Diverse and distinct

Ridiculous. That's how Republican strategist Ana Navarro describes the monolithic notion of "the Latino vote."

"It's almost as ridiculous as talking about the white vote," said the political commentator and co-host of The View, who recently sat down with Valerie Biden Owens, chair of UD's Biden Institute, for a candid conversation on "The Impact of the Latino Vote" in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The event was hosted by the Biden Institute in collaboration with HOLA, Campus Alliance de la Raza and the Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity Inc.

Speaking on Oct. 15 as part of the Biden Institute policy dinner series to engage students in meaningful dialogue, Navarro highlighted the broad spectrum of political opinions within the Latino population.

"There are progressive Latinos, socially conservative Latinos, pro-life Latinos, pro-choice Latinos, Latinos who have crossed the border, Latinos for whom the border crossed them," she said.

And while their opinions may vary on hot-button issues like abortion and immigration, Latinos are united by a desire to be recognized and respected for their heritage and contributions to the nation, she added, noting their high rates of military service.