New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd (from Connecticut) have agreed to participate in a presidential candidate debate conducted in Spanish. The debate is scheduled for Sept. 9 at the University of Miami and will be hosted by Univision Communications, Inc., the nation's largest Spanish-language broadcaster. The network's programming is available in most Iowa markets via cable and satellite television. Univision press statements indicate this is the first presidential debate conducted in Spanish. Simultaneous translation, however, would be provided to candidates and viewers. ... As Alexander Bolton aptly points out this places many of the hopefuls -- especially the 'frontrunners' -- in a bind. Candidates fluent in Spanish would speak directly to the audience in that language. Non-speakers would have their responses translated. ... The company has invited Republican presidential candidiates to a debate -- also in Spanish -- on Sept. 16. There is no word yet on which candidates, if any, will appear.

Labels: Bill_Richardson, Chris_Dodd