Friday, December 26, 2025
ADVT 
Interesting

Why Do Indian-Americans Support Clinton Over Trump?

IANS, 17 Oct, 2016 01:41 PM
    The Indian-Americans largely support Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton because of the unique relationship she has built with the community and India, according to one of her major backers.
     
    "Historically, Indian-Americans, like other Asian Americans and a lot of other immigrant groups, have been big supporters of the Democratic Party," Frank Islam, an India-born entrepreneur and philanthropist told IANS.
     
    "It has been more inclusive and more welcoming toward all immigrants," he said, adding "I doubt any other American politician has been able to build the kind of relationship with the Indian American community - and India as Clinton."
     
    "Additionally she has been a champion of the middle class for decades," Islam said. 
     
    "As President, she wants to provide better health care and better jobs for all Americans."
     
    "Hillary has been a staunch ally of India and she recognised that Indian-Americans have enabled the US to be a stronger and healthier nation," he added.
     
     
    Roughly 70 per cent Indian-Americans plan to vote for Hillary Clinton compared with 7 per cent for her Republican rival Donald Trump, according to most recent polls cited by the Washington Post.
     
    "I am a big fan of Hindu and a big fan of India," Trump told a rally organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition in Edison, New Jersey over the weekend.
     
    He also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great man", saying the two nations would be "best friends" and "there won't be any relationship more important to us".
     
    "Indian-Americans, as a community, have shunned Donald Trump, and rightfully so," asserted Islam. 
     
    But he conceded that "Trump has touched the nerve of angry and uneducated white working class voters."
     
    "His message on job losses is resonating with these people," he said, adding "Clinton is making every effort to reach out to this demography."
     
    "With her strong economic message, I am confident she will succeed converting a significant section of this group to her side."
     
    Islam was also confident that Clinton will offer "true friendship" to India and "take the US-India relations to the next level".
     
     
    Noting that "since 1992, the US-India relations have gotten better and better under every president, whether a Democrat or Republican," he said. "I have no doubt that the ties will continue to be nurtured under a Clinton administration."
     
    "There will be focus on trade and economic partnership, on cooperation in the area of defence and counter-terrorism, and on climate change and other global issues," Islam said noting there is bipartisan support for India in the US.
     
    Islam, who is on Hillary Clinton's national finance committee, found it hard to say how much money the community has raised for the Clinton campaign, but he himself is on pace to raise close to $1 million for it.
     
    Republican Hindu Coalition's founder, Shalabh Kumar, is one of rival Trump's biggest fundraisers, according to the Washington Post.
     
    Together with his immediate family, Kumar has given almost $2 million to super political action committees that support Trump, it said.

    MORE Interesting ARTICLES

    Why Do Babies Melt Our Hearts

    Why Do Babies Melt Our Hearts
    What is it about the sight of a baby that makes almost everyone crack a smile? New research has found that cuteness of babies is designed to appeal to all our senses to trigger our care-giving behaviours, which is vital for them to survive and thrive.

    Why Do Babies Melt Our Hearts

    TrueFitt & Hill’s Guide to Gifts for a Legendary Father’s Day

    TrueFitt & Hill’s Guide to Gifts for a Legendary Father’s Day
    Gentlemanly essentials for all manner of men from the world’s oldest barbershop.

    TrueFitt & Hill’s Guide to Gifts for a Legendary Father’s Day

    India Has A 'Zero Rupee Note' To Fight Corruption

    India Has A 'Zero Rupee Note' To Fight Corruption
    A zero rupee note is a banknote imitation issued in India as a means of helping to fight systemic political corruption.

    India Has A 'Zero Rupee Note' To Fight Corruption

    John Oliver Buys And Forgives $15 Million In Debt

    John Oliver Buys And Forgives $15 Million In Debt
    NEW YORK — Some 9,000 people who can't — or won't — pay delinquent medical bills are singing John Oliver's praises.

    John Oliver Buys And Forgives $15 Million In Debt

    What Is Ramadan And Why Do Muslims Fast All Day?

    What Is Ramadan And Why Do Muslims Fast All Day?
    Here are some questions and answers about Islam's holiest month:

    What Is Ramadan And Why Do Muslims Fast All Day?

    'Masterchef Australia' Contestant To Debut On Indian TV With 'Serve It Like Sarah'

    'Masterchef Australia' Contestant To Debut On Indian TV With 'Serve It Like Sarah'
    Former "MasterChef Australia" contestant Sarah Todd will soon make her debut on Indian television with "Serve It Like Sarah".

    'Masterchef Australia' Contestant To Debut On Indian TV With 'Serve It Like Sarah'