GIOVANNI Vidana (better known as Gio) is a 21-year-old, second-generation Mexican American living in Houston, a city in which the Latino community constitutes over 35% of its 5.9 million population.
Having followed the angry stand-off between TV anchor Jorge Ramos and Donald Trump; as well as the Republican candidate's vituperative comments on Mexicans, I had expected to encounter a loyal and unwavering support base for Hillary Clinton's candidacy.
However, my stint in Texas has shown me the extent to which the Latino community - amongst many others - has somehow been swayed by the relentless negativity of the right-wing media including Fox News, as well as the need to approach this extremely diverse and disparate community with extreme caution.
Gio's family is large, quintessentially Mexican and very close-knit.
Driving around his neighbourhood he points out the homes of his numerous relatives, as his mother, Silvia Caldas, a youthful 43-year-old explains: "There are so many of us, so when we have a party there's no need to invite outsiders!"
Living with his mother and step-father in Spring Shadows, Gio spends his days at community college as well as working with his elder brother Josh who has a small business selling gun parts online.
Spring Shadows is a predominantly Mexican-American neighbourhood with modest, single-storey homes and surprisingly large yards. It doesn't appear run-down until you visit the predominantly White-American Hedwig Village on the opposite side of the freeway that divides the two neighbourhoods.
There, the schools and government facilities are much smarter and almost lavish. The homes are larger and the roads and pavements better maintained. Still, Gio loves his neighbourhood, acknowledging that he doesn't know much beyond his own 'little bubble' - though he did make an eye-opening (for him), two-week long trip earlier in the year to New York and Yale University to stay with a high school friend.
"Everyone at Yale values social connections and the environment is so productive. I was amazed by the density of New York - so different from Houston - and I kept on thinking you'd have to do something really special to stand out in that city."
When we stop at Taqueria Cancun - a lively local eatery - for dinner, Gio, whose Spanish is barely adequate mumbles through the orders. Later he explains: "I can understand and I can speak a bit. After my parents separated, my mother (unlike my father) wasn't so insistent about me using Spanish. My elder brothers are fluent. In fact they talk with my dad in Spanish all the time. Now that I'm older, I notice the distance from my culture I guess that's what's made me separate from my Mexican identity."
He can still remember visiting Monterrey, his father's home-town and being struck by how much more difficult life was over there.
Gio defers a great deal to Josh, falling silent as his brother explains the gun business, showing in turn the various AR15 automatic rifle parts they stock and later showing me how to handle a gun safely.
Josh is a passionate Libertarian. He is scathing of 'big' government and is critical of President Obama's anti-gun rhetoric.
In fact, unbeknownst to me, Josh has been carrying a small Glock pistol all along, tucked in to his waistband of his jeans. Coming from a country where gun-ownership is a taboo I feel slightly uneasy and ask him to cover the weapon immediately.
But it's as we tackle politics that the hidden subtleties of American politics are revealed: the underlying strength of Texan chauvinism and the need for outsiders to pause before they make sweeping statements about the Latino community.
The two young men and especially Josh are clear on their distaste for Mrs. Clinton, outlining their deep distrust of the former Secretary of State.
Both were disappointed by the choice of candidates but felt that Trump was the best of the two. Gio even felt that he might not vote.
Perplexed, I ask Gio how he feels about Trump's attacks on Mexicans. He answers clearly, "Trump is referring to the criminal class. I understand what he means. There's a lot of crime around my neighborhood and even we've been shot at."
Going forward it's important to bear in mind that for Hillary to win the Presidency, she'll need all the elements of President Obama's rainbow coalition to come together.
Hillary cannot afford to lose any of these all-important constituencies - educated women, gays, Asians, Latinos and African Americans and that they need to be fueled by hope for a better America and not with a sense of frustration and despair at the paucity of choices.
Karim Raslan
Mon Nov 07 2016
Three generations of the Vidanas in their home. - Karim Raslan
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.