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Given that last night was Julián Castro‘s nationwide debut, I don’t think a second piece on the 37-year-old mayor of San Antonio is entirely unwarranted.
It’s just that I can’t help but notice the widespread comparisons to Marco Rubio, the junior senator from Florida who has stolen GOP hearts ever since his come-from-behind victory during the Tea Party surge of 2010.
Now, I realize the Dems are utterly chuffed over their young prospect, but let’s get one thing clear: Castro is no Rubio — and that’s coming from someone who disagrees with the Florida senator on nearly every issue.
The appeal of Castro’s bio and resume is undeniable. Born — on Mexican Independence Day, no less — to a Mexican-American mother active in Texas’s Chicano politics, Castro and his brother both went to Standford and Harvard Law before returning to their home town, the city of the Alamo, to lend their skills to public service.
But besides being a better speaker and having mountains more charm, Senator Rubio has already proved himself in his state by winning statewide office, something the Democratic Castro will find almost impossible to achieve in a state as red as the colors of his alma mater. Rubio also has a strong national profile and was even considered a serious candidate for the VP slot by many banner-carrying conservatives.
There’s something provincial and second-tier about Castro. While I’m sure he’s a decent mayor — even his critics admit his “short record of quite modest achievements” — he doesn’t seem ready for the vice-presidency or even the presidency like Rubio does or even then-state Senator Barack Obama did back in 2004. I don’t see him ever becoming governor of his state or winning any other statewide office in Texas, however much I might wish we would.
Still, you get the feeling that the Democratic Party went looking for someone like Castro, in contrast to Rubio, who just sprang up. You can almost see the conversation that might’ve took place: “Who do we have to compete with Rubio?” “Well, there’s the mayor of Los Angeles, but there’s also this young guy in San Antonio who also looks promising.” “Perfect. We’ll have him speak at the convention.”
Don’t get me wrong. Mayor Castro’s is impressive in his own right, and there’s probably a cabinet position in his future, even if I can’t see his name ever appearing on the national ticket.
But then again, they probably said the same thing about Obama in 2004.
Compare the two, promising Latino politicians for yourself:
About Hector Luis Alamo, Jr.
Comparing Rubio and Castro is the same as comparing Apples and oranges. While you mention that Rubio won a statewide office in Florida and Rubio almost certainly will not due to Texas being a Red state, you forgot to mention that Florida is also a Red State. Maybe Rubio should move to Massachusetts or California to even things out? Castro is proud of his heritage, Rubio is not. While you mention that Castro had “modest ” achievements (Could be not further from the truth) What has Rubio done besides write a book and go on tour?
Rubio has appeal from the Florida Cuban community, the majority which are republicans I may add, but when it comes to national appeal, he has less than what the Republican Machine is making people think.
Last night we saw the Democratic Party next rising star and there is no denying he has crossover appeal and star power.
And no, I am not a Mexican descendant defending my own. I leave you with the convention’s chant while Mayor Castro was finishing his speech.
Si Se Puede!
Well said, Herbert Godoy.
Hector, I usually like your posts but this one is completely biased and doesn’t make a lot of sense. Lance: IS THIS REPUBLICAN PROPAGANDA? As one of the comments mentioned: we can’t compare oranges with apples. Rubio is Rubio and Castro is Castro. They both have achieved amazing things, but they are also at different points of their careers, so we can’t compare them. I don’t think the democratic party selected Castro because he could be as “powerful” as Rubio, that’s a misconception. They selected him because he is a good mayor and he connects very well with the average American. Lance Rios, I like you and I follow your blog, but this post was pretty bad.
I found the above article by Senor Alamo interesting… sort of. However, I’m going to take exeption to the part were Alamo says ” Senator Rubio has already proved himself himself in his state by winning statewide office”. I, like Matos, would like to remind Alamo that Rubio has the support of the entire Cuban conmmunity in Florida. The same can’t be said for Julian Castro. He won office in one of the most racist states in America. Texas is not racist? Oh, really? One need go no further than the history of the Texas Rangers ( Not the baseball team!) to see the hate directed at Mexicanos. Please see: Blumenthal, Ralph. “New Charges Tarnish Texas Rangers’ Image and Reopen Old Wounds”. New York Times. Oct. 31, 2004. PLUS! I would also go so far as to say that Castro wouldn’t even have the full support of the Latino community. Just look at all the Latino TeaPublican supporters at this site!
Rubio wishes he was white
^Ignorance.
Let’s not forget about Julian’s mother…Rosie, who helped found a radical, anti-white, socialist Chicano party called La Raza Unida (literally “The Race United”) that sought to create a separate country—Aztlan—in the Southwest…she now helps manage her sons’ political careers, after a storied career of her own as a community activist and a stint as an official with the San Antonio Housing Authority…;-)
Julian makes one proud, Marco es una verguenza…..big difference!
