Thank You Puerto Rico!

I love writing titles like this one.  Seems over the past few months I've been writing this more often than not regarding one fabulous win or another of Hillary's. And that's all thanks to our amazing candidate and her cracker-jack team of staff and volunteers who hit the ground hard in each state and don't let up until they've reached out to every last voter.

Now as you might have heard, Hillary's picked up another huge win and added to her lead in the popular vote thanks to the good people of Puerto Rico.  Despite the shouts and hollering that this thing is over - despite the huge efforts of people to push Hillary aside, the good people of Puerto Rico turned out today and said in no uncertain terms that they choose her as our next leader.

Nearly a 39% lead - that's nothing to sneeze at folks and it's right up there with her 40 point win in WV and her 35% (?) win in KY.

Those voters in Puerto Rico have now joined the 17 million American's who've turned out to support Hillary and her historic run for the White House.  That's a pretty awesome number you guys - 17 million people... that's more votes than any other candidate has gotten - ever

Her 17 million supporters are the focus of Hillary's latest campaign ad - check it out...

Hillary gave a kick-@ss speech in San Juan today once the polls had closed and it became clear she'd won.  In it, she thanked the people who turned out to support her, and she made her case to the undeclared super delegates out there.  Take a look...

Hillary's Remarks at the Victory Celebration in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Thank you so much. I have four words for you: Te quiero Puerto Rico!

Never before have these beautiful islands had such an important voice in a presidential election. And I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I cannot thank you all enough. Bill and Chelsea and I are so grateful to the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and your kindness, and I hope that we have helped to draw attention to the concerns of Puerto Rico and we have also helped to spotlight the beauty and the spirit of this wonderful place.

I am grateful for this show of overwhelming support. I came to Puerto Rico to listen to your voices because your voices deserve to be heard. And I hear you, and I see you, and I will always stand up for you.

I also want to recognize Senator Obama and his supporters. Our two campaigns have turned out record numbers of new voters, determined to chart a new course for America. Now, this primary election has been hard fought because there is so much at stake and we must elect a Democratic president.

I am I am overwhelmed by this vote today and I cannot complete this journey without your help. We have two contests left in South Dakota and Montana, and you can make the difference by visiting hillaryclinton.com and helping us make sure we go strong. Every contribution will help us make our case to the voters who are going to be heading to the polls.

And I want you to know that this election is really about your future. You voted even though some tried to tell you that your votes wouldn't count. You voted for the person you believe will be the stronger nominee and the strongest president. And you are not alone. You are joining millions of people across the United States, more than 17.6 million, plus the votes that we've received today.  People who don't always make the headlines; who don't always feel like your voices are being heard.

I think about these people all the time, because that's who I care most about. The nurse on her second shift who still can't pay her credit card bills; the worker who can't afford the gas on the way to work, the waitress on her feet without health care. The small business owners saddled with rising energy bills; the college student who can't afford to continue college; the farmer, the teacher, the trucker, the soldier, the veteran. The people yearning for a president who will rebuild the economy and a Commander-in-Chief who will restore our leadership and moral authority in the world.

I know that people face tough times. But what I've been impressed by is the resourcefulness and resilience that the people here and across the United States use to face whatever challenges they confront, because they believe they can keep working for a better tomorrow. The American Dream may bend under the weight of challenges we failed to meet and presidents who have failed to lead. It may bend, but it will never break, because that's what keeps so many of us going; the thought of a better life tomorrow and a better future for our children.

I believe that the people of the United States need a champion in the White House, someone who will be a president in their corner and on their side. I believe you are voting because you want a president who will stand up for universal health care. Who will stand up for action to address the housing crisis, who will stand up for better jobs to protect Social Security. You want to cut through the speeches and the sound-bites to real solutions.

And so today you've come out strong. You have defied the skeptics. More people across the country have voted for our campaign, more people have voted for us than for any candidate in the history of presidential primaries.

