Rafael Bernal Navigates the Intersection of U.S. Politics and Hispanic Perspectives

Journalist Rafael Bernal is a regular contributor to the public affairs show What America's Thinking on Hill.TV and contributes to various radio and TV outlets in both English and Spanish. bringing a unique perspective to discussions about the Hispanic political landscape in the United States and global migration.

Born in Mexico City, Bernal’s early exposure to the changing U.S.-Mexico relationship due to NAFTA's impact fueled his interest in the intricate dynamics between the two nations. His foray into covering the Hispanic political world was serendipitous, stemming from an unexpected opportunity at The Hill in 2015 to help launch a Latino vertical, an offer he readily embraced.

Rafael Bernal

One of Bernal’s key insights lies in unraveling the complexity of U.S.-Mexico relations, emphasizing the cultural and commercial similarities often overshadowed by misunderstandings. He sees both nations as complementary, urging recognition of their shared values beyond geographical proximity.

In his role at The Hill, Bernal perceives the media outlet as a meeting ground for diverse viewpoints, emphasizing nonpartisan principles and a commitment to objective truths. He challenges the notion that upsetting both sides equates to effective journalism, instead emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding and informed dialogue.

The following interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

What initially drew you to covering Hispanic political world and policy issues in the United States? 

I’ve always had a particular interest in the U.S.-Mexico relationship, in large part because I grew up in Mexico as NAFTA started changing our economy and our political landscape. But I never expected to cover the Hispanic political world – that was a stroke of luck. In 2015, I interviewed at The Hill for an entirely different position, and during my first interview our editor-in-chief, Bob Cusack, asked if I’d be interested in helping launch a Latino vertical for the publication. I was immediately hooked.

What do Americans not know about your country of origin and what is your country's perception of the United States and Americans?

The relationship between the United States and Mexico might be the most complex bilateral relationship on Earth. I think people on both sides of the border fail to realize how much we are alike, and how complementary the two countries are, not just commercially but culturally.

How would you describe "America" as a concept?

It’s two continents, North America and South America. I am almost contractually obligated to say that as a Mexican. Joking aside, the United States is a symbol that systems of government can change for the better, that long-held ideas of sovereignty can be proven wrong, and that a multi-ethnic jurisdiction is not only viable, but incredibly powerful. The early United States had many flaws – slavery tops that list – but at the time it united Catholics, Protestants, people of English origin and of German and Dutch origin – the point is it has always been an exercise in diversity. Not perfect, but more successful than any other major nation-building experiment.

Given the work you’ve done with What America's Thinking, how did you approach discussing public affairs and engaging with diverse perspectives on political issues?

Public opinion is a tricky subject because people’s positions deserve respect even when they’re wrong. And public opinion is in large part forged by public statements by politicians and public figures. Often, when public opinion is disinformed, it’s because someone with a big platform is mishandling that power. When public figures misuse their platform, we should ruthlessly expose them. When people express an opinion, we should listen and understand how they got there.

How has your background in law and your experience in Mexico City influenced your perspective on political reporting in Washington, D.C.? 

It’s helped me understand where U.S. and Mexican legal systems collide, and where they mesh well. It also makes it easier to understand bills and other documents in legalese.

What role do you believe media outlets like The Hill play in shaping the political discourse in Washington, and how do you strive to provide balanced and objective coverage?

The Hill leads in readership because it actually follows its nonpartisan mantra. That includes sometimes calling strikes and gutters when one side is closer to objective truths. These days I doubt many publications want to take credit for the current state of political discourse, but as a publication we often work as a meeting ground for both sides. Many journalists love to say that when both sides are angry at you, you’re doing your job. But I think that’s wrong – when both sides are reading you and understanding an issue better, you’re doing your job. Good luck getting someone to post that on social media, though.

In your experience, what are some of the most pressing policy issues related to the Hispanic community that need greater attention and understanding in the United States? 

The wealth gap and the representation gap. The two are related, of course, but wealth disparities are a core reason why Hispanics don’t have political influence to match their numbers.

As a bilingual journalist, how do you navigate reporting in both English and Spanish? Are there any specific differences or challenges you've encountered in reaching diverse audiences?

Language skills are an amazing asset. Bilingualism helps me interview people where they feel most comfortable, and it allows me to participate in a broader media sphere, though Spanish-language media suffers from an exacerbated form of the same deficiencies dogging its English-language counterpart.