Oct 21, 2008 6:27 pm US/Pacific
Obama Campaign Tailors Policy To Court Asian Vote
SAN JOSE (CBS 5) ―
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Democratic presidential hopeful and Illinois Senator Barack Obama.
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Barack Obama has become the first presidential candidate to develop what he calls a "Policy Blueprtint" for Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders
Obama is targeting a population that analysts say will likely be a key swing vote. A study released this month by U.C. Berkeley and three other universities found 34 percent of Asian American voters still can't decide between Obama and McCain.
The blueprint highlights some of the specific workplace, education and health concerns Asian Americans face. South Bay congressman Mike Honda, an Obama backer, acknowledges much of the blueprint's proposals are general, but he hopes the parts that are tailored to Asians will make a difference in battleground states.
"There are about 9 states where Asian American voter turnout is critical and can determine success or failure in a campaign," said Rep. Honda. Those states include Virginia, Nevada and Washington.
But while California has a sizable Asian-American population, most voters we spoke with Tuesday said that Obama's blueprint doesn't mean much in determining their vote.
"I would have to look at what positions he has for all of America," said voter Ayaz Mudarris.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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