Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

by Josh Orton, Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:03:23 AM EDT

CNN called it as soon as the polls closed.

Results here as they trickle in.

Update [2008-6-1 15:56:0 by Todd Beeton]:Results:

Hillary Clinton: 68 percent
Barack Obama: 32 percent
With 1% of precincts reporting a/o 1:06 PM Eastern

Update [2008-6-1 15:21:29 by Todd Beeton]:The CNN exit polls show a landslide. Just a quick glance would seem to indicate a 30 or so point victory for Clinton today. Any word on turnout?

Update [2008-6-1 15:27:11 by Todd Beeton]:Fox News is reporting lower than expected turnout.

Turnout could also be less than what Clinton had hoped for 300,000 to 400,000, rather than the 500,000 to 600,000 that had originally been projected. Kenneth McClintock, the Puerto Rico Senate president, said that he was hearing late reports that voting had picked up. He said 20 percent turnout would be about 460,000 voters.

Turnout reportedly picked up later on in the day but 20% is pretty sad. Still, if turnout is 500k, a 30 point win would still mean netting 150k votes. Fox reports that speculation was that Clinton may net 15 delegates out of today.

Tags: Election 08, Hillary Clinton (all tags)

Comments

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She can exit with dignity n/t

by parahammer 2008-06-01 11:05AM | 0 recs

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Re: She can exit with dignity n/t

Just so you know, she could've exited with dignity after West Virginia or Kentucky. Or Pennsylvania. Or Ohio. :)

by Yalin 2008-06-01 11:28AM | 0 recs

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Re: She can exit with dignity n/t

It was never about Hillary exiting with dignitiy.

It was about Ickes exiting with none.

by Lettuce 2008-06-01 11:34AM | 0 recs

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Re: She can exit with dignity n/t

Two big reasons why Hillary did not win this nomination: Ickes & Penn. Those to could screw up a food fight.

She was very ill served by both of them.

by Purple with Green Stipes and Pink Polka Dots Dem 2008-06-01 11:40AM | 0 recs

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McAullife`

Don't forget to give him some of the blame too. After all, he lead the party to our great victories in 2002 and 2004.

Oh wait, we lost in those years.

by monkeyga 2008-06-01 11:55AM | 0 recs

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Re: McAullife`

Good point! It's actually a triumvirate of incompetents.

by Purple with Green Stipes and Pink Polka Dots Dem 2008-06-01 12:34PM | 0 recs

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Re: McAullife`

He definitely didn't help anything declaring her West Virginia victory speech the "greatest speech ever".

by matchles 2008-06-01 12:58PM | 0 recs

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Re: She can exit with dignity n/t

The man lost a kidney and hearing in one ear working for civil rights in the South. I doubt he cares what you consider dignity.

by souvarine 2008-06-01 11:42AM | 0 recs

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I don't see why she should have

Those in SD, MT, and PR who wanted to vote for her as a living candidate would have been able to do so even though supporters in other states had that ability.

by lombard 2008-06-01 11:41AM | 0 recs

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Re: I don't see why she should have

I was just responding to the first poster who said "now she can exit with dignity."

That dignity bit was obviously something that could've occurred after her other big victories.

shrug

That said, I'm just glad it's over, Obama's the nominee, and we can move on to hammering McCain and getting him into the White House this coming November.

by Yalin 2008-06-01 12:02PM | 0 recs

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Re: I don't see why she should have

Err, him meaning Obama, not McCain. :)

by Yalin 2008-06-01 12:03PM | 0 recs

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Why is turnout so Low?