We are winning the popular vote. Now, there can be no doubt, the people have spoken and you have chosen your candidate. And it's important where we have won. We are winning these votes in swing states and among the very swing voters that Democrats must win to take back the White House and put this country back on the path to prosperity. Together, we've won the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Arkansas, West Virginia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, and, yes, Michigan and Florida.

And I hope by my second term, regardless of what the people of Puerto Rico decide about the status option you prefer, you too will be able to vote for the next president of the United States.

So, when the voting concludes on Tuesday, neither Senator Obama nor I will have the number of delegates to be the nominee. I will lead the popular vote. He will maintain a slight lead in the delegate count. The decision will fall on the shoulders of those leaders in our party empowered by the rules to vote at the Democratic Convention.

I do not envy the decision you must make, but a decision has to be made, and in the final assessment, I ask you to consider these questions: Which candidate best represents the will of the people who voted in this historic primary? Which candidate is best able to lead to us victory in November? And which candidate is best able to lead our nation as our president in the face of unprecedented challenges at home and abroad?

I am in this race because I believe I am that candidate, and I will be that president. We are winning the popular vote because we have stood for the core principle of our party, a party that believes in universal health care - no one left out. A party that believes hard working, middle-class families deserve a fair shot at the American Dream, a party that believes we must bring our troops home from Iraq safely, responsibly, and honorably. A party that cherishes every child, values every family, and counts every single vote.

We are winning against John McCain and beating him in the key states. We have what it takes to get the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the White House. And the majority of voters know who is ready on Day One to serve as our president. A president who will bring strength, knowledge, and experience to the White House to solve our toughest problems. A president who knows firsthand the challenges of the job, as well as its power to make a positive difference in people's lives.

That's why I'm in this race. Ultimately it's not about Senator Obama or me. It's about you - your hopes, your interests, your futures. It's about the direction we choose as a nation. With two wars abroad and an economic crisis at home, we have to get this right. Our country cannot afford four more years of more of the same.

So, today Puerto Ricans across this beautiful place that I have come to enjoy so much made your voices heard and your votes counted, and for that, I want to thank my co-chairs, Senate President Kenneth McClintock and Puerto Rico Democratic Chair Roberto Prats, political directors Rafi Rodriguez Aguayo and Representative Jorge Colberg, Elections Representatives, Representative "Junior" Gonzalez and Rene Estades. Jose Hernandez Mayoral, Former Governor Carlos Romero, Miguel Lausell, Virgilio Ramos, and Luisette Cabanas. And special thank you to coordinator Ramon Luis Lugo, deputy coordinator Francisco Domenech, and advisor Jeffrey Farrow.

And I want to thank all of my volunteers, my staff, my supporters; everyone who waved at us as we caravanned all day yesterday. And I want to reiterate what I have said across Puerto Rico, together, in my first term, we will finally enable the status question to be resolved, based on the principles that government should be representative at all levels, and the people of Puerto Rico deserve the opportunity to choose from among all of the options.

Together we will work to ensure that Puerto Rico is treated equally when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, tax breaks for creating jobs, and more. I will be your champion. And I want to thank all of my friends in our labor unions, all of them who have done so much for us. It has been a joy to work with every single union that has been here supporting me. We would not be here without you tonight. And I want to say a special word of thanks to the Hispanic community, not just in Puerto Rico, but across the United States. I am so honored you have stood by me throughout this campaign. I am grateful for your love, your friendship, and your support.

What we have seen in this campaign and what we have always known is that Hispanic Americans, Latinos from every part of Latin America, care deeply about the future of the United States. You contribute so much to the greatness of this country, to business and academia, to labor, to the professions, to entertainment, to sports, to every part of society. And you have also contributed greatly to expanding the horizons and the diversity of our country. I am so grateful to you, and I am so proud of the support you have given me.

I also wish to thank my family for their incredible love and support, Bill and Chelsea, my mother, my brothers, Hugh and Tony, my sister-in-laws, Maria and Megan, and all who are helping here in Puerto Rico and South Dakota and Montana. Because we are in this to choose a candidate who we know will not only stand up for us but unite us. We will be strengthened by the enthusiasm of the millions of people who have voted and volunteered in all of these contests. We are propelled by this unique moment in history.

