Becerra Won’t Be Obama’s Trade Rep
EmailABC News’ Teddy Davis Reports: Saying that he has come to the realization that trade is not the highest priority for the incoming Obama administration, Rep. Xavier Becerra has decided not to accept Barack Obama’s offer to be United States Trade Representative, according to an interview the California Democrat gave to the editorial board of La Opinion, a Spanish-language newspaper in Los Angeles.
"Mi preocupación es qué tanto peso hubiera tenido esta posición y llegué a la conclusión de que no sería prioridad número uno, quizá ni siquiera dos o tres," Becerra told La Opinion.Translated to English, Becerra said, "My concern was how much weight this position [U.S. Trade Representative] would have and I came to the conclusion that it would not be priority No. 1, and perhaps, not even priority No. 2 or 3."
In the wake of the La Opinion story, Becerra’s office at first declined to comment and eventually put out a written statement attempting to frame the decision to pass on the opportunity to become Obama’s U.S. Trade Representative in a more positive light.
"Working for and with incoming President Barack Obama would be an opportunity of a lifetime," said Becerra in his statement. "I will get to experience that thrill… by working by his side in the People’s House just down the street from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The clock is ticking; I’m ready to go!"
In the official statement, there was no mention of the rationale articulated to the editorial board of La Opinion.
In the run up to Ohio’s Democratic primary, Barack Obama talked up his intention to pull the United States out of the North American Free Trade Agreement (N.A.F.T.A.) if Mexico did not agree to new labor and environmental standards.
Since then, Obama has de-emphasized his willingness to pull the U.S. out of NAFTA if the trade deal is not improved.
Democrats told ABC’s Jake Tapper on Dec. 3 that Obama had offered the job of US Trade Rep to Becerra.
Obama’s transition office had no immediate comment to the La Opinion story, saying that it does not comment on discussions with prospective appointees.
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Thanks for translating what he said, you clowns.
Posted by: john | December 16, 2008, 8:52 pm 8:52 pm
Could I get a translation, so that I can read the news, this is the good USA
and I do believe that we speak English here
Posted by: Ken | December 16, 2008, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm
What a shame!!!
Next!!!!
Posted by: sisterdearest09 | December 16, 2008, 9:12 pm 9:12 pm
LOL @ john
Posted by: monica | December 16, 2008, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
trade is not priority number one, two, or three for the Obama administration,
__________________
For those who cannot read, the translation is right in front of your face. See above
Posted by: rhbate | December 16, 2008, 9:15 pm 9:15 pm
Roughly, he’s given a lot of thought to the idea of having this position and he’s come to the conclusion that there will be no serious priority given (to trade); that it’s not a first nor even a second or third priority.
Posted by: derridog | December 16, 2008, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm
“Mi preocupación es qué tanto peso hubiera tenido esta posición y llegué a la conclusión de que no sería prioridad número uno, quizá ni siquiera dos o tres,”
Translation:
My concern is how much weight that position would have had and I concluded thay it wouldn’t be priority 1, perhaps not even 2 or 3.”
Posted by: hank | December 16, 2008, 9:22 pm 9:22 pm
Roughly, he’s given a lot of thought to the idea of having this position and he’s come to the conclusion that there will be no serious priority given (to trade); that it’s not a first nor even a second or third priority.
Posted by: derridog | December 16, 2008, 9:24 pm 9:24 pm
No big deal – you offer a job, some take it, some don’t.
They did translate it – the summary that he didn’t want the job because trade wasn’t one of the top three priorities of the administration was accurate, and all that was said in the Spanish quote.
Hopefully, this makes his constituents happy – although were I one of them, I’d be displeased that he’s giving out Spanish interviews before English ones. No matter where in California he’s from, the majority of his constituents speak English. He should be most concerned with them.
Posted by: SusanHelit | December 16, 2008, 9:24 pm 9:24 pm
“My concern is how much weight would have been in this position and I concluded that it would not be priority number one, maybe two or even three,”
Posted by: roscoe02 | December 16, 2008, 9:26 pm 9:26 pm
“My concern is how much weight would have been in this position and I concluded that it would not be priority number one, maybe even two or three”…yes, they did translate it, you monolinguistic f’ing boobs! You act as if being born in America is a birtright to idiocy!
