The BoricuaBC2 Show

How Campaigns Fail APIs for Strategists to Mobilize 25 Million Voters with Varun Nikore

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In this episode of The BoricuaBC2 Show, host Bill Cancel speaks with Varun Nikore, Executive Director of the AAPI Victory Alliance, about the growing political power of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the United States. Varun shares his journey in organising AAPI communities and discusses the importance of political participation in shaping the future of American democracy. He also highlights the barriers to AAPI civic engagement, including voter suppression, citizenship challenges, and the critical need for stronger representation in both local and national politics.

 

Varun's extensive career includes serving as a senior political strategist, CEO of Tibco Strategies, and Special Assistant at the U.S. Department of Education under President Bill Clinton. His leadership in founding the AAPI Victory Alliance in 2017 aims to amplify the voices of AAPI voters and encourage greater civic involvement within this diverse community.

 

Expect to Learn:

  • How Varun founded the AAPI Victory Alliance in response to political changes post-2016.
  • The diversity of the AAPI community and the challenges in organizing such a multifaceted group.
  • Barriers to AAPI civic engagement, including voter suppression and changing citizenship laws.
  • The significance of state and local elections in building a foundation for federal victories.
  • Insights into how to engage younger AAPI voters and communities through targeted media strategies.

    • Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

    • [00:00] - Introduction 
    • [03:42] - Inspiration behind AAPI Victory Alliance
    • [05:12] - The diversity of the AAPI community and the challenges of political organizing
    • [06:33] - Key barriers to voter turnout and political engagement within the AAPI community
    • [15:54] - Understanding the Disconnect Between State and DC Democrats
    • [18:52] - Crafting Messaging for Younger AAPI Voters
    • [23:24] - How to Reach Out to the Puerto Rican and Latin Community
    • [25:42] - Concerns About Awareness of Social Security in 20s and 30s
    • [27:13] - Predictions for the political landscape in the next 6-12 months
    • [28:10] - Closing thoughts on uniting the AAPI community for political success

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      Follow the Guest Varun Nikore

      • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varunnikore/ 
      • Company’s Website: https://aapivictoryalliance.com/ 

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        Follow the Host Bill Cancel
        • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cancelbill/ 
        • Website: https://www.theboricuabc2show.com/ 
        • BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boricuabc2.bsky.social

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          Listening Links:

          • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0j6soWAazqs8DJTJJ9FsZr
          • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boricuabc2-show/id1802890213
          • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Boricuabc2
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            The BoricuaBC2 ShowBy Billcancel