The campaign has been an extraordinary journey, and I am grateful for every day of it; every single day something happens which reinforces my commitment and lifts my spirits. It might be a young child who is introduced and says, "I want to grow up to be president." It might be a young mother who says, "I have no health insurance. I hope you will help me." It might be an older man, who says, "I am a veteran, but I cannot get the help I deserve."

Every story like that reinforces my commitment to what we are doing together. People deserve better from their government. The people of Puerto Rico deserve better from the federal government. So, I call on you to travel this final stretch with me, to join me as we take America back and lead our country with confidence and optimism into this new century.

Let's keep fighting for our dream. Let's keep fighting for what we believe. Let's keep fighting for one another. Let's keep fighting for America. America is worth fighting for. Thank you, and God bless you and God bless America.

I don't know about you but that last bit really does reinforce something I've heard Bill Clinton say about his amazing wife - "there's no quit in that girl."

It doesn't sound like she's even close to giving up this fight any time soon and I'll be with her every step of the way.

And I won't be alone in that journey.

One more thing folks - Hillary's just shown that she's still got a massive amount of support out there.  Help her keep fighting. Help her get that ad I posted above up on the air in MT & SD.  Let her know you've still got her back.

She can't do this alone - and she won't have to with us standing beside her.  You know what to do...

       
 



Display:


Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (1.86 / 23)

She's still going strong guys!


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:49:32 PM EST

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (1.81 / 11)

... and I'm with her through to Denver.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:49:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

And if she isn't through to Denver... (2.00 / 8)

...will you join her in supporting the Democratic nominee?


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:54:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

An excellent question! (2.00 / 4)

Will the diarist support the actual nominee, even if on the off chance that nominee is Obama?  


Obama leads the popular vote too
by kellogg on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:18:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Alegre? (2.00 / 6)

How about answering if you will support Obama if he wins?


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:47:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Alegre? (2.00 / 1)

Please answer.  We really would love to know.


by oliver cromwell on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:10:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Alegre? (2.00 / 1)

I look foward to this questions future framing:

"Alegre, NOW that Obama is the nominee will you support him?"

Alegre if you are reading this, understand that you will be asked this in every thread, and it is now legendary your absoulute stonewalling you have pulled off for months now.


http://www.truepat.org/
by CrushTheGOP2008 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 03:14:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico (1.87 / 8)

Te quiero Puerto Rico!


by Caldonia on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:54:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

TRed. (2.00 / 2)

It made me chuckle the first time, but now it's gotten stale, annoying, and disruptive.

Please stop.


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:30:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

It's not a person, it's a script. (2.00 / 5)

It's got to be. Exact same comment appended to every comment in a diary.


by catfish2 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:50:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's not a person, it's a script. (2.00 / 1)

It doesn't append to every comment, though... only some people's comments.

No, I think it's a person with some serious copy/paste issues.


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:57:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's not a person, it's a script. (none / 0)

I guess this is the only case I know where the term
'Obamabot' properly applies. ;)
by french imp on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 04:20:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

This is WAY Tired and Disruptive! (2.00 / 1)

I don't care who you support in the primary, I'm hiding this comment all 50 times you've put it up. We gotta nip this or none of us will be able to discuss ANYTHING around here...


by RNinNC on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 04:23:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

YIKES! (2.00 / 1)

I guess my wishes have been awkwardly granted - I emailed a moderator to complain about the IsThisSnark troll AND wrote the above reply to 'it'. Now that the troll is gone, it looks like I was addressing Caledonia. NOT SO!

To repeat - I did NOT mean to address you with the comment above, and I did NOT HR you at all. Kinda wish my comment had disappeared with the troll's, but whatcha gonna do???


by RNinNC on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 03:14:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: YIKES! (1.83 / 6)

lol  Don't worry.  And thanks for cleaning up the joint. ;)


by Caldonia on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 09:31:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Is this snark? (none / 0)

Isn't this boojum?


by french imp on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 04:20:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 3)

Congratulations to Hillary and her supporters on her win in PR from an Obama supporter.


