(CNN) -- "Pandering." According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to pander is to: "provide gratification for others' desires." So is that what John McCain and Barack Obama are doing with Hispanic voters? Sen. John McCain has said the issue of immigration would be a top priority for him as president. If you follow coverage of their speeches at three Latino events -- the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, the League of United Latin American Citizens and The National Council of La Raza -- the answer would be yes. Why? Because the two candidates are talking about making immigration reform a priority if they reach the White House, and to make it there, they know the Hispanic vote can have a great impact.
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Candidates talk about immigration reform at Latino events
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Hispanics care about a lot of other issues, says Juan Carlos Lopez
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Latinos: The largest and fastest growing minority in the nation
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Candidates' so-called pandering to Latinos shows the power of the Hispanic vote
That could fuel fears about @placeholder influence, and spur some to use that fear to score political points.