David Axelrod: Bush And Rubio "Greatest Threat" To Clinton Winning In 2016

"The greatest threat to nominee-Clinton would be a candidate who could reach deeply into the Hispanic community."

David Axelrod, a former top adviser to President Obama, says Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio pose the "greatest threat" to Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Speaking with Boston Herald Radio last week, Axelrod, who served as a top strategist to Obama's campaigns in 2008 and 2012, said Bush and Rubio could garner strong support from the Hispanic community.

"It's interesting -- you know I got asked this question at an event last night -- I think it has to do in part with who the Republican nominee is," Axelrod said. "The greatest threat to nominee-Clinton would be a candidate who could reach deeply into the Hispanic community."

The veteran Democratic strategist pointed to George W. Bush's close victory in the 2000 presidential election with 44% of the vote from the Hispanic community, comparing that to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's 27% in 2012.

"The Republican Party can't win like that," Axelrod added, saying Donald Trump was "a big problem for the Republican Party" with his anti-immigrant rhetoric.

"So I think if there's a candidate that can reach into the Hispanic community it's Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio," he continued.

Axelrod said Housing Secretary Julián Castro is a possibility to be Clinton's vice presidential pick if Republicans have a candidate who could pick up support from Hispanics. He also cited Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and former Iowa governor and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack as other possibilities.

w.soundcloud.com
Skip to footer