On the same day Republican presidential contender, U.S. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, made a gutsy appearance in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx for a meet and greet, lawmakers from all levels told reporters Democratic presidential hopeful, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is the right choice.

“I don’t have to tell you how she is the most qualified person, hands down, to deal with international issues and deal with our foreign policy,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., flanked by fellow Democrats.

He labeled Clinton’s opponent, U.S. Senator for Vermont Bernie Sanders as inexperienced. “Bernie is not qualified, and certainly nobody on the other side is qualified.”

Sanders had held a rally in the Bronx the week before. Clinton was not present at Wednesday’s endorsement rally, appearing in Brooklyn, instead.

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who chairs the Bronx Democratic County committee, spoke on the newfound attention that New York is getting from the political candidates. Crespo believes although a good thing, this must serve as a reminder to voters of how important it is to come out and have their voice heard.

Councilwoman Annabel Palma, representing parts of the southwest Bronx, appealed to the female voters “asking the females to rise, to rise up,” said Palma, “because if we took Obama to where he needed to go we can take Hilary even further and shatter that glass ceiling once and for all.”

According to Diaz, New York ranks 49th out of the 50 states in voter turnout. In the last primary election only 19 percent of New Yorkers cast a ballot.

Diaz’s remarks awkwardly came on the same day as his Democratic conservative father, state Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., hosted Cruz at a restaurant in Castle Hill. “Like many sons and daughters I dare say that our parents aren’t always right,” the younger Diaz said of his father’s position. “Quite often they get it wrong.” Cruz spoke with Bronx clergy members on issues, his visit comes with a cloud of awkwardness.

In 2014, Cruz made a controversial remark about the Bronx, implying the borough is unsafe. Diaz addressed this issue today by calling Cruz a hypocrite who offended Bronxites, but is now turning around and asking for money and votes. Diaz hopes through their discussions his father brought to light “how offensive [Ted Cruz’s] words were and are not becoming of someone who wants to run this beautiful country.”

Cruz, flanked by the elder Diaz, did not answer questions over his previous statements about the borough.

A poll by CBS as of Sunday has Clinton securing 53 percent of New York’s votes, and Sanders holding 43 percent. The remaining 4 percent say they have no preference.

“I hope she wins,” says Dennis Cook a Clinton supporter waiting at a bus stop on Gun Hill Road. “Her husband did a good job so he can probably teach her how to do a good job, she works for me.”

Robert Vacanti, waiting at the same stop, finds Clinton appealing because “she’s a woman.” It’s tough for women and I just think it’s time for a change,” said Vacanti.

Shary Rodriguez, an employee at a local juice bar, is fine with Clinton so long as Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump has no chance at being president.

“Anything that helps Hilary, just not Donald Trump then I’m there,” laughs Rodriguez, “I don’t really know the others I haven’t looked into them, but I know Hilary has the experience that’s why I’m voting for her.”

Editor’s Note: Photos and additional reporting by Daniela Beasley. 

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Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.