Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton on Wednesday committed to putting more Asian American and Pacific Islanders in federal government positions if she becomes president.
“I am looking forward to making sure that you are well represented in my administration … I’m putting you all on notice,” she said at a reception ahead of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies annual dinner in Washington.
“This campaign ahead of us will really present a very clear choice,” the former secretary of state said, referring to presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump without naming him.
She continued her dig that the real estate mogul is not qualified for the presidency by repeating a comment she made earlier Wednesday: “I know a little bit about what it takes to be president; I’ve had some unique experiences,” the former first lady and U.S. senator said.
“I understand how important it is to know what is going on in Asia,” Clinton said, digging at suggestions Trump has made that would deviate widely from long-standing U.S. foreign policy, such as nuclearizing South Korean and Japan.
“I am very seriously and humbly asking for your help,” Clinton told the audience. “There is a place for you in this campaign.”
She reiterated her commitment to making education more affordable and accessible, helping lower-wage workers and overhauling the nation’s immigration system — a key issue for the Asian population, 70 percent of which is foreign born.
Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., who leads the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, noted Clinton’s support of immigration reform in her introduction of the former senator from New York.
On immigration reform, “she gets it,” Chu said, pointing out that Clinton is the only major candidate who has held significant Asian and Pacific Islander outreach events.
“So many of us in the [Asian] community are behind her,” Chu said.
She credited Clinton with meeting with the Asian Pacific American Caucus shortly after announcing her candidacy.
“She gave us her time and her undivided attention,” Chu said. “She listened to every single point … when we mentioned to her how important tonight’s event was to our community, she committed right away,” Chu said.
Chu promised to capitalize on the population’s growing political clout in November.
“We are now the swing vote in key swing states like Virginia and Nevada,” Chu said. “We’ve gone from being marginalized to being the margin of victory.”
