Forget PUMAs, Latinos are saying no to 'Nobama'

During the long, bitter Democratic primary season, Latinos overwhelmingly supported Hillary Clinton. Despite the senator from New York's strong endorsement of Candidate Obama, there is still a small, die-hard group of Clinton supporters. In the lead-up to the convention, they were derisively dubbed "PUMAs" (short for Party Unity, My Ass). And they could be spotted in the crowd with their Hillary T-shirts and "Nobama" buttons. But in Denver these days, Democratic delegates - including the die-hard Hillary supporting Hispanic delegates - seem to be coming around to display some much-needed party unity.

At a Latino Leaders Network event at the Denver Arts Center Tuesday, around 400 prominent Hispanic American figures gathered to commemorate Frederico Pena, former Energy Secretary during Bill Clinton's presidency. Pena now serves as Obama's National Campaign Co-chair. Last year, Pena's endorsement of Obama over the wife of the president he once served under, raised eyebrows. But that acrimony, according to our Observer Julissa Reynoso, who was present at the Latino Leaders Network event, is all in the past now.

The Latino Leaders Network event

I think most people are just happy to be here and ready to do the work. There is definitely a small crew of people still 110 percent for Hillary. But I think they will rally around."

Photo of Federico Pena, National Co-chair of Obama Campaign, courtesy: Julissa Reynoso