During a panel discussion on Univision’s Sunday political affairs show Al Punto, anchor Luis Carlos Vélez went where very few in media, if any, have gone; calling for the resignation or removal of U.S. Senator Bob Menéndez (D-NJ) in light of his most recent indictment on corruption charges.
WATCH as Vélez blasted Menéndez to close out the show’s panel discussion segment, and collaterally exposed several of the hypocrisies in the corporate media, especially Spanish-speaking media:
He’s got to go. And he’s got to go immediately. He’s an embarrassment to the United States- he’s an embarrassment to Hispanics. Jorge- this happens in Mexico, happens in Colombia, and the following day all of us in the media are calling on him to go. Gold bars. Cash in the jacket. Cars paid for by people. God. Each passing second is a second of shame for him, and for our community.
Since coming to Univision, Vélez has, among other such things, schooled a NYC socialist candidate, called out the media for their continued silence as Antifa attacks law enforcement in Georgia, and absolutely wrecked President Joe Biden on inflation. So, it comes as no surprise that Vélez would call for Menéndez’ ouster.
But in so doing, Vélez exposed the current state of reporting on other things that make Democrats look bad. “If this happens in Mexico, happens in Colombia” could just as easily apply to the Biden Bribery Scandal. Viewers of Spanish-language media have not yet heard the full scope of the allegations that led to the current impeachment inquiry, or of any of the whistleblower testimony.
But, as Vélez said, “if this happens in Mexico or Colombia”, the Spanish-language media would be all over the story, as was the case when the son of Mexico’s president was found to have stayed at the home of a PEMEX executive.
Veléz’s call for Menéndez to resign was particularly notable because no one else in the “Professional Latino” sphere, including Spanish-language media, is saying much about the matter.
Good on Veléz for calling out both the embarrassment that is Menéndez, and the double standard in how the media cover their allies on immigration and the rest of the left-wing policy pupu platter versus everyone else.
Click “Expand” to view the aforementioned segment as aired on Univision’s Al Punto on Sunday, October 1st, 2023:
Univision’s Al Punto
October 1, 2023
11:11 a.m. EasternJORGE RAMOS: Ok, let me move on to the next topic. Senator Bob Menéndez, accused of corruption. He has said he is not going to resign. And this is what he said today at a press conference.
U.S. SEN. BOB MENENDEZ (D-NJ):I recognize the gravity of this moment and that this will be my biggest battle to date. But as I have said throughout this entire process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, I will not only be exonerated, but I will remain the United States Senator from New Jersey.
RAMOS: Carlos, is he saved?
CARLOS DIAZ ROSILLO:Jorge, as a Republican, I would love to tell you that this is another corrupt Democrat, one more example of the corruption of the party and that he has to resign. I'm not going to do so because I think one of the most wonderful things about the American justice system is that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. And I think you're right. These are very serious charges, but the senator has the responsibility and deserves to be heard, have a trial and see what happens. I don't think he should resign right now.
RAMOS: Laura, in his first defense, Bob Menéndez said that part of the reason they accused him is because he is Latino. Is there any basis in that?
LAURA RODRIGUEZ:No I don't think so. And I agree that if the system has to- the process has to happen. But, he is a senator. We must have higher standards for senators. At this point not only are the charges serious, but the evidence is very serious. Sure, let's see how the process goes. But the reality is that he should be focusing on his defense. And at this moment, when it is so difficult to govern, Senator Feinstein has just died. It's already very difficult. We need there to be no distraction.
RAMOS: We close with you. What happens with Bob Menendez?
LUIS CARLOS VELEZ: He’s got to go. And he’s got to go immediately. He’s an embarrassment to the United States- he’s an embarrassment to Hispanics. Jorge- this happens in Mexico, happens in Colombia, and the following day all of us in the media are calling on him to go. Gold bars. Cash in the jacket. Cars paid for by people. God. Each passing second is a second of shame for him, and for our community.
RAMOS: Carlos, Laura, Carlos -- all three. Thank you for being here.