Marco is a kiss ass wanna be
Not at all!
Hector, I love your posts. But in this one I will have to disagree (respectfully). If Castro has not achieved the level of success Marco has it does not necessarily depend on his potential. Some people will achieve success at different levels and different times. Maybe that’s his place now, maybe he can reach higher. He is a hard working person and I can see him having potential to achieve even more. His enthusiasm and dedication is what we all need as latinos to realize we have potential, not the idea that we can or CANNOT make it. Is the idea of working hard to make it happen. They are two different individuals in two different scenarios. Florida and Texas are very different states from on another, the political game is different. For what he has achieved so far, I can say many latino kids can look up to him just as to Rubio to have a dream to achieve whatever they put their hearts to.
Hector went full retard.
It amazes me when one cannot use facts and viable statements when justifying their arguments for their oarty of choice. It’s ignoran t statements like “Rubio wishes he was white” and Marco es una verguenzea is why people think most hispanics are ignorant…if that is all you have to say that please refrain from posting any statements…it sounds utterly stupid…WOW
You cant compare!! Julian was boring. Marco is a league of his own and he is the best speaker Ive heard in a very long time!! He is AWESOME!!
Rubio all the way!!
Well written article. You can’t compare the two. Castro is just coming out of nowhere, while Rubio is one of the top prospects of the republican party. So what, the guy made a speech at the DNC because they needed a Latino to pander for them. After the elections are over, he’ll disappear into obscurity while Rubio is fighting for a better AMERICA. It’s not just about the Latinos, it’s about America, a better America will help all of us regardless of race.
AAAANNNNDDDD another piece by Mr. Alamo that is pointless and does NOT make sense. Thank goodness Rubio or Castro are not Puerto Rican or I can just imagine the extra “barbaridades” he would have to say as Being Latino’s resident Puerto Rican. -___- Julian is awesome and inspiring, unlike Marco Rubio. That is all.
Lol Rubio? Please.
Two different people form two different places, with different politics. They are both an inspiration.
But they’re both fruits? Actually they’re probably both coconuts.
Rubio being a VP contender was a joke. He never had a chance. Kind of like Rubio may be popular with Latinos in florida, but they’re mainly red anyway. His being on the ticket would not have swayed Latinos in the other states to vote for romney. We have no dog in the US-Cuba tug or war.
Big difference.
Yes…nothing alike!
Look people…let’s focus on that fact the two prominent Latinos in politics were both chosen to represent their political affiliation..for that we should be proud..as soon as I saw the article I knew this was going to happen…LOL..my only issue with Castro his his family history and his radical beliefs..
It’s embarrassing how so many Latinos fall for these silly political tricks. Thinking that the democrats are “for the poor”, meanwhile America’s median income has dropped by $4,000 under Obama while the rich continued to get richer. Let a great man like Rubio step on stage and you call him “white”, but an unproven politician like Castro steps on stage for the democrats and he is your hero. psh, So much ignorance.
Comparing people… NEVER GOOD. Very different people. No hay dos gotas de agua iguales !!!
I am a conservative and I was very much interested in hearing what was being said at the DNC. Mr. Castro spoke from the heart and this poured out in his speech. I commend him on all his accomplishments and he as well as Mr. Rubio have earned to be looked up to as the strong, accomplished Latino role-models that they are. That being said I do agree with Tim’s comment inferring that Mr. Castro is just starting out so to speak and he has a long way to go before he catches up with Mr. Rubio. Mr. Castro, I feel, does have a lot of potential to do great things.
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/war01
This is what we as Latinos have to get over which is the constant comparison within ourselves. Weather it be a Mexican, Cuban, Puertorican, Coloumibian, etc. In this country being a Latino has different meanings for all latinos, but the constant theme is just that – we are Latinos. The focus should be that we are finally at the table and are visible and have the numbers to change not only perceptions but stereotypes. Let’s focus on THAT and look back as recent as 10 or 15 years when a LATINO wasn’t even a consideration. Spending the time to write an article like this is not only a waste of time but it creates separation when unity is what will drive us forward as LATINOS and citizens of this great country we call home.
Rubio is a joke – He is not well received by his own culture nor the residents of Florida.
Marco Rubio and Julian Castro should not be compared. It’s the “white people” thing to do – not the Latino/Hispanic thing. Marco Rubio is an embarassment, to the struggle of his people and others linked into the “Hispanic/Latino” thing. Julian Castro is a decent person – someone who acknowledges his people and struggle. And, even though, we all have the “right” to choose our political affiliation, it makes no sense why “Hispanic/Latinos” would belong to the Republican party, the party that cares for “rich people” and extreme right thinking. It is a party of oppression, not only to women, but to children and minorities. Oh, yeah, they will give you a job cleaning their houses, taking care of their kids, even doing their lawns. Or they can support you as a “token” minority and call you Rubio.