It's not a work day and weather is clear?

by Al Rodgers 2008-06-01 11:57AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

CNN shows her winning by 50 points. If turnout is low, it may not matter.

by politicalfan 2008-06-01 11:05AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

She is not winning by 50 points.

by sweet potato pie 2008-06-01 11:07AM | 0 recs

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CNN Exit Polls

Has Clinton winning by a 70-30 margin. It's the same margin for both male and female. We'll see how accurate the exit polls are. On the down side, turnout was low and may not surpass 500,000 or 25 percent.

by Zzyzzy 2008-06-01 11:18AM | 0 recs

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Re: CNN Exit Polls

I thought we could just discount their primary all together.

by anasky123 2008-06-26 11:34PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Congratulations, Hillary! This bodes well for your Senate re-election campaign. Even if some NYers turn against you, you can count on NY PRs supporting you.

by politicsmatters 2008-06-01 11:08AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

What data do you possess that declares that Clinton is losing support in NY???

by Liberty 2008-06-01 11:14AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Oh, I know lots of political folks there and there is talk on the ground...and my contacts are all Hillary Clinton supporters.

by politicsmatters 2008-06-01 11:21AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

No, I asked for data...you are the professed educator..come on now..provide the evidence..

by Liberty 2008-06-01 11:23AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

There haven't been any polls as far as I know, so you can consider that being "without data" when it comes to public opinion. And I doubt that Clinton would be defeated in a primary. However, I can tell you that there is real worry in NY political circles about what they are picking up in terms of increased dislike toward HRC.

by politicsmatters 2008-06-01 11:49AM | 0 recs

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Hillary unpopular in NY?

I live in upstate NY and she's more popular than ever here. People who didn't vote for her in 2000 are now big supporters. You must live in an Obama enclave like Park Slope.

by laternighter 2008-06-01 11:55AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Sounds anecdotal to me.
Link or slink.

by bluestatedude 2008-06-01 11:49AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Not all information is linkable...even in this day and age.

by politicsmatters 2008-06-01 11:50AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

I am certain though as per your MO that you will spam in the upcoming days the superdelegate endorsements as off topic data in every single diary.

by Liberty 2008-06-01 12:03PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

There are polls showing that they'd like her to drop out but that's not really the same thing.

by heresjohnny 2008-06-01 11:26AM | 0 recs

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If you were a Clinton supporter,

that remark would be hide/troll rated as racist.

by lombard 2008-06-01 11:39AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

No idea what turnout is, but if its respectable, and a big win, the popular win could be pretty big.

by Jaz 2008-06-01 11:09AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Wow! What an old electorate! 41% were over 60.

by politicsmatters 2008-06-01 11:10AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Where would you want to retire?

by matchles 2008-06-01 11:13AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Me? Probably a college town.

by politicsmatters 2008-06-01 11:21AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

I'm with you there, I'll probably audit college courses forever.

by matchles 2008-06-01 11:28AM | 0 recs

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Not me. I live in one.

by lombard 2008-06-01 11:37AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico sounds like a great place to retire :)

sun, surf, island life....

sigh...

by colebiancardi 2008-06-01 11:22AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

This is certainly the turning point that proves that the Obama campaign is in its last throes.

I am sure of it.

Viva Hillary.

</snark>

by turnover 2008-06-01 11:14AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Terry McAullife said that he expects to win 2 to 1. Either the exit polls are EXTREMELY flawed on this one, or she's gonna win big. Now she can leave on a high note. Plus, if we're going to play the pop. vote game, then count the Dems. Abroad primary which he won handily.

by politicalfan 2008-06-01 11:14AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

exit polls show 41% are age 60+

yep, it's hers alright.

sigh

by Monolithic 2008-06-01 11:16AM | 0 recs

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Sorry the old folks are dying off quickly enough

to suit you.

by lombard 2008-06-01 11:36AM | 0 recs

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At lest older voters care enough to show up

and vote. Their vote will be very important in the November election. Let's see if the younger ones follow through in the fall. Remember the 1972 election and how McGovern with all his dedicted younger support lost big.

by laternighter 2008-06-01 12:10PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Congrats to Hillary and supporters.

by proseandpromise 2008-06-01 11:20AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Congrats to Hillary, and her supporters on this win.

by Purple with Green Stipes and Pink Polka Dots Dem 2008-06-01 11:22AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

sigh. As if Clinton needed yet another excuse to not concede until Denver.

