Mexico presidential race roiled as leftist front-runner embraces right wing party

[Jose Garcia]

Source: Reuters

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The front-runner in Mexico's 2018 election has embraced a small, socially conservative party in his bid for the presidency, sparking criticism among progressives that could splinter his support in what is expected to be a tight race.

Earlier this week, two-time presidential runner-up Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador entered into a coalition with the Social Encounter Party (PES), a tiny party with religious roots that pushes an anti-gay and anti-abortion agenda.

The coalition is led by Lopez Obrador's left-of-center MORENA party and also includes the socialist-leaning Labor Party.

Lopez Obrador, who is leading in most polls, has been Mexico's best-known leftist since he served as mayor of the capital a decade ago. In previous elections he favored tie-ups with left-wing parties.



Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/mexico-presidential-race-roiled-leftist-front-runner-embraces-003538621.html

[burrowowl]

1. What is he thinking?

[Judi Lynn]

2. Never expected this from AMLO. Still wish him the very best, anyway. n/t

[nycbos]

3. Why?

If he is pandering to right wing religious fundamentalists seems like he doesn't share our values?


From the context of this article these folks are anti, gay, anti women.

[rpannier]

4. Probably because so is his main opponent

And his main opponent is anti-worker
This is a lose-lose as far as lgbt, women's rights go
Someone is going to win that race
And it's not going to be a progressive on social issues

Which is extremely unfortunate

[Igel]

5. Which is more important?

Being true to one's sense of morality and virtue or gaining power and seeing the team win? Some go for power and team. Some for morality and virtue. Some can't separate the two and have constant existential crises.

Watch DU posts. You see the same dynamic play out here.