What do you guys think of Kerry's Spanish speaking skills?

[CatWoman]

I heard him a few minutes ago.

He was very hoarse -- but sounded a lot better than *

[cally]

1. I was wondering today if he spoke Spanish

I'm glad he does.

[CatWoman]

2. I believe he speaks at least three languages

one of which is French.

:hi: Cally!!!

[chimpymustgo]

3. Oooh. They should debate en espanol.

That could have a very high entertainment value - even for those of us who don't speak the language.

[DulceDecorum]

4. I have a dream

that someday Bush will learn English.

[KansDem]

6. His military records cite he speaks fluent French...

When elected, Kerry could help to bring healing to the world in the wake of Bush's death and destruction policies by traveling to Paris and giving a speech (ala Kennedy's "Ich bin (ein) Berliner" speech) IN FRENCH!

French is spoken in many parts of the world (still considered by some as the language of diplomacy). An inspiration message in French could only uplift the image of the US Presidency (and consequently the US) in the eyes of the French people (who Bush crapped on), as well as the rest of the world.

This would do wonders to bring back respect and dignity to the White House and begin a sorely needed healing process.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

17. He's pretty rusty

I saw a town meeting in NH where some French speakers tried to engage him and he had to beg off as out of practice.

[SEAburb]

5. He was great, loved every second of it

What a multi-talented man.

[Cocoa]

7. speaking of sounding hoarse...

on NPR today, the reporter said that Bush was visibly hoarse, which made me
laugh. :-)

[Nikia]

8. Glad he speaks it

I don't know much about how fluent he is or anything. Last presidential election the Mexican immigrants who I worked with were impressed with Bush because he spoke Spanish. Speaking Spanish, will help Kerry win over more Spanish speaking Americans.

[Maestro]

16. Bush nor Kerry I doubt

really speak Spanish. I know Bush doesn't. He can say a few superficial things and can read from prepared text, but as far as debating or having a spontaneous conversation in Spanish, ovlídatelo, forget about it. His nephew, Jeb's son I think, did most of the Spanish speaking for him.

[VolcanoJen]

9. I give him a C, but I give Teresa an A.

She's quite fluent, and has a wonderful Spain-Spanish accent! :D

[fairfaxvadem]

11. she speaks 3 languages I think, worked at the UN...

Wasn't her dad Portuguese???

Would be nice to have two folks in the WH who were actually well-travelled and were comfortable with things "not American", instead of Shrub's xenophobic posture.

[fairfaxvadem]

10. Yeah, heard that early today...

He seemed far more at ease speaking it too, even briefly.

Did I read correctly that while he was in Viet Nam he also made an effort to learn the language??

[rockymountaindem]

12. Kerry es muy macho que Arbusto*.

Did I get that right? I'm a French student myself...

[Maestro]

14. Very close

It should be Kerry es mucho más macho que Bush (Arbustito). But I couldn't get anywhere near that in French.

[UTUSN]

13. Don't Matter -What Matters Is Heart

RFK didn't speak Spanish, but he walked with Cesar CHAVEZ. RFK was rich, but connected (to the heart, better later than sooner).

Btw, Teresa is PORTUGESE. It's a bit off-Spanish, but will DO.

[UTUSN]

15. Horrible-Jeb Speaks GREAT Spanish, But Sucks as a Human Being n/t

[Generator]

18. As long as he skips the macarana

he'll do fine.

[Cleita]

19. Well as someone who learned Spanish before English, but

only a year apart, I know that Bush and Kerry probably learned Spanish from their nannies. No one pronounces it that well unless they started in childhood. The problem is that Bush also learned English from the nannies, while Kerry actually studied English when he was in school.