Ah well, congrats to her and her supporters.

by Aris Katsaris 2008-06-01 11:22AM | 0 recs

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numbers

So how far will Obama be from clinching after today?

by politicsmatters 2008-06-01 11:22AM | 0 recs

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Re: numbers

MSNBC says 49.5 delegates away from getting the nomination.

by politicalfan 2008-06-01 12:12PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

If she wins by 50 points, Obama MUST put her on the ticket.

by nzubechukwu 2008-06-01 11:22AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

"If she wins by 50 points, Obama MUST put her on the ticket. "

Who knew PR, a territory which won't even get to vote in November, would get to choose the Democratic VP?

by Freespeechzone 2008-06-01 11:25AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Yeah! That will help us win PR in the GE (if they voted).

by Becky G 2008-06-01 11:35AM | 0 recs

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If turnout was 400,000 as reported...

70% of 400K=280K

30% of 400K=120K

Net=160K

Is it possible it will be offset by Obama's big wins upcoming in SD and MT?

by Freespeechzone 2008-06-01 11:23AM | 0 recs

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Re: If turnout was 400,000 as reported...

Dear Europe,

On behalf of the Democratic Party of the United States of America, allow me to say that the fact we are are discussing the electoral power of:
a) Puerto Rico
b) South Dakota
c) Montana
all the while discussing
d) vote infranchisement as it relates to CSPAN-aired smoke-filled backroom deals over party delegate alotment bylaw discussions
... just goes to show that even here, in the new world, we can make whatever THERE that created Andorra, Lichtenschtien and Vatican City and granted those little plots of parking lot worldwide importance seem like NOTHING in comparison.

ONCE AGAIN, USA DOES IT BETTER! WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP!

by Lettuce 2008-06-01 11:32AM | 0 recs

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electoral power of:

Actually, the nomination was decided when Hillary had no post Super Tuesday strategy and lost 11 in a row. Since then we've just been playing out the string and stoking her vanity.

by Freespeechzone 2008-06-01 12:31PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Don't you know that the road to the White House runs through Puerto Rico? Oh wait, they can't vote in the general election. Time to move the goal posts yet again!!

by Steve24 2008-06-01 11:24AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico/snark

oh wait...they're american citizens. crap. I thought we could just discount their primary all together.

back to the drawing board.

by alyssa chaos 2008-06-01 11:55AM | 0 recs

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So are caucus state voters.

HRC's current argument is a purely pragmatic one: "Ignore the delegate counts and focus on who has the best GE odds according to some polls."

The heavy focus of late on this argument is the reason for grandparent's snark. PR has no place in any such discussion about the GE because they don't vote. Be careful: HRC's camp can't appear to care too much about the overall will of every citizen, as Obama has clearly won that measure.

by semiquaver 2008-06-01 12:21PM | 0 recs

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The exit polls are striking

Very little differences by gender (none, actually), age, education, or income. All the things we've been told really matter in the US. Another striking result: 83% favorable opinion of Bill Clinton.

by lombard 2008-06-01 11:24AM | 0 recs

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83% favorable opinion of Bill Clinton

Still exploiting her husband's repution to the bitter end.

by Freespeechzone 2008-06-01 11:29AM | 0 recs

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Lovely. Thanks for the sentiment, Kossack.

by lombard 2008-06-01 11:34AM | 0 recs

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I haven't blogged at Kos since 2006,

when I was hounded out of the place for criticizing Obama. (That was back when he was criticizing Democrats for not being enough like Republicans, or so I saw it.)

I also can't stand all the orange.

So try again, little McCainiac.

by Freespeechzone 2008-06-01 12:28PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Retire to Puerto Rico?

Not me.

