doesn’t think Cruz should even be considered Hispanic at all because of his stance on immigration.

“He’s anti-immigration,” Richardson said.

“Almost every Hispanic in the country wants to see immigration reform. No, I don’t think he should be defined as a Hispanic. He’s a politician from Texas, a conservative state. And I respect Texas’ choice. But what I don’t like is when you try to get things done — it’s OK to be strong and state your views, your ideology, but I’ve seen him demean the office, be rude to other senators, not be part of, I think, the civility that is really needed in Washington.”

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(h/t Breitbart.tv)

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