Obama Attends Latino Fundraiser Hosted by Eva Longoria

President Barack Obama’s support among Hispanics may be slipping, but that hasn’t stopped some of the biggest Latino celebrities from showing their support for the commander-in-chief.

In what’s been dubbed “the first ever Latino fundraiser for Mr. Obama,” Mexican-American actress Eva Longoria hosted a special event at the home of Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and his wife Melanie Griffith. The goal: rally Latino support for Obama.

Longoria hosts Obama fundraiser

Obama won 67% of the Latino vote in the 2008 election. But poll figures this summer showed his support among Latinos, hit disproportionately hard by unemployment and upset over the president’s failure to reform immigration laws and hit disproportionately hard by unemployment, had
dropped to less than 50%.

But Longoria wasn’t afraid to show her support for the president.

“[Obama] speaks to the Latino community because he knows he’s the president of all Americans,” said Longoria, who beamed with pride when introducing the president, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Other Latino celebrities present included Mexican-American comedian George Lopez, as well as Mexican-American journalist Giselle Fernández and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. In all, 300 entertainment industry leaders, elected officials and Obama supporters attended the $5,000 per person event—which drew some criticism from within the Latino community, with some saying he should be meeting people struggling with unemployment or facing deportation or the loss of their homes rather than actors and celebrities.

During his speech, Obama pledged to deliver on his promises on immigration reform.

“We have a system that is broken,” Obama said, according to THR. “We are doing everything we can administratively to try to lessen the pain and hardship that it’s causing. The borders need to be secure, but the people need to recognize that immigrants are helping make the country better and stronger.”

The president reportedly urged the people in attendance to become his “community ambassadors.” And he vowed to keep on fighting.

“Don’t weary. Don’t get tired,” he said. “Because I’m not tired. I may be gray, but I’m not tired.’’

“Amazing night with our great President #ObamaBaby!” said Longoria via Twitter this morning.

Image provided by Eva Longoria via Twitter.

 

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