"As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where-where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border."
by fugazi on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:58:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 1)

The Washington Post did an interview with her -- it will be in tomorrow Post.

In a telephone interview with The Washington Post after her victory by a 2 to 1 ratio over Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), Clinton stressed that she will press forward through the final contests of the primary season on Tuesday, brushed aside the idea that she was searching for an exit strategy, and said she will continue to weigh both her immediate- and longer-term options in the race.

By the way.  Compare pictures of Clinton with Obama at this stage.  She appears to be in better shape physically.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con tent/photo/2008/06/01/PH2008060102496.ht ml


by katmandu1 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:16:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 1)

Congrats on the win. You may want to correct your stats, though. You say 39 percent, but the link you send us to shows 68.4 to 31.6, or a little under 37 percent. Not a substantial change, but people may reference this diary later and accuracy's always important.

Also, you can remove the question mark; Kentucky was 65-30 for a 35 point margin.


by TCQuad on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:22:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 1)

Terrific diary again.

Glad to give you mojo.


by HillsMyGirl on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:23:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 2)

What a great night!

If this race is over, why does she keep winning?


I'm a Rick-o-phobe.
by psychodrew on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:01:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 2)

If this race isn't over, why is it impossible for her to win the nomination?

She can't win in pledged delegates, and supers have consistantly been going to Obama, despite Clinton's claiming to have won the popular vote. A journalist who's talked to many of the remaining supers says they're not even listening to Clinton anymore.

How can you still say it's not over? If you wanna hold your breathe until the convention, go ahead. By that time everyone else will have realized McBush is the real threat and that Obama is better than the worst president in the history of America.


by Okamifujutsu on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 03:16:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

You need to chill out. (2.00 / 4)

You're reading way too much into my comment.

I've already said that I will support whomever the SD's endorse on Wednesday.  I expect that to be Obama and he will get my vote.  I've also said that if Obama reaches the magic number on Wednesday, that I don't expect Hillary to take it to the convention, and I would not support such a move.

But it's strange that she is still winning, isn't it?  The pundits have declared her dead.  She is being ignored by the media.  And yet, she's still winning primaries.


I'm a Rick-o-phobe.
by psychodrew on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 04:17:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Landslides (2.00 / 2)

Not just winning but, aside from D.C., she has racked up the three largest margins of victories in the primaries in each consecutive election night.  WV-41, KY-35, PR-38.  These margins are surreal.  


Young lifelong Democrat. One of over 3,000,000 voters who kicked McCain and Palin out of Pennsylvania, permanently.
by BPK80 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 07:06:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Landslides (none / 0)

Aside from DC.  Now THAT was a landslide.


When you start out making the "slippery slope" argument, where do you draw the line?
by Jess81 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:44:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Landslides (none / 0)

Yeah, who would have thought a 100% urban district would have voted for Obama by such precipitous margins?  Shocker.  

Except that Obama regrettably underperformed John Kerry's successes in D.C. from 2004.  And underperformed Kerry in Philadelphia.  Weird.


Young lifelong Democrat. One of over 3,000,000 voters who kicked McCain and Palin out of Pennsylvania, permanently.
by BPK80 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 08:26:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You need to chill out. (none / 0)

No doubt sh'es a formidable candidate.  But it is over.  Russert suggested this morning that a sufficient number of supers will declare for Obama when the polls close tomorrow.


by Same As It Ever Was on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 07:42:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You need to chill out. (none / 0)

If you're asking this as a serious question, the serious answer is demographics.  Momentum hasn't meant much of anything in the 2008 primaries.  These big wins by Hillary are with in the margin of error of polls taken months ago.  Basically, people made their minds up about these candidates a long time ago, and on election day they're voting their preferences.

The margins are especially high now because Obama is no longer fielding his ground game.  It's an awful lot like a basketball game where one team is ahead by 20+ points with only a couple minutes left.  At that point, they put their subs in.  The losing squad might go on a run then, close the margin to within 10, but the announcers (media pundits) are already analyzing the win/loss and the audience (voter turnout) is already heading for the exits.

