Learn Spanish a lo Boricua: Episode 56 - Short Convos: Historic Elections in PR

Host: Kerry Brennan
Release Date: November 12, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 56 of "Learn Spanish a lo Boricua," host Kerry Brennan delves into the historic elections that took place in Puerto Rico this year. Aimed at both second and third-generation Puerto Ricans and those with Puerto Rican partners, this episode offers a conversational yet educational exploration of the island's unique political landscape.

Understanding Puerto Rico's Political Parties

Kerry begins by emphasizing that Puerto Rico's primary political parties differ significantly from the traditional Democrat and Republican dichotomy familiar to listeners in the mainland United States. She states:

"Now, the primary parties in Puerto Rico are not Democrat and Republican."
(00:15)

For newcomers or those needing a refresher, Kerry refers listeners to a previous episode that outlines the three main parties—Popular (PDP), Ponce (PNP), and Independentista (PIP). This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the nuances discussed later in the episode.

Key Terminology

To facilitate comprehension, Kerry introduces and defines essential Spanish terms used throughout the episode:

• Partido Popular (PP): One of the primary political parties in Puerto Rico.

• Partido Independentista (PIP): Another major party, focusing on independence.

• Papaleta: Translated as "ballot," a term Kerry playfully emphasizes by mentioning its frequent use:

  "Another word you need to know for today's episode is the word papaleta."
  (00:45)

This focus on vocabulary not only aids in understanding Puerto Rican politics but also enriches listeners' Spanish lexicon.

Breakdown of This Year's Elections

The crux of the episode revolves around the five ballots that were part of the recent elections. Kerry clarifies:

"We're going to be talking to you about what was included in the five ballots in this year's elections."
(01:10)

She assures listeners that while she isn't a political analyst, her aim is to provide an accessible overview. For those seeking deeper political insights, she recommends following Bianca Grau on social media and YouTube.

Additionally, Kerry highlights resources available for dedicated learners:

"A transcript of today's episode as well as a vocab deck that's including the most important vocab from today's episode is available via our Patreon page."
(01:30)

Subscribers can access these materials for $5 a month, enhancing their learning experience.

Analyzing the Election Results Map

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to interpreting a map that illustrates how Puerto Rico's municipios (municipalities) voted in the gubernatorial race. Kerry explains the color-coding system, drawing parallels to U.S. elections:

"Just like in the United States elections where the states are going to turn either red or blue, depending on whether they voted majority Republican or Democrat, here the municipios are going to turn blue if they vote majority PNP, red if they voted majority Popular, and green for Independentista."
(02:00)

She further clarifies:

"The yellow that we're seeing here represents a difference of less than 100 votes."
(02:20)

This visual analysis helps listeners grasp the political distribution across Puerto Rico, highlighting key battleground areas and regions with narrow margins.

Engaging the Audience

Throughout the episode, Kerry maintains an engaging tone, encouraging listeners to interact and deepen their understanding:

"I won't be quitting my day job to become a political analyst. So if you'd like more in-depth information on what's going on politically in Puerto Rico, I encourage you guys to follow Bianca Grau..."
(01:00)

Her relatable approach ensures that the content remains accessible, even for those new to Puerto Rican politics.

Conclusion and Additional Resources

Kerry wraps up the episode by reiterating the availability of supplemental materials for learners:

"As always, a transcript of today's episode as well as a vocab deck that's including the most important vocab from today's episode is available via our Patreon page."
(01:30)

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and access these resources to bolster their Spanish learning journey, particularly in understanding the unique political vernacular of Puerto Rico.

Notable Takeaways

• Distinct Political Landscape: Puerto Rico's primary parties differ from the U.S. system, necessitating an understanding of local parties like Popular, PNP, and Independentista.
• Essential Vocabulary: Terms like "papaleta" (ballot) are integral to following Puerto Rican elections.
• Election Analysis: The color-coded map provides a clear visual representation of voting patterns across municipios, highlighting areas of political strength and competition.
• Educational Resources: Transcripts and vocabulary decks are available for deeper engagement and learning.

Final Thoughts

Episode 56 of "Learn Spanish a lo Boricua" serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the recent historic elections in Puerto Rico. Through clear explanations, relatable analogies, and valuable resources, Kerry Brennan equips listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate and appreciate the island's vibrant political scene.

For those interested in expanding their Spanish proficiency and gaining insights into Puerto Rican culture and politics, this episode is an invaluable resource.