HOW TO WIN THE GAME: SHOW UP. Last night's debate at the University of Miami offered Dems a direct line to the 17 million eligible voters in this country whose first language is Spanish, as well as an opportunity to set them apart from the GOP field. While Republican candidates tend to emphasize border security in all discussion of immigration, last night's conversation focused on pathways to legal immigration, programs to support immigrants, and the many positive contributions that Latinos are making in the United States.
But there was still some discussion of border security. Asked about why they support a barrier along the Mexican border and not the Canadian border, Clinton called for more border patrols and technology and a physical barrier "in certain areas." Dodd pretty much agreed, and Obama reframed the question. Only Richardson spoke out about the absurdity of a barrier: "If you’re going to build a 12-foot wall, you know what’s going to happen? A lot of 13-foot ladders."
Short of that, the only big statements out of the debate came from Kucinich, who voiced support for making Spanish an official second language and doing away with NAFTA. Dodd and Gravel also pledged to end the embargo with Cuba, and Richardson offered tepid support on the condition that Castro releases political prisoners.
The other notable element of last night's debate was the recognition that there won't be an equitable GOP forum -- all but McCain turned down Univision's request for participation -- which the Dems were quick to seize upon as evidence of their disregard for Latino voters. The GOP candidates have enabled anti-immigrant sentiment and racism through their policies and rhetoric, and they will do little to solve the immigration crisis in the U.S., the candidates told viewers. And the GOP probably didn't help that image much by choosing not to show up.
--Kate Sheppard