Combine demographics that led to a hefty lead in the polls at the outset with unmotivated Obama voters and little-to-no field operation from Obama's campaign and two things start seeming downright reasonable.  1. Hillary's huge win margins. 2. The public perception that those win margins don't amount to much.


by sierradave on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:15:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Historic! (2.00 / 2)

The largest vote getter in democratic history! No matter what the SD's decide, this is truly historic.  Congratulations, Senator Clinton, and thank you, Puerto Rico!  viva Hillary!


by 4justice on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:25:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Historic! (none / 0)

You mean Congratulations, Obama!  Caucus votes count too... count every vote, right?


John McCain wants to stay in Iraq.
by ihaveseenenough on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:52:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Strong enough to do what? (1.00 / 1)

Let her staff go?

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0 608/Clinton_camp_converging_on_New_York_ Tuesday_and_shedding_staff.html


by shirley temple on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:59:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I give this 10 minutes.. (2.00 / 2)

before it's on the rec list.


Users who are excessively bashing the Democratic Party, or being Republican trolls, will be banned.
by Massadonious on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:50:47 PM EST

Re: I give this 10 minutes.. (2.00 / 7)

And you have a problem with that because........?


by Tolstoy on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:55:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I give this 10 minutes.. (none / 0)

Where did I say I have a problem with it?

This could be a positive comment, for all you know.


Users who are excessively bashing the Democratic Party, or being Republican trolls, will be banned.
by Massadonious on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:57:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I give this 10 minutes.. (none / 0)

It's a positive comment, as far as I know.


I'm as strong as a bull moose, and you can use me to the limit. - Teddy Roosevelt
by fogiv on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:57:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Where does the diarist announce these? (2.00 / 3)

She's got a group of regular recommenders.   Doe she promote these diaries elsewhere (like Hillaryis44 or noquarter, both of which I view as sites full of hate)?    


Obama leads the popular vote too
by kellogg on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:21:54 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Where does the diarist (1.58 / 12)

What?  Are you suggesting that she is part of a yahoo group where a bunch of people are notified that a diary just went up and they all run here to recommend it?

Those are unproven allegations.

Her diaries make the rec list because they deserve to.

And now you want to take away a spot on the rec list and have what she earned replaced by an inadequate, male diarist.

You are misogynistic and sexist for making those remarks.


by HillsMyGirl on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:25:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Where does the diarist (2.00 / 3)

Wow.  I can't begin to convey my admiration for your voice.  It's like the comment equivalent of method acting.  It must be exhausting.  


Obama leads the popular vote too
by kellogg on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:32:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Where does the diarist (2.00 / 1)

kellogg, that poster is a troll.


by colebiancardi on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:34:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I know. Seems to be posing (2.00 / 1)

as a particularly naive and deluded pro-Hillary commenter.  But the snark is beautifully done.  


Obama leads the popular vote too
by kellogg on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:47:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Where does the diarist (none / 0)

I agree. A subtle troll. If such a thing exists.
Not to be fed in any case.
by french imp on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 04:24:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Where does the diarist (none / 0)

And they won't be proven, because the Yahoo group is memebers only, which apparently only accepts new members by referrral.  I know this because I've tried.


by redwoodsummer on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:07:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I give this 10 minutes.. (1.00 / 4)

Stop that.

Now before I tip the diarist I want to say that I think this should be on the rec list within 5 minutes.

Puerto Rico is an important state and it's a big state with more people in it that South Dakota or Montana.  Do you really think this election is going to be decided by those African Americans in South Dakota?  NO.  Thank you Puerto Rico.

I judge by two halves and the second half began in March and this is now 9 for HIllary and 7 for Obama.  Hillary wins the second half.  (Note the first half ended February 5th.  all that stuff in February after Super Tuesday was the INTERMISSION or HALFTIME so I do not count those beauty contests.)


by HillsMyGirl on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:22:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I give this 10 minutes.. (1.75 / 4)

It's such an important state that it's not a state.    Don't get me wrong--it's a REALLY important state. And a big state. Except for, you know, not being a state.  


by sharks201 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:30:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

and they have no vote in the General Election (2.00 / 2)

Except for that, exactly like a state.  With the same GE impact as Upper Volta


"You might well think that. I couldn't possibly comment"
by xenontab on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:02:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: and they have no vote in the General Election (2.00 / 1)

In the interest of accuracy, that last line should be "With the same GE impact as Burkina Faso."

