SEPT. 19, 2015 – After criticism for his response on attracting Latino voters – “That’s why, in a hotel, you leave a little tip, you know?” – Gov. John Kasich (R-OH) told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd that he’s “always said that Hispanics are such a critical part of the fabric of the United States.”
“They’re so critical to our country. They’re God-fearing, and they’re hard working,” said Kasich. “And if I need to clarify what I meant by that, I’m more than glad to do it.”
Tune into “Meet the Press” tomorrow for more from Gov. Kasich as well as presidential candidates Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson as well as an exclusive interview with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon.
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MANDATORY CREDIT: NBC NEWS’ “MEET THE PRESS” / CHUCK TODD
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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?
GOV. 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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MEET THE PRESS
“Meet the Press” is where newsmakers come to make news — setting the political agenda and spotlighting the impact Washington decision-making has on people across the country. “Meet the Press” reaches more than 3 million people every Sunday through its broadcasts and millions more through NBCNews.com, the #TweetThePress interview series, Flipboard, and social media platforms. Chuck Todd is the moderator of “Meet the Press” and John Reiss is the executive producer.
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