The session was more of a question and answer exercise, than a clear debate.

Significantly, the minor candidates gave a better performance in my view. Rep. Kucinich elicited wide applause from the audience, when he mentioned that “I will concentrate in building relationships, rather than in building walls…” and that he would deal with comprehensive immigration reform in the first year of his presidency. When asked, what is the major contribution of the Hispanic community to the US–Senator Gravel mentioned how the very diverse Hispanic culture has influenced life in the US. Gravel’s low key response concentrated his deep feelings on the subject.

The conductors of the program were excellent: Jorge Ramos and Maria Elena Salinas controlled the group well, and their questions were incisive.

Most of the candidates felt uncomfortable addressing some of the questions…for example, none answered adequately whether Spanish should be the second national language in the US. A clear answer would have gone a long way with this demographic group. The answer didn’t have to be necessarily, “yes.”

I suspect that the program had a high viewer ratings.

The big loser here is the Republican Party candidates, who decided not to participate (except for Senator McCain). Jorge Ramos took the opportunity to invite them again, at the end of the program, thereby emphasizing the difference between them vis-à-vis the Democratic Party. 13 million registered Hispanic voters nationwide is dangerous to snub.