Mexico’s presidential debate

Dan Grech Jun 7, 2006

TEXT OF STORY

MARK AUSTIN THOMAS: Mexico’s presidential election is still more than three weeks away, but many say that last night’s televised debate could be a pivot point in the election. From the Americas Desk at WLRN, Dan Grech explains.

DAN GRECH: Mexico’s election pits a leftist champion of the poor against a pro-business conservative.

The leftist, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, skipped out on the first debate in April. Meanwhile, his rival, the conservative Felipe Calderon, shined — and got a bump in the polls.

Obrador showed up last night, and that could make the difference in a tight race. That’s because this could be the last time either candidate gets much attention.

William and Mary Professor George Grayson explains.

GEORGE GRAYSON: The World Cup starts in three days and Mexico has a pretty good team, and soccer is much more interesting than politics.

Mexico opens against Iran on Sunday.

I’m Dan Grech for Marketplace.

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