MyDD :: Will the Candidates Debate Puerto Rico's Issues

Will the Candidates Debate Puerto Rico's Issues

by LindaSFNM, Mon May 26, 2008 at 07:58:58 PM EST

Will the Democratic Presidential candidates debate the issues important to Puerto Rico? Puerto Rican's hope so. Univision extended an invitation with hopes the two candidates will.

Of course, Hillary Clinton immediately accepted Univision's invitation, as she has always tried to focus on the issues important to the people.

Senator Obama has indicated he is aware that voters care about issues and has signaled that he is aware that Puerto Rico has unique concerns.

Obama -- who along with rival Hillary Clinton stumped in Puerto Rico on this Memorial Day weekend before next week's Democratic primary -- vowed to help with issues ranging from new parking spaces for a veterans' hospital to ensuring that Puerto Ricans have a say over whether they participate in any future military drafts.

``I recognize that for all of you to be subject potentially to serving this country and not having a voice is a great concern,' Obama said

Senator Obama has refused to do any more debates with his Democratic opponent, Senator Clinton, ever since his Pennsylvania loss. Cancelling the one on tap for North Carolina and rejecting Indiana and Oregon. There were none for Kentucky or West Virginia either. So, Senator Obama, will you give Puerto Ricans a chance to hear you discuss the issues of concern to them in detail?

Senator Clinton Still Calling for a Debate

May 25, 2008 5:32 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper reports: Since the Pennsylvania primary Sen. Hillary Clinton has been calling for a debate with her opponent, Sen. Barack Obama.

"I was informed that Univision will sponsor a debate between Sen. Obama and myself about the issues affecting Puerto Rico," Clinton said. "I accept that invitation. Anytime, anywhere. That is the best way for the people of Puerto Rico to have their questions asked and answered and for the rest of the United States to learn more about Puerto Rico."

So, what say you Senator Obama? Will you give Puerto Rico the chance to about the issues they care about?

Puerto Rico matters! And they know they will make a huge impact.

It is the first time in American history that Puerto Rico has experienced a serious presidential campaign. Their June 1 Primary has no history with the political media, sending beltway reporters scrambling in search of connections and good contacts on the island in case it becomes the location for the last great smackdown of the 2008 primary season.

In a cycle where so many pieces of conventional wisdom have gone out the window, it’s only fitting that Puerto Rico should play a decisive role.

Tags: hillary clinton, puerto rico, debate, univision, barack obama, election 2008, democratic primary, president (all tags)

Permalink :: 39 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (2.00 / 2)

Puerto Rico can count on Hillary!

by LindaSFNM on Mon May 26, 2008 at 07:59:33 PM EST

I'd like to know more about Puerto Rico, their (2.00 / 1)

issues, history, etc.

Most of we mainlanders don't know very much about Puerto Rico at all.

Its a shame, given its beauty and population.

Universal healthcare IS a core Democratic value
Comprehensively cover 100%, not only the healthiest 80%

by architek on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:28:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (none / 0)

"Puerto Rico matters! And they know they will make a huge impact."

Is this snark?

Seriously, no offense to Puerto Rico, but what they do should not and does not make any difference.

by pomology on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:01:05 PM EST

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (none / 0)

You don't think that Puerto Rico has the right to vote in the primary? or... You think we should just humor them and act like they're important by allowing them to vote but not really considering it as being valid?

by soyousay on Mon May 26, 2008 at 09:16:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (none / 0)

Puerto Rico has the right to vote in the primary.

But they're not important because they can't vote in the general. End of story.

by pomology on Mon May 26, 2008 at 09:18:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Not end of story (none / 0)

Jumping the gun. Primary isn't over. Good for Hillary that Obama threw in the towel when it comes to Puerto Rico...He threw in the towel with Kentucky and WV. I guess he just doesn't need the support.

by soyousay on Mon May 26, 2008 at 09:27:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Not end of story (none / 0)

Puerto Rico does not have electoral votes. Therefore it is not important because the voters there cannot vote in the general election.

No, he doesn't need the support, because it won't be support come November.

