Last night's rescheduled Republican Spanish-language debate on Univision was certainly an exercise in spin for the candidates. While they spent nearly a quarter of their last debate bickering about who would be the hardest on immigration, at Sunday's debate the candidates tried to remain on less controversial ground. While they promised to increase border security, change the immigration system to make legal immigration possible for more people, and fine employers who hire undocumented workers, for the most part, the candidates discussed little about what differentiates them on immigration issues, and instead presented a largely unified stance. Some of the questions did get to the growing divide between Latino voters and Republicans, however: "How do we curb anti-Hispanic sentiment in the United States?" and "Why do you think Hispanics are abandoning the Republican Party?" Last night's rescheduled Republican Spanish-language debate on Univision was certainly an exercise in spin for the candidates. While they spent nearly a quarter of their last debate bickering about who would be the hardest on immigration, at Sunday's debate the candidates tried to remain on less controversial ground. While they promised to increase border security, change the immigration system to make legal immigration possible for more people, and fine employers who hire undocumented workers, for the most part, the candidates discussed little about what differentiates them on immigration issues, and instead presented a largely unified stance. Some of the questions did get to the growing divide between Latino voters and Republicans, however: "How do we curb anti-Hispanic sentiment in the United States?" and "Why do you think Hispanics are abandoning the Republican Party?"
On the second question, most attempted to play up what they presume to have in common with Latino voters. Only John McCain gave an answer that set him apart from the others, saying that the harsh rhetoric on immigration his party has employed in recent years and especially during this primary season has driven Latino voters from their party.
Responding to another question, Huckabee actually acknowledged that some Latinos are "racially profiled" as illegal immigrants because of how they look or speak, but asserted his belief that if we "make the border secure" that will become less of a problem. But while the candidates were asked to talk about their views on addressing immigration concerns in the country, they weren't pressed to outline what their plans for increasing legal immigration, enforcement mechanisms, laws about accessing social services, and system for dealing with families split by immigration status might look like.
All the GOP candidates but Tom Tancredo participated in the debate. Tancredo said he would not attend because the debate was to be conducted in Spanish. "It is the law that to become a naturalized citizen of this country you must have knowledge and understanding of English, including a basic ability to read, write, and speak the language," he said in a release. "So what may I ask are our presidential candidates doing participating in a Spanish speaking debate? Pandering comes to mind."
Well, yes, but that's how you win elections, Tom. Which the other candidates seem to realize, as they did their best to play down the rhetoric and present the GOP as Latino-friendly.
The only candidate to draw audible boos at the forum was Ron Paul, who when asked "What will you do differently regarding Cuba?" responded that ''We're at a time when we need to talk to Cuba and travel and trade with Cuba." The audience, which likely included a sizable block of Cuban ex-pats living in Miami, cheered when the other candidates condemned Castro. But the Thompson, Romney, and Giuliani were quick to point out in email dispatches sent to reporters during the debate that Huckabee has in the past supported ending the embargo.
--Kate Sheppard
