Mike Honda and the APIAVote board

American Idol's Camille Velasco

Beau Sia

Beau Sia rocked the crowd.

Seriously, they're back on stage

McCain speaks

... or not.

Apparently "Saturday Night Live" is more important than APIAVote.

Some in the crowd are leaving. Some of the press is, too.

California Assemblyman and former UC-Irvine grad Van Tran is explaining McCain's background. The crowd seems restless.

Taxes
McCain will cut taxes. Make Bush cuts permanent. (more of the crowd is leaving)

Provide individuals with incentives to buy insurance.

Southern border is now secure. Illegal immigration is under control.

Tran says, "We must preserve the American dream."

Examining Obama

Loud, loud cheers for Obama after his speech. Let's see what McCain will garner. Crowd appears to be heavily Democratic.

Next speaker is another endorser of Obama.

Obama speaks

Barack is hard to hear.

He thanks APIAVote folks, UC-Irvine and a few other folks. Connection is horrible, though.

Obama grew up in an AAPI state. Calls himself a Pacific Islander.

"I am living a multi-racial, multi-ethnic dream of American."

"America has become more diverse. It wants to become more inclusive."

"The most important thing I want all of you to know is that I consider myself to be one of you."
Continues by talking about building a better for our children and grandchildren, and living the American dream.

Healthcare
- We have put forth a Universal healthcare program to be implemented before the end of first term

Immigration
Says he's been a leading voice of immigration reform? (Couldn't hear. Bad audio)
Wants family reunification program.

Education
Dispells high performance from APIAs
Says many are finding difficulty throughout system
$4,000 for every student, every year

Discusses Filipino veterans equity bill. Is for it.

Healthcare System
Our doctors are currently testing less frequently.
There are language barriers.
Insufficient numbers of interpreters.
Make sure that there are various nurses and doctors coming from under-represented groups. (brings this up with scholarships)
Increase taxes on everyone making more than $200K/year to subsidize universal healthcare

If elected, what will your admin do to support the U.S. commitment to reconciliation with native Hawaiians
Acknowledges violations, history of neglect, consequences
Strong supporter of Native Hawaiian reorganization act (loud cheers)

Immigration issue
Strong advocate for comprehensive reform
Been a long standing supporter for helping immigrants (loud cheers)
"Help project a different image of what America is, one that is inclusive"
It is a legitimate political issue, but is exploited
Urges minority orgs to work together to revamp immigration laws
Need to break logjam of immigration

(author's note: strange how Obama is actually answering questions when Hillary left right away after her feed)

Voting reform
Build on record as civil rights lawyer
Current voter ID laws unfairly target minorities, seniors
Will sign into law that will banish unfair voting laws
Increase number of systems to help minority voters

Admin include senior level AsAms?
Yes
"Nobody has a better track record on this issue."

Waitin' for a call

Next person is calling. Not sure who it is...

My bet's on McCain. Who wants to go against me?

//You should've. It's Obama.

Clinton speaks

Hillary is on via satellite.

"This is a perfect time to host this forum -- May is Asian Pacific Heritage Month."

I've worked for many years with the AAPI community.
Affordable healthcare
Civil rights
Education system
Strengthen middle class
That's just beginning

Just granted Filiipino Vets equality act

Met with all sorts of people in the community.

Plugged website.

Honored and greatful.

Immigration reform
Needs system that is fair. Puts undocumented immigrants on track for citizenship. Reunite families.
1.5 million Asians caught in backlog.
Current immigration laws are badly in need of reform.
Undocumented immigrants will earn a path to legalization.

Healthcare
How to finally close the gap.
Provide $50 mil for culturally competant program.
Pledges to make sure affordable healthcare is available to all Americans.
People will not lose their coverage if they can't afford it.

Foreclosure
Increasing access to federally backed loans
First of prez candidates to support financial reforms to help families
Call for stimulus package to refinance programs
Goal is for all Americans to have access to affordable housing

Include senior level Asian Americans on staff
Will have commitment to have a diverse staff
Committed to hiring and promoting qualified AAPIs throughout the government. Make sure that AAPIs have strong voice and role in her administration.

Education needs of all AAPI communities
Can't take one-size-fits-all approach
Measure student achievement on individual level will help all students

Speeches

After some sponsors spoke, Norman Mineta re-energized the crowd.

Hillary Clinton's coming up.

... eventually. There's a lot of butt kissing right now.