**UPDATED VIDEO FROM TEAM OBAMA**
IT’S A BIG night for the mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro, who will give the keynote speech tonight. Sen. Marco Rubio is good, but Mayor Julian Castro has serious game and without Rubio’s baggage, with much smoother edges than the gruff Chris Christie, who looks like yesterday in comparison.
The 37-year-old official, who was re-elected in a landslide victory last year, is expected to present himself as a classic American success story — with a family narrative that begins with his grandmother, a Mexican orphan, who immigrated as a young girl to the U.S. in 1920 and taught herself how to read and write. Castro, the youngest mayor of a big city, has also hinted that his speech Tuesday will be heavy in defense of President Obama’s record. “I’ll be talking about my family’s story,” Castro told Fox News. “And that more than anything else, my family’s story, and the story of so many families across the United States from different parts of the country represent an American dream story.” [FOX News]
Julian Castro, as well as his twin brother, Joaquin, who is one minute younger than his identical twin and a Texas lawmaker running for Congress, benefited from affirmative action and admit it proudly. They went to Stanford and on to Harvard Law School. Joaquin is Julian’s closest adviser.
As always is the case in American politics, Julian Castro’s star has risen and his course is already being plotted, with the possibility of Castro being the “first Hispanic president” now part of the myth of his marketing.
It’s going to be a great moment for Democrats when Julian Castro takes the stage. An even greater moment for Hispanics who will finally see in themselves a rising star of their own put center stage by a political party that depends on their votes.
No one will ever forget when Barack Obama took center stage in 2004. That opportunity now rings out in history.
Ive met the castros! real stars, one a mayor, one abt to go to congress! and twins! Get ready for a rousing event
I’ve got to tell you, Art, I’m *really* so excited for this one. I simply can’t wait!
This one I’ll definitely watch if for no other reason than Julian Castro will have a real message.
I’ve gone through all the videos I can find of this guy. He’s got authenticity without the slick that drags Rubio down.
” without the slick that drags Rubio down.”
That and that little dishonesty thingy Rubio has going on!
Yep.
I am very much looking forward to Julian Castro’s speech, as well as Michelle Obama’s speech. Six months ago, you would never have heard me say that. I’m a Democrat at heart and always will be, I guess. Key word for me: Inclusion (thanks Cory Booker). The Democratic Party is the party of inclusion. That would be an effective theme for Michelle Obama’s speech, although I’m sure she will kick ass.
Ive met the castros! real stars, one a mayor, one abt to go to congress! and twins! Get ready for a rousing event = Art
I’ve never heard of Julian Castro or his brother, Joaquin. But, looking forward to listening to him speak tonight.
I’ve gone through all the videos I can find of this guy. He’s got authenticity without the slick that drags Rubio down.= Taylor
That’s a welcome relief. Not to take anything away from Mr. Castro, but it just seems like de ja vu all over again with Castro cast as the new Obama.
I just have to wonder though, why the Dems can’t find an up and coming woman “star” to give the keynote address. I mean I understand that the hispanic vote is not carved in stone and can move over to the GOP with Rubio and Martinez’ visible help. So, the Dems need to solidify that hispanic support. But, the advantage the Dems currently hold over the GOP with the woman’s vote can also be said to be up for grabs and there are a number of up and coming women “stars” in the GOP (who played a visible role at the convention), so it seems the Dems would have been prepared to go one step further (and an important step) to have tried to find an up and coming Dem woman to give the keynote address.
I have no faith in either party when it comes to “grooming” women towards running for POTUS as they “groom” their men.
At the least, the third parties are light years ahead of the Dems and GOP when it comes to women.
Castro was great! What a bright political future this guy has.
I thought he was terrific. He hit all the right chords and was very charming and good looking as well. However, I don’t think he delievered the best speech of the night. And, I’m not sure his will be remembered as something of legend as Obama’s 2004 speech (although that was a bit overblown) unless he runs for POTUS and wins.
I agree with your assessment – Obama’s 2004 convention speech was more electrifying than Castro’s. But Castro was very good. He has a great story, too.