Republican John McCain's presidential campaign chose today, Cinco de Mayo, both to recognize that holiday and to launch a Spanish-language version of its website.
And in Phoenix a few moments ago, McCain was asked at a news briefing whether he believes Republicans may be hurt in the fall election by the positions they took on immigration last year.
"The tenor of the debate has harmed our image among Hispanics," said McCain, who came under attack from some conservatives for aligning himself with bi-partisan legislation on immigration last year -- legislation that never went anywhere despite the support of President Bush and some leading Democrats, including Sen. Edward Kennedy.
Most Hispanics in the USA, McCain said, want the nation's borders secured. They also hope, he said, that illegal immigrants will be treated "in a humane and compassionate fashion."
As for the holiday, McCain's campaign released this statement from the Arizona senator:
"Cinco de Mayo commemorates an important moment in the history of Mexico's path to freedom. On this day in 1862, a small group of Mexican troops overcame overwhelming force to win the Battle of Puebla. Today, we join together to remember the sacrifice that these Mexican patriots endured, as well as the struggles of all those around the world striving for freedom. We recognize as well the important friendship that exists between our country and Mexico, and celebrate the many contributions Mexican-Americans have made to our society, culture, security and economy."
By: Mark Memmott and Jill Lawrence - USA Today
May 5, 2008
McCain launches Spanish-language website
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Just a note for the record, Hispanics and Latino's don't celebrate Cinco De Mayo. It is a hallmark and captialistic holiday for Americans to make more money on consumption of alcohol.
Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "5th of May") is a regional holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla. It is not an obligatory federal holiday.[1][2][3][4][5] The holiday commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.
A common misconception in the United States is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day; Mexico's Independence Day is actually September 16 (dieciséis de septiembre in Spanish), which is the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.
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