Since neither of their parties has ever held the highest office no major record could be scrutinized or attacked. In most cases, when asked a question they began with an attack on the PRI's record on the subject. His responses, quite frankly, were overwhelmed by the torrent of attacks and accusations. Labastida, in an earlier campaign speech in Mexico, said he wanted all Mexican children to learn English and have access to a computer, the Internet and e-mail. The 150 people attending the debate were not only present at a moment in history, but were treated to candid and revealing remarks never before heard from PRI opponents in English and in the United States.
Most experts doubt it.
The party is very well organized, and has a first-class political machine throughout the country. And, even though estimates are that fully 60 percent of Mexican voters oppose the PRI, the two opposition parties have been unable to reach accord on unification for common cause. That is expected to sharply split the opposition vote, granting the PRI yet one more presidential election.