Quote:
Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate
Whenever in international affairs there are translators to ensure that everyone understands what is going on. I don't think it would be an embarrassment for Canada to request translation to French. It *IS* an official language of this country.
Dion was taking English lessons just as Harper took French lessons. After several years, Harper is now quite fluent. Dion didn't have the same amount of time to learn Canada's other official language. Harpers french was as bad as Dion's english when Harper became leader of a national party.
CTV knew he was having trouble interpreting the question because of the mixed tenses used, agreed to let him re-record the question and then aired the re-starts. I agree that it was unethical. It's pretty clear that when you agree not to air something and then air it, that's unethical. CTV claims "they later thought better of their agreement and that it was in the public interest to air it". You shouldn't make promises you don't plan to keep. And if they hadn't made that promise, Dion may have chosen to take his best shot with his best understanding of the question rather than asking his aide for an interpretation.
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I was referring more to the fact that it doesn't help his cause to use the french language as an excuse for botching an interview and kinda bombs his campaign. I agree with you that it shouldn't be an issue with other world leaders or in an international setting, unfortunately, I'm pretty sure it will matter in Canada and to voters.