While speaking on Hispanic inclusivity in San Antonio Monday, Jill Biden attempted to praise the work of civil rights leader Raul Yzaguirre and his organization UnidosUS, when she compared the Latino community’s unique strength to ‘breakfast tacos.’
‘As distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio – is your strength,’ She said, mispronouncing ‘Bodegas‘ and calling the corner stores ‘Bogedas‘.
Jill drew criticism after her speech. The National Association of Hispanic Journalist (NAHJ) said, “We are not tacos.”
"We are not tacos."
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists criticized first lady Jill Biden after she compared the "diversity" of the Hispanic community to San Antonio's "unique" selection of "breakfast tacos." #WakeUpAmerica @bhweingarten pic.twitter.com/CrlXS2tI19
— Newsmax (@newsmax) July 12, 2022
NAHJ also asked that they not be reduced to stereotypes, saying FLOTUS should “take time to better understand the complexities” of their communities.
I doubt that the National Association of Hispanic Journalists ever thought it would have to tell the Dr. First Lady of the United States that “we are not tacos.” https://t.co/Ms9CQLdT2K
— Jerry Dunleavy (@JerryDunleavy) July 12, 2022
Rather than responding to the gaffe herself, Jill’s press secretary Michael LaRosa tweeted an apology.
The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community.
— Michael LaRosa (@MichaelLaRosa46) July 12, 2022
President Biden’s numbers have been steadily slipping among Latino voters, and this latest blunder will not help. Mayra Flores responded to Jill’s comments calling them “liberal pandering” and letting the Bidens know what Latino’s care about.
They just don’t get it. Latinos aren’t buying their liberal pandering; we care about the rising costs of housing, food, gas, issues that impact everyday Americans. No matter how loud they yell their made up words, it won’t change the reality of their failed policies. @theMRC pic.twitter.com/gXK7BVUMpF
— Mayra Flores For Congress (@MayraFlores2022) July 12, 2022