I like the island Manhattan
Smoke on your pipe
And put that in!

by Lettuce 2008-06-01 11:25AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Why are they trying to push Obama out of the Puerto Rico primary. Count all the votes!!!

by proseandpromise 2008-06-01 11:25AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Sorry. I tried to be nice in the first post, but this was floating around in my head, and I couldn't resist.

by proseandpromise 2008-06-01 11:28AM | 0 recs

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Congratulations!

By the by I wanted to tell you something very important! John McCain voted to filibuster the minimum wage. John McCain doesn't support the troops. John McCain agrees with Bush's Iraq strategy. John McCain wants to overturn Roe v. Wade. John McCain supports NAFTA. John McCain is a puppet for the lobbyists. John McCain is fine letting our troops rot in Iraq for 100 years.

by heresjohnny 2008-06-01 11:27AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

I notice more males than females voted.
Did this happen in in any State?

by nogo postal 2008-06-01 11:28AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Can anyone tell me why Puerto Rico has that many delegates?

by wengler 2008-06-01 11:28AM | 0 recs

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They get a small bonus...

for being willing to wait so long. Other than that, no idea.

by Elsinora 2008-06-01 11:36AM | 0 recs

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Re: They get a small bonus...

The number of delegates isn't based on population, but on a wide range of factors plus some negotiation. For example, states that voted Democrat in the last few general elections get more delegates than states that didn't. And states that go later in the primary process are rewarded with extra delegates. I've also heard that Puerto Rico has extra delegates to compensate them for not having any general election vote.

by laird 2008-06-01 11:58AM | 0 recs

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Re: They get a small bonus...

PR has population too - about 4 million. If it were a state, it would be about in the middle of the population rankings.

by itsthemedia 2008-06-01 12:40PM | 0 recs

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Re: They get a small bonus...

You're right - I meant to write "not based juston population"

by laird 2008-06-01 01:30PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

ROSALIA
Hundreds of flowers
in full bloom.

ANITA
Hundreds of people
in each room!

by Lettuce 2008-06-01 11:36AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Hillary doesn't complain. What a strange sig line.

by anna shane 2008-06-01 12:01PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Obama's votes and his supporters don't matter. Not when the race is this tight. There was not one single person in Michigan who voted for Obama. Terry Mcauliffe's word is the gospel.

by Steve24 2008-06-01 11:31AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

I'm only kidding. I hope everyone knows that. =)

by Steve24 2008-06-01 11:34AM | 0 recs

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It's sad...

snark and seriousness are getting harder and harder to distinguish these days.

by Elsinora 2008-06-01 11:37AM | 0 recs

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Want my apology NOW

Terry McAuliffe is on tv right now bashing Obama. I want my apogy NOW. Why won't Clinton condemn him!!!! Why is he allowed to bash and belittle me without penalty

I won't vote for her

Wah, wah wah.

by monkeyga 2008-06-01 11:36AM | 0 recs

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Re: Want my apology NOW

He's just upset that history will remember him the way history remembers the people who ran the DNC prior to Wilson, or FDR, or Kennedy or, uh, Clinton.

Anyway, DNC 2000-2004: truly the golden years. Thanks Terry. Great job. Go start a lobbying firm and disappear now, kay thanks.

by Lettuce 2008-06-01 11:39AM | 0 recs

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Re: Want my apology NOW

His record of experience and leadership:

2002:

Senate: Republicans picked up 2 seats
House: Republicans picked up 8 seats

2004:

Senate: Republicans picked up 4 seats
House: Republicans picked up 3 seats
President: George W. Bush won

On the positive side, he so mismanaged the party that it gave rise to the netroots, gave a boost to MoveOn, and helped spur the rise of the people-powered movement. So we have at least that much to thank him for.

by LordMike 2008-06-01 11:41AM | 0 recs

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Re: Want my apology NOW

are you Obama? otherwise, your post makes no sense - how does Terry's statements about Obama belittle you?

by colebiancardi 2008-06-01 11:42AM | 0 recs

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20% sad?

