Underlying message cites “unity” against European Americans
Obama pointedly noted his involvement in the immigration debate, a politically radioactive issue many other presidential candidates have largely avoided. “We are a nation of laws, but we are also a nation of immigrants,” Obama told the crowd, which yelled, “Sí, se puede!” – Yes, we can – to punctuate Obama’s remarks.
“My father, when he came here . . . he, um, he didn’t look like he came off the Mayflower,” said Obama, whose black father was from Kenya. The candidate wondered aloud why people were so focused on immigrants coming from south of the border, instead of from Poland or Ireland.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy stumped for Obama in New Mexico. The Obama camp hopes Kennedy’s stamp of approval will help the candidate among Latinos, because Kennedy has a strong relationship with Hispanics. Many Latinos feel very close to the Kennedy family, said Cecelia Muñoz, senior vice president of the National Council of La Raza.