Latino

Clinton gets birthday cheer on Hispanic variety show

by Rafael Bernal - 10/25/16 8:47 PM ET

Hillary Clinton got a taste of Univision’s brand of variety television as a guest on afternoon talk show “El Gordo y la Flaca” on Tuesday.

Hosts Lili Estefan and Raúl de Molina received Clinton with hugs and kisses before interviewing her in a mix of Spanish and English. Clinton delivered her answers in English, and a translator provided a simultaneous voice over in Spanish.

{mosads}Clinton answered some serious questions on policy, including doubling down on her promise to pursue immigration reform “as soon as [she gets] to the White House.”

But Clinton, and her hosts, were not there just for a serious political discussion.

Martica la del café (“Martica the coffee lady”), a retired “Gordo y la Flaca” cast member, appeared suddenly as Clinton discussed student loan debt and handed the Democratic presidential nominee a cup of Cuban coffee.

Clinton took the cup, but before she could drink, Estefan interrupted.

“No, Secret Service doesn’t let her,” Estefan said, gazing off the set.

“Oh, coming from you, I can,” Clinton told Martica.

Also on the topic of food, Clinton claimed “real Mexican food” is her favorite.

Another cast member, Carlitos, offered Clinton a chocolate chip cookie. She took a bite, but de Molina asked Carlitos for the whole plate.

“I have no problem with the Secret Service, they don’t have to try my food,” said de Molina.

Carlitos presented Clinton a bottle of tequila as an early gift for her birthday, which is Wednesday, when she turns 69.

The presenters ran a video Clinton has used in her campaign featuring Damian Lopez, a U.S. Army soldier who was granted citizenship after being killed in Iraq.

“We were contacted by one of Damian’s former teachers, who after hearing all the negative comments by Donald Trump, wrote and said, ‘I want to tell you about one of my former students,'” Clinton said.

“I talked about him because he represented to me what this country offers,” she said.

After talking about Clinton’s history and family life, the presenters danced with Clinton and brought out a birthday cake and a mariachi band to sing her happy birthday in Spanish.

De Molina called for Latinos to vote on Nov. 8 because “it will make a difference.”

“It will make a difference,” Clinton agreed. “Here in Florida and in many other states.”

Tags Donald Trump Hillary Clinton