You do realize that in PR, that means 20% of ALL voters, since there are no registered Dems/Reps.

by DaveOinSF 2008-06-01 11:37AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Did anyone else just see Donna Brazile basically say she'd vote for Hillary Clinton if that'll shut her up? She seems really irritated with the Clinton campaign...

by politicalfan 2008-06-01 11:37AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

she hasn't really distinguished herself this election cycle

by lori 2008-06-01 11:40AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

This could be an interesting strategy to try to appeal to the remaining superdelegates.

by Mullibok 2008-06-01 11:52AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Congratulations to the Clinton campaign.

by rfahey22 2008-06-01 11:41AM | 0 recs

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Obama's not lookin' so good.

From the NYT:

In many ways, Mr. Obama is wheezing across the finish line after making a strong start: He has won only 6 of the 13 Democratic contests held since March 4, drawing 6.1 million votes, compared with 6.6 million for Mrs. Clinton.

by Ed J 2008-06-01 11:50AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama's not lookin' so good.

Yes, and if you scheduled the Boshwash states last, he would be "coming on strong" at the end. That quote is a fairly superficial observation.

by rfahey22 2008-06-01 11:53AM | 0 recs

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But conversely, if the schedule...

were reversed he wouldn't have had the "strong start" and may never have been a contender for the nomination.

You can't play the "what if" game.

The fact is, he's wheezing.

by Ed J 2008-06-01 12:24PM | 0 recs

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Re: But conversely, if the schedule...

Ok, you got me. Both narratives are superficial and miss the bigger picture.

by rfahey22 2008-06-01 12:30PM | 0 recs

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No.

It isn't superficial that Obama's struggling late. The general election is in November. It did not take place in April.

by Ed J 2008-06-01 12:44PM | 0 recs

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Re: No.

They both win states that are demographically suited to them and lose states outside of their comfort zone. Obama will likely win the last two states, so this artificial narrative is largely an exercise in line-drawing.

by rfahey22 2008-06-01 12:52PM | 0 recs

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Re: But conversely, if the schedule...

The bigger picture is, lets hope the R's are as weak as they seem, and the D's can find a way toput the party back together soon.

by itsthemedia 2008-06-01 12:47PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

OMG Game-changer!!!!

Hill's in it to whine it!

Denver Denver Denver!!!

John McCain, John McCain, John McCain!!!!

All the boyz who tried to keep her quiet, see you next tuesday when she whines it again!

by Deadalus 2008-06-01 11:53AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

oh please stop it.

you realize that republicans used the "Gore cry-baby" and "Gore is whining" during the recount?

just stop it.

by colebiancardi 2008-06-01 11:55AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

If Gore was half as good at WHINING as Hill, he'd be the President now.

But it takes a Clinton to Whine after a Bush!

by Deadalus 2008-06-01 11:57AM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

I am not an expert on public relations, but I am pretty sure childish taunting is not the most effective way to win over defeated opponents - or anybody, for that matter.

by itsthemedia 2008-06-01 12:55PM | 0 recs

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I wonder

How much did the Clinton Campaign spend on PR? I'm concerned over how deep in the hole they already were. To go deeper into debt at this stage, to win a TERRITORY, yikes! Money not well spent.

by SpanishFly 2008-06-01 11:55AM | 0 recs

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Re: I wonder

probably not that much. PR is not an expensive media market.

by colebiancardi 2008-06-01 11:58AM | 0 recs

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15 days

Other supporters of her here were crowing about her 15 days in the territory. That is an awful lot of time to be spending somewhere that doesn't even vote in November.

by monkeyga 2008-06-01 12:00PM | 0 recs

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Re: 15 days

from what I understand, the island is split between becoming a state or staying the status quo.

so, it is good relations to have PR in our primary and to have folks campaign there. I bet they were excited, because I doubt they never had any attention spent on them before like this

in fact, despite our bitching about this primary, I think it was good to get all of the states and territories involved.

