A Debate I Cannot Understand
The eight Democratic presidential candidates are debating at the University of Miami right now. Spanish language television Univision and its website are hosting the first of its kind debate.
Questions and answers are simultaneously translated. But the broadcast only amplifies the Spanish. The candidates, whether they speak Spanish or not, are required to answer in English. This English-only requirement disappointed Spanish speakers Chris Dodd and Bill Richardson.
The Republican Univision debate which was supposed to be held a week from now was called off after John McCain was the only GOP candidate to accept the invitation. Unsurprisingly, Tom Tancredo was the first to turn down the debate offer.
McClatchy's Glenn Garvin has an excellent article previewing the event and discussing its significance.
I cannot understand the debate now since I do not know Spanish. But the event clearly seems significant for several reasons. First, the Latino voting demographic will be of increasing importance in the future and is presently strong enough to swing some close states in a Presidential election. GOP avoidance seems shortsighted. Second, the transcript will reveal how well Univision probed areas of special concern to its viewership. Third, and most important for our purposes, scholars and coaches should study the translation effects on candidates' ability to perform effectively.