Posted by: hokie freak | December 16, 2008, 9:28 pm 9:28 pm
Please press one for good old English,
press two maybe even three for
Spanish. What a Country…….
Posted by: spacerook1 | December 16, 2008, 9:49 pm 9:49 pm
The word “rejection” is unnecessarily pejorative and poorly chosen. Becerra didn’t want the job because he thought it wouldn’t be important or high-profile enough.
When weighing an offer, politicians, like everyone else, think about potential career advancement. That’s the message here.
Posted by: Eleonora27 | December 16, 2008, 9:55 pm 9:55 pm
You Republicans should stop whinning.
Whose fault is it that you are illeterates and can not even read what is translated for you
No doubt you buffoons gave us 8 years of Bush.
Americans speak Spanish, German, French, Yiddish, Lingala, Swahili, Portuguese, Igbo, Arabic, Flemish, Hausa, Chinese, Japanese, English, Gaelic, Italian, Greek, Swedish, Russian, Korean, Manchurian, etc., etc., etc.
So what is your problem you racist morons?
Posted by: Steve_NJ | December 16, 2008, 9:59 pm 9:59 pm
Becerra’s district has a majority of Spanish speakers, so he’s speaking the language of his constituents.
better start learning Spanish- as California grows, Latinos will demand that Spanish be on par with English. Obama himself said that Americans should know Spanish.
Those who don’t like the new Latino majority can all move to Canada.
Posted by: mario | December 16, 2008, 10:05 pm 10:05 pm
what has this clown ever done to justify the offer?
And, has he not gotten the latest news reports on climate change, Afghanistan, govt. corruption, oil abvuses. I wouldn’t put trade on the top 10 list.
Posted by: Tor | December 16, 2008, 10:10 pm 10:10 pm
Why is this guy giving an interview in spanish and not english? Isnt he in AMERICA where the main language here is ENGLISH?
Posted by: Citizen of FL | December 16, 2008, 10:14 pm 10:14 pm
“Mi preocupación es qué tanto peso hubiera tenido esta posición y llegué a la conclusión de que no sería prioridad número uno, quizá ni siquiera dos o tres,”
Translation:
“I know your wife is pregnant. But it wasn’t me. I didn’t do it. I always wear protection. It’s my first, second and third priority.”
Posted by: Wash DC Spanish Teacher | December 16, 2008, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
A John McCain and Sarah Palin transition team would have taken this issue seriously. Just another in a series of mistakes by the ill prepared president elect. With his scandal looming in Illinois, it does not surprise me that the real reason people do not want to join his team is to avoid possible jail time due to associatian with him.
Posted by: Bill | December 16, 2008, 10:38 pm 10:38 pm
The language of the U.S. is English. We don’t have a secondary language. If you don’t like it you’re welcome to move to another country.
Posted by: English Only | December 16, 2008, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
wow a bilingual politician operating in a spanish speaking disctrict… how unamerican it must seem to racists
Posted by: earthisnotflat | December 16, 2008, 10:57 pm 10:57 pm
It’s great that someone has spoken up and won’t be a stool pigeon to obama. Not only is trade not a priority with obama but I don’t even think it’s on his to do list as he’s too busy planning to spend the tax payers money on bailouts.
Posted by: Stand Up To Obama | December 16, 2008, 10:59 pm 10:59 pm
Steve-NJ—-we also speak Ebonics!
Posted by: thateldoo | December 16, 2008, 11:00 pm 11:00 pm
remember, this country was founded on freedom of speech, but some bigots want to limit that to just one language
Posted by: earthisnotflat | December 16, 2008, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
It sounds like trade is not a priority to Rep. Becerra. Or at least it’s less of a priority than his personal position in an Obama administration. If trade is a priority to you, why wouldn’t you take the highest position to affect that policy? Let’s hope the next person who’s motivated sees an opportunity when presented to them.