I don't see how you really can think differently.

by pomology on Mon May 26, 2008 at 09:35:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Doesn't need support (none / 0)

Obama doesn't need support from WV and Kentucky either. If he wins the primary, Obama will not gain support from WV, Kentucky or rural America for that matter; it's too late. The damage is done. Come Nov. He will lose.

by soyousay on Mon May 26, 2008 at 09:51:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Doesn't need support (none / 0)

Rural America? Last time I checked, Nebraska was pretty damned rural, as are the states of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Vermont, Alaska, Missouri, North Dakota, Idaho, and Maine. Rural Americans in those states seemed to have no trouble supporting Barack Obama, in some states rather overwhelmingly.

But other than those eighteen states, rural Americans don't support Barack Obama, right?

Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.

by mistersite on Mon May 26, 2008 at 10:41:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (none / 0)

Wow, way to insult 4 million people. Obama advocates inclusive politics, but you seem all too willing to divide us and discard those who cannot benefit you directly as unimportant. If you take Obama's rhetoric seriously, you should realize that he disagrees with you.

Your attempt to change the subject to "the issues" is irrelevant.

by itsthemedia on Mon May 26, 2008 at 10:44:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The leader doesn't debate the loser. (none / 0)

That's why Clinton's been begging for debates for months now.

should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?

by Firewall on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:02:32 PM EST

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (2.00 / 1)

I used to live there. It's a great place. I liked the people.

But come on...they can't vote in the general election because they repeatedly have declined to become a state. That's their decision. Many Puerto Ricans oppose voting in the general because they see it as a step towards statehood - statehood that has never had a majority of support among Puerto Ricans.

Their sentiments matter to me generally, but as to being decisive in picking our nominee? Absolutely not. They should be consulted, they should have delegates, but they have more delegates than something like, what, 27 states?

Lunacy.

If they really want to participate in the system I will absolutely welcome them with open arms. But they have to choose to become a state if they really want clout in the process overall.

by Reaper0Bot0 on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:04:58 PM EST

Hillary can debate Huckabee (none / 0)

when obama debates mcCain.

by parahammer on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:16:04 PM EST

Re: Hillary can debate Huckabee (none / 0)

I hope you're not implying that Huckabee is going to be the Republican VP candidate...

by pomology on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:17:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No... (none / 0)

They're saying that both Huckabee and Clinton are the runners-up. She's essentially in the exact same position he was: a mathmatical certainty that she won't win her party's nomination.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:41:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No... (none / 0)

Check out my posts below for a little Huckabee memory fun that will put this diary in perspective

by Benjaminomeara on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:43:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No... (none / 0)

Good, because the thought of Huckabee on the ticket for a major party scares the hell out of me.

by pomology on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:45:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well yeah (none / 0)

It should scare you. As much as the guy is likable, his policies are nuts.

My hope is that he forms a new evangelical party to siphon votes from the Republicans until they start being true to their base and not just pay lip service.

Every election year it's gays and abortion; even when they win, they don't do anything to help the evangelicals because they need those to keep winning.

Ironically McCain is about the only major Republican candidate who would actually outlaw abortion, because he's an idealogue and couldn't care less about downticket races.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:50:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Well yeah (none / 0)

"My hope is that he forms a new evangelical party to siphon votes from the Republicans until they start being true to their base and not just pay lip service."

That's been my hope for a year or something (especially if McCain or Giuliani won the Republican nomination), but I don't think it's going to a happen.

by pomology on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:53:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Probably not (none / 0)

Depends on how they treat Huckabee, really.

McCain tossing Hagee and Parsley to the curb can't endear him to the fundies.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Mon May 26, 2008 at 10:29:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

So... tired... of... debates... though... n/t (none / 0)

Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.

by sricki on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:18:46 PM EST

Re: So... tired... of... debates... though... n/t (none / 0)

I dunno if you're being serious, but if you are, I have to admit this would be more interesting than the 15 or so past ones if it focused on PR's issues.

I'd actually kind of like to see it, even though I'm an Obama supporter and I believe Hill kicks Obama's ass nearly every time they debate. Debate is not his strong suit.

by pomology on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:21:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: So... tired... of... debates... though... n/t (none / 0)

for real.

The last thing we need is a debate for every state and territory.

Although I wonder if there's a point where you can get a politician to make so many promises to so many state populations that they spontaneously combust.

by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:38:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

lmao (2.00 / 1)

Oh yeah......and we're just so close.

...lets see, 4 debates between Hillary and Obama, minus 57 states(that in Obama's country)....oh know, 50 states....plus US territories, minus the two states no campaigning.

