John Kasich: ‘Hispanics Play A Critical Role In America’ [VIDEO]

John Kasich insisted in an interview airing Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “Hispanics play a critical role in America, not only today, but going forward.”

Kasich told host Chuck Todd that Hispanics “occupy jobs from top to bottom. They’re so critical to our country. They’re God fearing and they’re hard working.” (RELATED: Kasich Agrees With Obama: ‘America Needs To Be Part Of’ Solving Syrian Refugee Crisis)

Kasich clarified comments from Thursday that some in the Hispanic community found offensive when he said, “I look at our friends in the Latino community as people that ought to be voting Republican… They are great, caring, hardworking folks. And a lot of them do jobs that, that they’re willing to do… That’s why in the hotel you leave a little tip, you know?” (RELATED: Kasich: Shutting Down The Government Won’t Stop Planned Parenthood)

Chuck Todd: Right after the debate, day after the debate, you were talking to a group of supporters and you said this when it comes to immigrants working in this country. You were telling a story about a housekeeper at your hotel. And you said this: “A lot of them do jobs that they’re willing to do, and that’s why at the hotel you leave a little tip.” Now, some groups took offense to your whole story here, feeling as if you were stereotyping Latino immigrants. In fact, this is what Jorge Mario Cabrera said from the Humane Immigrant Rights Group of L.A.  “Most candidates have lopsided stereotypical ideas about immigrants, which include the sense that immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, are only good while serving others.”  He said, “Your comment lacks history, a sense of how important immigrants are to our economy, and vision where immigrants are more than just the help.” Do you understand why they’re offended?

John Kasich: Yes. I would also tell you that the head of the Hispanic Chamber said he appreciated my comments. And as you know, Chuck, having followed me through this race, I’ve had a very reasonable position on immigration. I’ve always said that Hispanics are such a critical part of the fabric of the United States. They occupy jobs from top to bottom. They’re so critical to our country. They’re God fearing and they’re hard working. And if I need to clarify what I meant by that, I’m more than glad to do it.  And that means that they hold very important positions. I’ve got a friend right now who’s a doctor. He’s a doctor in oncology, you know. I mean, that shows you how crazy it can get in this business. But to be clear, I believe that, from top to bottom, Hispanics play a critical role in America, not only today, but going forward.

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