Posted by: Curious | December 16, 2008, 11:12 pm 11:12 pm
American trade policy has, for the longest time, favored the importing of everything we consume, and exporting our jobs and money overseas. If, over the objections of the extreme left and right reactionary forces, we get a change in that policy, it will signal a desire to give America “Most Favored Nation” status instead of the Chinese.
As for Rep. Xavier Becerra’s reasons for “rejecting” this appointment, they are likely to be ones he didn’t mention – in either language. Nanny problems maybe?
Posted by: Paul_Revere | December 16, 2008, 11:15 pm 11:15 pm
People who complain about the text in Spanish are uneducated people who have not realized they live in a country where its population speaks hundreds of languages other than ENglish. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with the text in Spanish. But something is very wrong with those who complain. DO they feel threatened?
Posted by: Aurelie | December 16, 2008, 11:24 pm 11:24 pm
He wants to keep the Rep job. That’s all.
Posted by: pmp2008 | December 16, 2008, 11:31 pm 11:31 pm
“Whose fault is it that you are illeterates and can not even read what is translated for you”
I believe the word you are aiming for is “illiterates”.
Posted by: Ferris | December 16, 2008, 11:35 pm 11:35 pm
A John McCain and Sarah Palin transition team …………Yes but you would call
it…………..
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL … FOR 4YEARS………… WHAT A JOKE….
Posted by: Anita Yova | December 16, 2008, 11:50 pm 11:50 pm
Sounds like a guy that has something to hide.. Maybe he already tried to buy a Senate seat from Blagojevich, for 500, 000 U.S. dollars.
Posted by: J.Murphy, CA. | December 17, 2008, 12:20 am 12:20 am
Ya know, there are goods way to turn down a job offer (where it doesn’t slam any doors in your face) and bad ways (that do). I think Mr. Becerra has just kicked himself in the butt.
Posted by: FemaleVeteran | December 17, 2008, 12:28 am 12:28 am
I am competely surprised how many idiots still exist. He did not take the job because he was not going to have the spotlight. Poor dude. And to those that have a problem with the Spanish language, don’t be mad because you FAILED your Spanish class in high school. Complete idiots…Should of paid attention and stopped smoking the weed. IDIOTS.
Posted by: Rajoblue | December 17, 2008, 12:50 am 12:50 am
Maybe Obama’s espanol was not good enough when made the job offer, so Mr. Becerra turned it down. lol
Posted by: what667 | December 17, 2008, 1:17 am 1:17 am
Here’s an idea: Learn to accept the fact that about 100 million people in this country speak Spanish and quit being a xenophobic ass. Simple, yeah?
Posted by: H | December 17, 2008, 1:39 am 1:39 am
I am very disturbed by all the ignorant posts in this forum. Some of us immigrants who did not go through the proper channnel prior to entering the United States have no idea of the requirements for admission into the country. Yes, in other countries, immigraants have to demonstrate proficiency of English before being allowed to enter the United States. I went through that ordeal, and it is something that I take great pride in. Imagine immigrants from these other countries realizing that America is a bilingual country upon arrival. Very shocking. Nowadays most of us immigrants are running away from impoverished and decadent environments to find solace in America. The problem is that we are completely inflexible in our lifestyles and social behavior. Sooner or later the United States will deteroriate to a status of a third world country just like the ones we were running away from. Where else will we run to? We immigrants should be grateful, and not arrogantly take things for granted.
Posted by: what667 | December 17, 2008, 1:58 am 1:58 am
alrity , now some Hispanic shouldn’t complain nothing is getting offered to them .silly guy .
You would have to be a MORON not to accept that post.You know the possiblity in having a GIG like that, And He is not even a Senator or Governor .
Posted by: alex | December 17, 2008, 2:27 am 2:27 am
this guy is an ass. he’s got issues.
he knows very well he’s in the USA and yet he feels it necessary to answer in Spanish!
what an aeh hole! loser. thank you for not accepting. we’d prefer english speaking! go away
Posted by: Paisley L | December 17, 2008, 2:37 am 2:37 am
paisley, ken, other ignorant morons: HE WAS SPEAKING TO A SPANISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER YA’ FLIPPIN’ IDIOT – lord almighty, i hope the scarecrow didn’t take all of Santa’s brains -
Posted by: jim | December 17, 2008, 2:51 am 2:51 am
Congratulations! We have decided to grant the children of the ignorant scholarships to the schools of their choice, so long as such schools are far away from their parents! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Posted by: Santa/J. Christ | December 17, 2008, 2:57 am 2:57 am
He shows he’s not up to the job – just a no class jerk. Would have been a real disaster as a trade representative. Obama should thank his lucky stars that the twit turned the offer down. Train reck averted. Phew.