...We would only have 48 to go.

by LindaSFNM on Mon May 26, 2008 at 09:04:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: lmao (none / 0)

"minus 57 states(that in Obama's country)"

What in the world do you mean by this?

by pomology on Mon May 26, 2008 at 09:06:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah (none / 0)

Debates at this point are pointless.

Puerto Rico will doubtless have a voice in an Obama presidency. I seem to recall that the pro-statehood contigent is supporting him and may gain enough support to become our 51st state, with Representatives and Senators of their own.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:43:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Look. This could never get done. (none / 0)

The logisitcs to get a debate assembled can not be done in 1 week.

Hillary knows this, most political analysts* ( boricuas love them politics) have already called her bluff.

She knows it's not possible. It's IMPOSSIBLE to get done.

No es posible.

We want to see Ivana [Trump] because we are so desperate in Alaska for any semblance of glamour and culture. - Sarah Palin

by spacemanspiff on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:23:53 PM EST

Re: Look. This could never get done. (none / 0)

"political analysts - In Puerto Rico the top rated shows are all political news shows. Music stations come in last. The obssession with politics is ridicoulous. The national sport.

We want to see Ivana [Trump] because we are so desperate in Alaska for any semblance of glamour and culture. - Sarah Palin

by spacemanspiff on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:25:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (none / 0)

PR with it's hard working white people will again demonstrate why Obama is in trouble....

seriously..she has the total support of Hispanics..
well except this guy..
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/election2008/ story/38408.html

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

by nogo postal on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:24:57 PM EST

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (none / 0)

....
ah would not the debate have to be in a language that neither of them speak?

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

by nogo postal on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:32:50 PM EST

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (none / 0)

That wouldn't really be that difficult.

When I was in Argentina last summer I saw snippets of the youtube Democratic debate dubbed over in Spanish.

by pomology on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:36:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (none / 0)

Almost every Puerto Rican I met when I lived there spoke some degree of English. Obviously, there are exceptions, but you can get by without Spanish down there.

I learned it anyway, of course. :)

by Reaper0Bot0 on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:37:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Puerto Rico's Issues (none / 0)

The parallels are eery

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2 008/02/26/702331.aspx

by Benjaminomeara on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:40:51 PM EST

That's pretty much it. (none / 0)

They say that history repeats itself; I didn't think it would be that quick.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Mon May 26, 2008 at 08:47:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Clintons Sold Out PR (none / 0)

http://www.wapa.tv/index.php?option=com_ content&task=view&id=8508&It emid=57&videonews=1

(Hillary) was grilled by the reporters on her husband's actions towards Puerto Rico manufacturing during the 90's. US companies that established here had tax-exempt status and could repatriate their earnings to the mainland without paying federal taxes, under Sec. 936 of the US Tax Code. Sec. 936 had always been a major roadblock to statehood, because if PR were to be admitted as the 51st state, the other 50 states would not allow us to have that competitive advantage. So in the 90's, our pro statehood Governor and his pro-statehood delegate in Congress mounted a huge campaign in Congress and the White House to have the 936 eliminated. And they succeeded. When asked about it, Hillary says it was not her husband, but the Republican Congress that eliminated 936. False. The budget submitted by the WH did not contain Sec. 936, it was dead before it even made it to the Hill. The net result: We have lost over 40,000 manufacturing jobs in the last 10 years (much like Ohio, Michigan, and other manufacturing powerhouses).

This is a very hot button issue in Puerto Rico. Many people lost jobs when Sec.936 was scratched. I know Hillary is not Bill but the fact that she would lie and say it was the Republican Congress who eliminated 936 is a joke. Everybody knows it was President Clinton. This is not helping her cause on the island.

by PD1769 on Mon May 26, 2008 at 09:36:17 PM EST

Enough Debates (none / 0)

There have been enough debates. We don't need anymore debates - what we need is for this nominating contest to come to an end.

by HisRoyalHighness on Mon May 26, 2008 at 09:56:53 PM EST

Re: One small correction (none / 0)

Oh wow, you can use basic code as well as steal bandwidth. Did you just now discover how to embed graphics? You seem pretty enchanted with your new skill set.

by Montague on Tue May 27, 2008 at 12:29:28 AM EST

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