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The White House hosted yet another inconsequential Latino summit last week, with dozens of community leaders from across the country. The purpose of this Hispanic Policy Conference, according to White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Cecilia Muñoz, was “more for us to listen and not for us to talk.” But what are they going to hear that they don’t already know about what Latinos expect from President Barack Obama?

This conclave was more about politics than substance. As the president formally kicks off his reelection campaign, he has begun a well-coordinated effort to reconnect with Latinos — after paying little attention to them since he took office.


This meeting was the latest installment in a series of events, speeches and visits orchestrated by the White House to show the president remains committed to the Latino community.

Not surprisingly, the White House ensures that these events generate as much Spanish-language media coverage as possible. To its credit, the administration understands the power of the Spanish language media. Latinos, even those whose primary language is English, listen to radio and TV broadcasts in Spanish.

The artfulness of this strategy became clear in April, when Obama held a meeting to discuss immigration with leading Spanish TV and radio personalities and other Latino luminaries. White House guests included the actress Eva Longoria of “Desperate Housewives,” Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo, the host of the No. 1 show in Hispanic radio, and the celebrated Don Francisco, host of the variety show “Sabado Gigante” on Univision.

It’s questionable that these celebrities can move Congress to address this issue. But they are influential with their respective audiences. Indeed, some told their fans about the honor of being invited to this “important” summit — as well as their respect for the president. READ MORE