RE Univision debate Why should Dodd and Richardson be penalized because the others can't speak?

[RB TexLa]

I totally missed this debate, pretty much being out of touch for the last 10 days or so, but that rule on language was crazy. If Hillary or Edwards or Obama couldn't say the word "amazing," no one else can use it in a debate? It's not Dodd or Richardson's fault the others can't speak

[pnwmom]

1. Perhaps because the idea is to pick the best overall candidate

as opposed to the best Spanish-speaker.

Dowd and Richardson can speak Spanish all they want in their own appearances.

[Sherman A1]

2. They shouldn't be penalized

however, nor should they have an advantage over the other candidates in the forum. I believe the ground rules of the debate were such that their answers were to be translated, so they just like the others need to follow the rules. We have suffered through too many years of a candidate, now president that didn't and does not follow the rules.

[tecelote]

3. I agree. They shouldn't be penalized. Especially on Univision.

If they can speak fluent spanish, then that is a strong statement right there. Let them speak. If you don't speak spanish you probably are not watching Univision.