Thread: "GOP's top tier to join Spanish debate"

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation/ ... 01277.html

Jilted by the GOP earlier this year, viewers of the nation's largest Spanish-language television network will get a chance to see the Republican presidential candidates debate in Miami on Dec. 9.

Three of the leading candidates -- Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney -- agreed Thursday to participate in the forum at the University of Miami, joining John McCain and lesser-known candidates Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter.

Only McCain and Hunter accepted a Sept. 16 invitation from Univisión, forcing the network to call the debate off and allowing the Democrats to lay claim the week before to a history-making opportunity to reach more than two million Hispanic voters.

Thompson wasn't an official candidate when the debate was proposed, giving him an opening to take the lead. With their candidate facing mixed reviews after two months in the race, the Thompson campaign said Thursday afternoon that he was in.

''Sen. Thompson is committed to sharing his vision for America's future with all Americans, and that is why he agreed to participate in this forum,'' said Carlos Curbelo, a Thompson advisor in South Florida.

Less than two hours later, Giuliani and Romney said they would be there, too.

''Mayor Giuliani has been looking forward to participating in the Univisión debate, and we are happy to accept the invitation today,'' said campaign spokesman Elliott Bundy.

The acceptances are a coup for Univisión, unfamiliar to many English speakers even though its audience surpasses that of cable networks such as CNN and MSNBC. The University of Miami also wins bragging rights.

''We're very excited to be able to host all the major candidates for the Republican presidency,'' said Rudy Fernandez, UM's vice president for government affairs. ``It's a very unique opportunity for the university to have hosted both Democratic and Republican forums.''

The GOP contenders are expected to face pointed questions about immigration, forcing them to tread carefully on an issue of paramount concern to conservative voters without alienating the predominantly Hispanic television audience.

Romney and Thompson have repeatedly attacked Giuliani for allowing what they call a ''sanctuary'' for illegal immigrants as mayor of New York City. Only McCain supported legislation that would have allowed illegal immigrants to earn citizenship, though he has shifted his focus in recent weeks to stricter border security.

One of Romney's most visible Hispanic supporters, Miami lobbyist Al Cárdenas, said, ``He'll be very comfortable with the immigration issue because the strong position he takes is against breaking the law. He also takes a strong position on increasing legal immigration . . . so he has a well-rounded response that will set him apart.''

''I think Mayor Giuliani's message is a pragmatic one,'' said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez, who is backing Giuliani. ``He does not support amnesty, and he believes there there has to be some kind of process. I don't think the message to Hispanic voters will be any different.''

The 2008 contenders are making unprecedented overtures to Hispanic voters, who make up the fastest growing part of the electorate. Romney, the only candidate to air campaign commercials in Florida so far, has run Spanish-language radio ads.

Thompson has been hotly pursuing an endorsement from state Rep. Marco Rubio of Miami, the first Cuban-American leader of the Florida House, and asked him to deliver his acceptance to Univisión. They are both scheduled to appear at the Florida Family Policy Council dinner in Hollwood on Nov. 16.

As in the Democratic debate, the questions will be asked in Spanish and translated into English for the candidates, who will wear earphones. Their responses will be translated into Spanish for viewers.

The only two candidates who are not confirmed for the Dec. 9 debate are Mike Huckabee and Tom Tancredo. Tancredo has centered his campaign on assailing illegal immigration and has said he would never participate in a Spanish-language forum.

HOW on earth can ANY candidate for AMERICAN public office say he is AGAINST illegal immigration and possibly even CONSIDER attending a charade like THIS?!