I missed the debate held by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. Information on the debate can be located at this website. According to NALEO, the debate was held on 30 June at 2pm EST.
The debate is one on which all of us should focus. For as NALEO notes,
The importance of the Latino community to the continued success of our nation is firmly set in the conscience of our nation’s leaders. Last November’s elections saw the highest Latino turnout on record for a mid-term election. The constant growth in Latino voter participation confirms that this segment of the electorate is poised to play a critical role in electing the next President of the United States. We look forward to your participation and support as we again host our nation’s top leaders. Together, we can make our voices heard at this important juncture, in order to meet the challenges and opportunities facing us all.
All Democratic candidates except Gravel attended the forum on Saturday. Republicans were invited to participate in a forum, but all of them except Duncan Hunter declined. Because the Republicans shunned NALEO, they had to create a special 15 minute forum for Hunter, during which he was the sole Republican to address the organization.
This was not ignored by the Latino community. One news organ, focusing on the Cuban-American vote in Florida, asked the following question:
They didn't just blow off Latinos in Florida. This shows a disregard for Latino voters in general. And what's interesting is that if there were ever a place where Republicans might find an easy Latino audience, Florida would be it. Perhaps for that reason they think their time is better spent courting Latinos in non-stronghold states?
No, they are not focusing on other states; they have conceded the vote altogether, for Republicans do not want to alienate Rush Limbaugh's base in the wake of all the noise made during the immigration debate.
Some of the titles of the articles discussing the debate are interesting. Here is a sampling:
"Richardson Plays Trump Card at Forum"
"Dodd Connects with Latino Elected Officials"
"Democrats Court Hispanic Leaders"
"Organizers Say Republican Presidential Hopefuls Miscalculated by Snubbing Latino Gathering"
All this is very promising. But where can I view the debate? I searched Univision, but they are not airing it today. C-SPAN's Campaign Network does not include a link to a video of the debate, but an interview with Adolfo Carrion on the organization and their decision to hold a debate is available. Where can we view this debate? Does anyone have a functioning link?
And if you viewed the debate, how do you believe everyone performed? Who demonstrated knowledge of the problems and issues facing the Latino community? Whose policies and solutions were most compelling? Did anyone perform terribly?
Please discuss the debate in the thread, and please provide any information you may have on accessibility to the debate. Thank you once again.