Posted by: afgail | December 17, 2008, 3:08 am 3:08 am
He rejected the job ok so what I really don’t see this as a very important issue.
Posted by: Nathan | December 17, 2008, 3:43 am 3:43 am
Did 95% of the people posting on this site read the first or second line and then type a comment? He was giving a quote to a Spanish language newspaper. The translation into English is in the SAME paragraph. Just because he does not want the job also does not mean that he isn’t up to the job or a no-class jerk. The guy says he is happy with the position he has in the House of Reps. What’s wrong with that?
Posted by: Melanie | December 17, 2008, 3:48 am 3:48 am
Instead of whining that there are Spanish speaking people in the US, we should be learning that and other languages. We need to better ourselves and prepare for a very real future employment scenario, where knowing Spanish might be a requirement for a position. Do people really believe that businesses will support an English-only approach if they stand to lose money?! I hope the complainers on here eventually face reality, put in some good old American hard work, and learn another language. If you are so afraid of change that you don’t roll with the times, you will be left behind and we’ll be paying the taxes to support you when you can’t find a job!
Posted by: Doug | December 17, 2008, 4:48 am 4:48 am
Ok – what has been missed to this point is the fact that the guy – Rep. Becerra – is now back tracking because, apparently, he failed to realize that some Americans CAN speak Spanish and some of them even work for the news media!
I don’t mind that he turned the job down – as others have noted, regardless of it’s priority within the Obama admin, it’s a heck of an opportunity to be on the team with what will arguably be the most historic presidency since FDR – so if this primadona is concerned about not enough face time, great. He did the nation (English AND Spanish speaking) a favor. We need people who want to do the job given to them, not people more interested in personal gain…
dang, the dude’s not even FROM Illinois!
Posted by: km | December 17, 2008, 5:47 am 5:47 am
The gov of CA is a republican… he would have appointed a rightwing republican… the Democrates would have lost a seat.
The only honor here is the perception that there MIGHT have been an offer
Posted by: MrSleepy | December 17, 2008, 5:49 am 5:49 am
SO HE MADE A STATEMENT OF SPANISH TO A MEXICAN NEWSPAPER.
Yes, America is a melting pot of all cultures. But if you are in America shouldn’t you be able to speak English???? Our language is ENGLISH, why should we have to conform to their languages – like providing translators, having phone books, atms, etc.with other languages. They want the benefits of living here (social security, welfare, housing, etc) but they do not want to learn English.
Many people have come here from countries at war, etc. and we have given them a lot of help – but they complain and will not learn our language.
Posted by: smt | December 17, 2008, 6:04 am 6:04 am
At least this guy sees through Obama’s bull…Tere will be many other politicians who will want to distance themselves from Obama. The guy has “CHANGED” nothing. He has brought the CLINTON”S back and kept some of Pres. Bush
administration. The scandal in Chicago further damaged his credibility. CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN…..LOL
Posted by: CW | December 17, 2008, 6:05 am 6:05 am
At least this guy sees through Obama’s bull…There will be many other politicians who will want to distance themselves from Obama. The guy has “CHANGED” nothing. He has brought the CLINTON”S back and kept some of Pres. Bush
administration. The scandal in Chicago further damaged his credibility. CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN…..LOL
Posted by: CW | December 17, 2008, 6:05 am 6:05 am
A smart man. Perhaps he realizes the need to learn to speak Indian or Chinese, then work for them. Clinton and Bush have milked the globalization cow dry. All the illegal immigrants may return to build the roads; and what ever else the govetnment may pour money into to keep the military-industrial monster fed — as long as someone will insure the loans.
