Teaching Elephants to Talk Spanish

Note: This blog was guest written by Bill Meierling of the Leadership Institute. Also, please be advised: There are often differences in the words used by different Spanish-speaking countries. We've done our best to include generally-accepted phrases. But if you see any mistakes -- or have any recommendations -- please email me at MLewis@CampaignLeadership.com.


Hispanics represent one of the most important coalitions in politics, because of their growing size, their traditional family values, and their belief in small government. Simply put:

Conservatives cannot afford to ignore this group of voters. While I firmly believe immigrants must learn to speak English fluently -- I know first hand that learning a few simple Spanish phrases can demonstrate your candidate's interest in winning the support of Hispanic voters.

Our first lesson involves your introduction to a Spanish-speaking voter.

Here's what you might say:

"Hola, mi nombre es___________. Estoy lanzando mi candidatura para ____________, y necesito su apoyo."

(Hello, my name is _________. I am running for ___________, and I would like your support.)

In the candidacy portion, the following offices may be useful:

-Assembly: Asamblea
- Councilman: Consejale
- Delegate: Delegado
- Mayor: Alcalde
- Governor: Gobernador
- Lt. Governor: Vicegobernador
- Attorney General: Procurador de la justicia
- Congressman: Congresista or Diputado de la asamblea nacional
- Senator: Senador

One note: Be careful how, when, and where you use your Spanish phrases. During the 2005 Virginia Gubernatorial race, Jerry Kilgore published a piece of direct mail titled, the "Spanish Language Version."

This piece had 11 words in Spanish on an entire 8.5"x11" mailer. The 11 words of Spanish were not inclusive, nor were they grammatically correct. As you might imagine, this did not ingratiate him within the Hispanic community, instead; it only served to alienate his potential Hispanic constituency.

Remember, first impressions are important. Mastering an introduction can go a long way toward earning a vote! ...

Our second lesson involves 5 easy Spanish phrases that can be worked into just about any speech you give:

- Gracias por tenerme aqui esta noche. (Thank you for having me here tonight.)

- Yo agradezco la oportunidad de que estemos aqui' juntos. (I appreciate the opportunity for us to be here together.)

- Quiero hablar con usted sobre temas que son importantes para todos nosotros. (I want to speak with you about important issues that matter to all of us.)

- El votar es su derecho y su obligacio'n. (Voting is your duty and your right).

- Necesitamos su apoyo. (We need your support).

When approaching a stranger, most politicians like to do all the talking. The truth is that it's actually more effective to let the other person do the talking. Of course, it's difficult to have a dialogue when you aren't fluent in the other persons language.

... Following are some easy yes or no questions you can ask a Spanish-speaking person:

- Quiere inscribirse para votar? (Would you like to register to vote?)

- De donde es su familia? (Where is your family from?)

- Eres ciudadano? (Are you a citizen?)

- Te puedo ayudar a llenar el formulario? (Can I help you fill out the form?)

- Tienes hijos? (Do you have children?)