Few U.S. presidents have been fluent in a second language. Does that matter? Beyond its attraction for Hispanic voters in the 2008 elections, is the knowledge of another language important to our position of leadership and our economic competition at the global level?
Thomas Jefferson, when he was sent to France, spoke good French. Did his linguistic competence and his understanding of France help him to negotiate the Louisiana Purchase? Possibly we shall never know.
George W. Bush, who was brought up among Hispanic workers in the oil fields of West Texas, has convinced those who do not know that he can communicate in Spanish. Nevertheless, after the initial exchange of greetings – as one could see clearly on his Latin American tour – his Spanish is severely limited.
Onto the scene comes Bill Richardson, a real Hispanic candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. Richardson's mother was Mexican and his father a Nicaragua-born U.S. citizen. He himself was born in Pasadena, California, but spent a large part of his youth in Mexico City with his family. He does speak Spanish, and speaks it well.
Chris Dodd, another candidate who has announced his candidacy for the Democratic primaries, in Connecticut, speaks Spanish pretty well. And again the question: Is it important to know a second language?
Richardson says yes, it is. Biculturalism, he believes, is an attribute that allows one to enter into the psyches of others and appreciate their values and perceptions. A four-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Richardson has negotiated the freedom of prisoners and has confronted the 'evil-doers' in the 'axis of evil' “up close and personal.”
He did not speak Spanish in Korea, Iraq, Syria, Darfur and other places; nevertheless, with a combination of a good-natured manner and an iron resolution, he demonstrated an unparalleled ability to establish communication with tyrants and autocrats, and to do the will of humanity. He was extraordinarily effective as ambassador to the United Nations, recognizing that his biculturalism made it possible for him to cross political and linguistic barriers.
Richardson is a corpulent man, who does not take things too seriously, a man of embraces and slaps on the back, who puts out his hand, who tells jokes, who knows how to get along with people of any position in life. He knows how to make personal contact in a room full of people, connecting with everyone – from the waiters to the prime ministers. But behind his smile and his warm hugs you find a man who knows how to communicate effectively across cultural differences.
In an ever smaller and more complex world, will the ability to establish communication with foreign heads of state be recognized as an important attribute for a 21st century president? And will cross-cultural communication be useful in our own society, composed of ever more multiple cultures? How will the voters weigh language and culture in the presidential campaign debates?
Bill Richardson is only just beginning to get the attention his vital experience deserves. An expert on television's Sunday morning programs recently predicted – and this is a sign of the moment we live in – that televised debates broadcast on the Spanish-language networks will be an important part of these elections. That augurs well for the Hispanic vote, but the United States as a country must be able to communicate effectively on the international level to gain the respect of the leaders and the peoples of the world. The abilities that Governor Richardson brings to the table are ones we should consider seriously.
