At the Democratic National Convention, rising political star Julián Castro told hardline Democrats exactly what they want to hear. As a young Hispanic man, mayor of a blue city in a very red state, it’s not hard to see why they chose him: to revitalize the Democratic Party’s young, hip flair and provide a direct contrast to the GOP’s impressive lineup of high-profile Hispanic speakers: Marco Rubio, Susana Martinez, Brian Sandoval, and Sher Valenzuela, to name a few.

But Castro doesn’t know what’s good for Texas, and he certainly doesn’t know what’s good for America.

His speech was nothing more than failed liberal talking points repackaged.

The roads and bridges they built… these opened the doors to a decent job, a secure retirement, the chance for your children to do better than you did. Translation: You didn’t build that.

So we’re working to ensure that more four-year-olds have access to pre-K. Translation: Let’s raise taxes.

The Romney-Ryan budget doesn’t just cut public education, cut Medicare, cut transportation and cut job training. Translation: While we’re at it, let’s spend, spend, spend, and entitle ourselves into oblivion.

When it comes to respecting women’s rights, Mitt Romney says, “No.” When it comes to letting people marry whomever they love, Mitt Romney says, “No.” When it comes to expanding access to good health care, Mitt Romney says, “No.” Translation: Social issues are just distractions. But hey, here are some nice social issues!

 When Detroit was in trouble, President Obama saved the auto industry and saved a million jobs. Translation: If things don’t work out, don’t worry! Barack Obama will save you (at taxpayer expense).

Despite incredible odds and united Republican opposition, our president took action, and now we’ve seen 4.5 million new jobs. Translation: That 8% unemployment? That’s not important. Don’t pay attention to that.

But shiny wrapping paper and an inspiring story don’t make the same old talking points true… or any less transparent.

Castro asked the audience a rhetorical question: How do we multiply success? His answer: “President Barack Obama.”

No economy can be singularly blamed on – or credited to – its leader. But anyone who’s had a job knows bad managers make cranky and unproductive employees.

Barack Obama has been just that: an ineffective manager of our economy and our nation. If keeping Barack Obama as president will “multiply our success,” I’m not sure I want more success. With 42 months of unemployment over 8%, we must have very different definitions.

If Barack Obama “believes in us,” why doesn’t he understand unleashing the private sector to take risks and innovate without fear of over-taxation and over-regulation is the only way to restore our nation’s prosperity? If San Antonio is a shining example of Obama’s “success,” it’s not because of the Democrats’ darling mayor. It’s because of Texas’ pro-growth, pro-freedom policies.

If America faces another four years… Que dios los bendigo indeed. We’ll certainly need it.