Posted by: olin tucker | December 17, 2008, 6:29 am 6:29 am
Becerra is a wise man.
After NAFTA Gate, that position is going to have it’s job cut out for them.
Obama Condemned NAFTA and wanted to do away with it. That is what he told the American people.
Then went to the Canadians and said he did not mean anything he told American people.
Who ever takes that position will have to rebuild Relations with those countries. Never knowing if they can trust Obama after his Shenaigans.
Then after he was caught lying, Came back and wanted to put all kind of demands on Mexico. His reasoning for wanting a Mexican Americna in that position.
Posted by: seah | December 17, 2008, 6:44 am 6:44 am
Who is this dude? Whomever – his lame opinion is not priority with me.
Posted by: Yankee | December 17, 2008, 6:45 am 6:45 am
It is interesting to read the comments from different citizens of this country , some were able to understand that the reason for the Spanish quote was because he was talking to the editorial La Opinion a Spanish language news paper in LA. For the ones who could not perceived the logical reason, perhaps they need to understand when they read before they comment on something. It is embarrassing to read some of the comments. Is it because we are so quick to be critical to others because of their nationality,religion….? When we think about it is dangerous.
Posted by: Sandra | December 17, 2008, 7:04 am 7:04 am
Obama’s No. 1 concern is shooting hoops. His obsession with exercise reminds me of Bush. To heck with trade!
Posted by: tina | December 17, 2008, 7:48 am 7:48 am
Meet the new boss…same as the old boss.
Posted by: What Change? | December 17, 2008, 8:03 am 8:03 am
Obama is a fraud that slipped through the cracks. This would surely never have happened without the help of a media that was as dirty as chicago politics.
Hillary Clinton, McCain, Palin and Biden were all vetted, but whoever thought doing a little background work on BO would be beneficial?
Now we are stuck with a man who is as incompetent as he is dirty to run our country.
Posted by: keepthechange | December 17, 2008, 9:32 am 9:32 am
The Hispanic vote is far too important and the ever ready for leadership. Becerra did himself a favor by declining the offer.
Posted by: Joe | December 17, 2008, 9:47 am 9:47 am
ALL OF YOU PEOPLE ARE SAD AMERICAS. ALL YOU DO IS COMPLAIN. SO WHAT HE DID AN INTERVEIW IN SPANISH. THEY TRANSLATED BECUASE THE MAJORITY DOES NOT SPEAK ENGLISH. THIS IS AMERICA AND EVERYONE SHOULD AT LEAST LEARN TO SPEAK A LITTLE ENGLISH. AND FOR ALL YOU PEOPLE THAT SAY OBAMA IS CORRUPT HE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CHICAGO SCANDAL
Posted by: QUIHSA | December 17, 2008, 9:56 am 9:56 am
QUIHSA
How many times will we hear from barry..
“I uuhh can’t uuuh comment uuuuhh right uuuuhhhh now. But what I uuuuugghhh can tell uuhh you is that is aahhhaah not the person I uuuuuhhhhh knew.”
Posted by: keepthechange | December 17, 2008, 10:19 am 10:19 am
WHERE’S SILKY?
Posted by: chaos | December 17, 2008, 11:04 am 11:04 am
hey ken when did they make english the official language, english was not the only language spoken, when your ancestors were kicked out of england and sent out to see on a row boat. too bad they had to land here in your self proclaimed land.
Posted by: mike from denver | December 17, 2008, 11:45 am 11:45 am
priority one is getting some thing the other countries want/need -new energy resources
priority two is getting our economy on track – new energy resources initiatives
priority three is getting people back to work and stop the houses bleeding
priority 4 security (which can only get better if we deal with the first three first…because no country who is on a downward spiral financially and image wise at the same time can be secure)
priority five is getting healthcare under control and dealing with social security
I mean the list goes on
so yes…it is not in the top 3 priorities.
Posted by: dl | December 17, 2008, 11:48 am 11:48 am
and keepthechange
there are no words as to how whacked that posting is…lol
I guess the allow internet access from the institution.
lol
Posted by: dl | December 17, 2008, 11:50 am 11:50 am
wow a lot of dumb people on here…same ones that argued for Mccain Palin.
