Democrats spar over Hispanic vote.
Democratic presidential candidates held a debate that was broadcast in Spanish by Univision - the largest Spanish television station in the United States. Much of the debate centered on immigration issues, with the theme countering Republican’s hard-line stance on the issue. “I believe [the immigration issue] is being used to bash immigrants and that must stop,” said Hillary Clinton.
Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing minority group in the United States and their demographic is seen as key to winning the election in 2008. President George W. Bush won 40 percent of the Hispanic vote in 2004, however, a recent poll by USA Today/Gallup suggests the majority of Hispanic voters identify with Democrats.
Chris Dodd and Bill Richardson are the only two candidates fluent in Spanish. Senator Joe Biden did not participate in the debate due to a recent return from Iraq.