Question about Teresa Heinz-Kerry from Hardball

[mrgorth]

I was reading the transcript and came across this:

<snip>
HEINZ KERRY: But I love—I love Doris, too.

In any case, so I see them. And what I‘ve gotten to know about Ted Kennedy is to see him as the youngest of the family. And when you see him as the youngest kid in the family, he is really mischievous and fun. And I‘ve also seen him with a boatload of 20 grand nephews and nieces, everybody‘s little children. And they worship that man.

And so, we see him as a political figure, yes. But when you see him as a (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE) to all of those little kiddies and the love that all of these—quote—“children,” these nephews and nieces have for him, it is a very endearing quality. It really humanizes him.

First, what foreign language? Is she german? Second, what did she say? Opa?

Thanks.

[Uzybone]

1. She speaks 5 languages

was born in Mozambique. I saw the interview and I recall this part but I dont recall her speaking a foreign language there. Hardball transcripts are notoriously unreliable.

[mrgorth]

4. OK

Just curious. Thanks. I wonder how many languages pickles speaks.

[Monument]

2. Teresa used to be a translator for the UN

speaks 5+ languages fluently. Born in Africa of Portugese heritage.

[HootieMcBoob]

3. I think she said

pater something but I'm not sure. probably latin. I think she was talking about him being a fater figure.

[Dark Star]

5. .

Also noteworthy is Teresa Heinz Kerry, who is in some ways a more interesting figure than her husband, Senator John Kerry. Born in Mozambique, fluent in several languages, and trained as a UN translator, she has been an outspoken advocate for the environment and for the arts.

Theresa Kerry once considered a Senate run herself, after her first husband, Senator John Heinz, a moderate Pennsylvania Republican, died in a plane crash. But she decided against it, concluding that "today's most creative thinking is not happening in Washington."


{by Paula Martinac, a Lambda Literary Award-winning author of eight books, is editor in chief of Q Syndicate. She can be reached via this publication, or at [e-mail].}

[cindyw]

6. Pater Familias

"The pater familias was the eldest or ranking male in a Roman household. The word is Latin for "father of the family."

Remember that his brothers Bobby and John both had quite a few children and both died. He is the remaining Kennedy in his generation.

[mrgorth]

7. Understood

thanks.

[Monument]

8. Teresa could speak to Europeans and S. Americans in their own language

[elfin]

9. As I remember - she said "paterfamilias"

in one part and Opa (grandad or grand uncle meaning) in another.

[buycitgo]

10. any doubt that she'll be getting HAMMERED for that soon?

if Kerry gets the nod, just wait and see what the loons have t say about a 'frickin furriner' as first lady\

I'm certain that this has been widely discussed in the dark depths of freekville, among other cesspools

[spooky3]

11. boy, one of those 5 better not be French :-)

[NewYorkerfromMass]

12. Attack Teresa and we win Pa. in a rout

they wouldn't risk it.

[blm]

13. heheh....how about that she is African-American

I love it!