CBS News blogger Fernando Suarez posts in his “From The Road” blog from San Juan, Puerto Rico, as he follows the campaign trail of Democratic co-frontrunner Senator Hillary Clinton of New York.
In preparation for the Democratic primary in Puerto Rico, Democratic co-frontrunner Senator Hillary Clinton of New York has campaigned on the island. While it is predicted Clinton will win in Puerto Rico, it will not change the delegate math as much. So far, Democratic co-frontrunner Senator Barack Obama of Illinois leads Clinton in the delegate race.
Many have prepared to acknowledge Obama as the eventual Democratic nominee. So far, Obama has focused more on presumed GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona. The Republican National Committee (RNC) has focused its attack ads on Obama rather than Clinton.
However, Clinton remains in the race. Clinton maintained that she still holds the popular vote. But, Clinton’s claim is still highly debatable. This has been her argument to the rest of the undecided superdelegates. Clinton said they should get behind the one who leads in the popular vote.
To commemorate Memorial Day, Clinton attended an evening service in San Juan. Clinton addressed that it was unfair for US military veterans in Puerto Rico to not be able to vote in the general election upon returning home. She said that it was an insult to all veterans that live in Puerto Rico.
In short, Clinton made her stance that Puerto Rico should have voting rights. Clinton said: “
I believe it is long past time that we give the people of Puerto Rico – United States citizens all – an equal voice in the vote for the commander-in-chief who sends young Puerto Ricans to war.”
Clinton also issued a challenge to opponents of that notion to look at this monument and read the names.
However, this could be seen as another indication that Clinton is showing desperation. While in Montana previously, her husband, former US President Bill Clinton said Hillary Clinton can still be nominated. However, polls reveal that Obama will probably win Montana.
So far, Clinton has only addressed Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is one of the United States territories. However, there is Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. While there are many Puerto Ricans that serve in all branches of the United States military, there are those in those three other US territories that do serve as well.
In a sense, it could be perceived as Clinton addressing Puerto Rico while snubbing the other territories. Guam even had a Democratic primary.
