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Podcasts Take Two
Clinton campaign to engage Asian-American voters
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Jan 8, 2016
Listen 5:56
Clinton campaign to engage Asian-American voters
According to the census bureau, the number of Asian Americans registered to vote has doubled since the year 2000, making them a powerful force in modern politics.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton addresses Asian American and Pacific Islander supporters in San Gabriel, Calif., on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016.  (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton addresses Asian American and Pacific Islander supporters in San Gabriel, Calif., on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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Damian Dovarganes/AP
)

According to the census bureau, the number of Asian Americans registered to vote has doubled since the year 2000, making them a powerful force in modern politics.

According to the census bureau, the number of Asian Americans registered to vote has doubled since the year 2000, making them a powerful force in modern politics.

Voters of Asian descent are credited with helping President Obama win the White House in the last two elections. Now, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton hopes these voters will help push her to victory as well.

She's launched an outreach program called AAPI, or "Asian-American Pacific Islanders for Hillary." The initiative was formally unveiled in Southern California's San Gabriel Valley yesterday.

Karthick Ramakrishnan is the associate dean of public policy at the University of California Riverside and founder of AAPI Data, an organization that gathers information on the Asian electorate.

A 2014 report from the organization states, “Given that the Asian-American electorate is still making up its mind on political parties, it is surprising to still find low rates of electoral contact.”

LA Times political analyst Cathleen Decker was at the AAPI for Hillary launch.

Press the blue play button above to hear what was said.

What role could the Asian electorate play in the primary elections and beyond?

Take Two put that question to Karthick Ramakrishnan.

Click the blue “Bonus Audio” link below the play button to hear the interview.