Time to realize our leaders need to be smart…
and acknowledge that Obaam is getting flying colors for his choices so far.
sour grapes …sound just like that…dumb.
Posted by: dl | December 17, 2008, 11:52 am 11:52 am
Guess what? Obama will be president for 4 years, so get over it. The Rep. didn’t want the job, because it wasn’t where he wanted to be at this time. Note: it is his god given American right to decline for whatever reason or to say it in spanish or english. Who gives a crap. I voted for Obama and he has 4 years…4 years to clean this crap up. If it’s not done to my satisfaction, then my vote is up for grabs again.
Posted by: Richard | December 17, 2008, 1:01 pm 1:01 pm
keepthechange – I don’t suppose you watched Obama on Meet The Press last week when he was on for a full hour with Tom Brokaw, did you? No, you wouldn’t put yourself through an hour of coherent, thoughtful, sensible, intelligent conversation coming from a Democrat, especially Obama. There were no “uuhhs”, no “I don’t know the answer to that”, no “I’ll get back to you on that one”. It was a full hour of clarity and cautious hopefulness–things you want to avoid, I am sure, when it comes to our new President.
Posted by: geecee | December 17, 2008, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
OBAMA – REJECTED
Posted by: Mr Reality | December 17, 2008, 2:51 pm 2:51 pm
I GUESS HE COULD SEE THE WRITING ON THE WALL.
Posted by: Mr Reality | December 17, 2008, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm
IT WAS A SPANISH NEWSPAPER that asked the question. Hope I don’t have to spell it out for you. Spanish newspapers are written in spanish, dud…
Posted by: zorra | December 17, 2008, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
What this represents is the erosion of American valuse and the basic tenets of America. Back in the 30s – 50s the immigrants were happy to learn english, and wanted to contribute to American society, because they realized that such a socienty gave back to them.
I have no problem with Spanish…what I have a problem with is risking my life for a prespective trade representitive and/or ABCnews conducting and important interview in a foreign language (spanis, Urdu, Arabic, etc.).
If we’re all Americans, and God I hope we are…I only hope that the basis of our relationship and the most important basis of such a relationship is our ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Sadly (and I wish I could) I cannot understand spanish, ergo, I do not understand the nuances of this written interview, and therefore cannot comprehend what was said…and as a military member defending everyone’s right to free speech…I think I at least have the right to understand and comprehend such speech that I am defending.
Perhaps I’m wrong…but I don’t think so…
Sadly…I think ABCnews published this interview for the sole purpose of garnering comments and “making waves”…and that makes idiots of me, you, and everyone else.
I hope we can come together as a country, and talk about such things in a civilized manner, respecting each other’s views while espousing our own…in a similar manner.
Folks…we fall prey to the media…liberal and conservative alike…while they sit back and laugh at our posts…I want to ask everyone to take an outsider’s outlook and respond to the issues, not the hype…I’ve served 25 years in as a Pararescueman to make sure you have the right to voice your opinion…please…please, lets make sure our opinions are based on facts, and we debate within the confines of mutual respect…
I remain your most humble servant.
Respectfully,
SMSgt Jame Thede
Posted by: SMSgt James Thede | December 17, 2008, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
I’m sorry for the mispellings. To correct:
valuse=values
socienty = society
socienty = “see above :)”
and = an
I never purported to be an Academic :)
Posted by: SMSgt James Thede | December 17, 2008, 11:28 pm 11:28 pm
Sorry:
spanis=Spanish
Posted by: SMSgt James Thede | December 17, 2008, 11:38 pm 11:38 pm
Good God…and the last one (I hope)
Jame=James
I am your servant, truly without voice, and cannot denigrate my CINC…I hope we can come together, and work throught our differences…and fellow Americans…dedicated to the greater good and the greatness of our country.
Posted by: SMSgt James Thede | December 17, 2008, 11:41 pm 11:41 pm
last one?
Throught=through
Posted by: SMSgt James Thede | December 17, 2008, 11:43 pm 11:43 pm
regarding the last comment…and=an :)
Posted by: SMSgt James Thede | December 18, 2008, 12:19 am 12:19 am