Donald Trump spoke a few words in Hindi AB KI BAR, TRUMP SARKAR - meaning, "It's now turn for Trump government". He perhaps speaks better Hindi than our Chief Minister's Odisha speaks Odia.
Indian Americans, the Americans of Indian origin (not to be confused with American Indians or Native - Red Indians who are the original inhabitants of the land) constitute little more than 3 million - nearly 1% of the total population of USA. Though small, they can make a dent in the electorally crucial swing states of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Demographically they are 51% Hindu, 18% Christian (many born Hindus are converted influenced by Evangelicals), 14% non-believers (I am veering towards that), 10% Muslims, 5% Sikhs and rest immaterial. So unlike India, where Hindus make 82% of the population, they are just above the halfway mark in US.
Hence, knowing well that 2/3rd of Indians are Democrats or Democratic leaning, and the antagonism of Muslims towards him, Trump is betting on the Hindu audience amongst the Indian Americans. That's the reason he used the occasion of Hindu festival Diwali to target his base amongst Indian Americans.
With time running out and the election tightening over the FBI doing further investigation into Hillary's email, Trump is leaving no stones unturned, as every vote counts - from Indian Americans or otherwise.
Won't be surprised if Hillary Clinton also comes out speaking a word or two in Hindi, though a 2/3rd support is assuring, nothing can ever taken for granted in politics.
Indian Americans, the Americans of Indian origin (not to be confused with American Indians or Native - Red Indians who are the original inhabitants of the land) constitute little more than 3 million - nearly 1% of the total population of USA. Though small, they can make a dent in the electorally crucial swing states of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Demographically they are 51% Hindu, 18% Christian (many born Hindus are converted influenced by Evangelicals), 14% non-believers (I am veering towards that), 10% Muslims, 5% Sikhs and rest immaterial. So unlike India, where Hindus make 82% of the population, they are just above the halfway mark in US.
Hence, knowing well that 2/3rd of Indians are Democrats or Democratic leaning, and the antagonism of Muslims towards him, Trump is betting on the Hindu audience amongst the Indian Americans. That's the reason he used the occasion of Hindu festival Diwali to target his base amongst Indian Americans.
With time running out and the election tightening over the FBI doing further investigation into Hillary's email, Trump is leaving no stones unturned, as every vote counts - from Indian Americans or otherwise.
Won't be surprised if Hillary Clinton also comes out speaking a word or two in Hindi, though a 2/3rd support is assuring, nothing can ever taken for granted in politics.
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