by colebiancardi 2008-06-01 12:02PM | 0 recs

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Re: 15 days

they are american citizens and they deserve to have their voices heard, at the very least.

by alyssa chaos 2008-06-01 12:02PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Hillary had a blow out, college educated, student, kids, every single demographic. She is showing her momentum, something she had to show to the supers. I'm so glad that I've backed such a great candidate, who can draw from all demographics. She polls so far ahead of McCain. She'd be the best candidate we could put forth, and I hope she'll make it. the super's are supposed to consider other factors when neither meets the threshold without any supers, I'd say their job is now to vote for her.

by anna shane 2008-06-01 12:04PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

Okay... she blew him out in a territory that doesn't even vote in the General. He's beaten her in those same demographics in different states. Why would the superdelegates overturn the pledged delegates and vote for Hillary. Not gonna happen. By Wednesday, Obama will be the nominee.

by politicalfan 2008-06-01 12:09PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

It's really funny to hear how she claims his votes don't count. I've never heard her say any such thing, but I have heard these things from his supporters, like right now. DC doesn't count either. More than half PR's lived in the states and they can vote when they live in the states. And they want statehood. And they're people, and democrats, and Americans.

by anna shane 2008-06-01 12:12PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

"DC doesn't count either."

actually it does, it gets 3 electoral votes and its votes do count.

"And they want statehood."

really, because every time there was an option for statehood the puerto ricans said no, they want to remain a territory. (and they'd be insane to want statehood, the economic benefits they get from remainng a territory but not a state are huge)

"Americans."

well actually, they're puerto ricans

by Monolithic 2008-06-01 12:18PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

It shows another GE competitive demographic Obama has a lot of trouble with, Hispanics. Hispanic Americans are not homogeneous, but Hillary Clinton beat Obama by wide margins across the country among Hispanics. Even in New Mexico, where Obama was otherwise competitive.

by souvarine 2008-06-01 12:11PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

But that's in a primary. In a general election against McCain, Obama has shown he can carry Hispanic voters.

by politicalfan 2008-06-01 12:13PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

If Obama doesn't carry Hispanics in the General Election then he loses. He has to do at least as well as Kerry's 53% to win the Southwestern states he will need.

by souvarine 2008-06-01 12:23PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

yes, and a big population in swing states and many who vote independent. I think Hispanics are less sexist, they're used to strong hard working women. Also, she's nice and that means a lot to normal people.

by anna shane 2008-06-01 12:14PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

You type as if the superdelegates are some mass voting block who will all make the same decision.

They won't. It will be a split.

by KyleJRM 2008-06-01 12:13PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

and if he can't close the deal, some may switch back to Hillary.

by anna shane 2008-06-01 12:15PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

anna, I don't think you realize that out of the 200+ superdelegates left, after Tuesday, Obama will only need a couple dozen to win. Even if 90% of the remaining supers voted for Clinton, he would still win.

by politicalfan 2008-06-01 12:20PM | 0 recs

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Re: Hillary Clinton Wins Puerto Rico

I think Anna's point is that the term "remaining supers" assumes that those votes are locked in, once they declare a preference. That is simply not the case, and a few have switched already - mostly from Clinton to Obama.

Realistically, if Obama looks at least minimally competitive with McCain by the convention, there won't be many defections to Clinton - more likely the other way around, as pols climb onto the band wagon. On the other hand, if he makes several major flubs, or some new bombshell scandal comes out, he could look really weak, at which point the supers would have to take a hard look at changing course.

Ironically, by staying in the race, and by suspending rather than ending her campaign, Clinton may be protecting Obama from the right wing attack machine. If they are sitting on some opposition research nuggets, waiting for her to drop out, they may have to wait until after the convention, when they would have less time to push whatever crap they have ready, and the Dems are more likely to be united, and able to fight any swiftboating. Recall that Kerry lost the 2004 election in the month before the convention, due to the SBVT.

by itsthemedia 2008-06-01 01:12PM | 0 recs