Just doing my part...gotta stay as factual and up-to-date as possible here, gang.


Ceci n'est pas une <<snark>>
by ipsos on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:09:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Puerto Ricans die fighting our wars! (2.00 / 3)

State or not. (It's nickname to some IS "the 51st state," by the way.)

There are more Puerto Ricans in the U.S. than in Puerto Rico. The vote there just further underscores Clinton's strength in the Latino community; and it does impact Latino perception of the Clinton candidacy in the 50 states, too.

More importantly, they send something in the neighborhood of 55 delegates to the Dem Convention. In a Primary, I'd say that pretty much trumps the state argument; but not quite as well as the fact that their sons and daughters die fighting our wars!


by bobswern on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 02:36:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

The thrust of the arguement... (none / 0)

...is not against Puerto Rico, but against the popular vote metric which includes votes that will not count in the GE.


"You might well think that. I couldn't possibly comment"
by xenontab on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 09:27:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Puerto Ricans die fighting our wars! (none / 0)

Do nicknames count for the electoral college?

Did you check out the turnout figures?  Interesting that Lanny Davis didn't have his finger quite on the pulse that he thought he did...

Interesting that a "state' that isn't a state has more delegates than 27 other real states and they can't be bothered to show up to a tune of any more than 16% of the electorate.

nevertheless, Clinton won that margin fair and square.  For what it's worth...


by oliver cromwell on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:19:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: and they have no vote in the General Election (none / 0)

And a little less GE impact than Canada. (Remember the NAFTA fun the Cons up in Canada had with us?)


by MarvinMouse on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:13:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 8)

She was great.

The victory speech was really something else


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:51:09 PM EST

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 11)

Please, please, please ... stop with the "she's winning the popular vote" nonsense or explain how you arrive at this conclusion while still "counting every vote".


by jdusek on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:51:33 PM EST

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (1.85 / 7)

you can do the research yourself


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:53:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 11)

From CNN.com as of tonight:

If all the primary results including Florida and Michigan are counted, but not the caucus votes, Clinton leads in the popular vote 17,461,845 to Obama's 17,244,762, according to CNN estimates.

---

In a second scenario, which adds in CNN's estimate of the caucus-goers, Obama leads Clinton 17,928,000 to 17,843,000.

Alegre has been making the case that every vote should count, so I don't understand how Clinton can be leading in the popular vote without excluding the caucus votes.


by jdusek on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:05:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (none / 0)

Because caucuses are unfair since Barack Obama's name is actually on the ballot.


Stop the racism. Fight the smears.
by CrazyDrumGuy on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:15:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (none / 0)

Well, sure, but given that the popular vote is the one metric the Clinton campaign is trying to claim, it behooves Clinton supporters to defend it.  Except that it's indefensible: count all the votes! (but not the ones that don't help Clinton).

Some things to defend:
-- FL's delegates have been given half a vote each; are you counting the actual votes at full value?

-- MI's actual vote was discarded by the MI delegation as far too flawed to use.  Are you using that actual vote?

-- How do you reconcile the "equity" of the popular vote with the fact that, since states weren't told the national popular vote would matter, they chose among open and closed primaries and caucuses?  If I'm a state party chair and want to maximize our state's power in selecting the nominee via the popular vote, I'm definitely going to hold an open primary.  But many, many states did not.  Is it truly Clinton's intention to diminish the relative power of stalwart Democratic states like MN, WA, and IA, which all held caucuses?

-- Since March, many of Clinton's "big" wins have come courtesy of crossover Republican voters in states like TX and IN.  In states like OH and PA, her margins grew thanks to Republican voters, many of whom said they wouldn't vote for her in the general election.  Are you counting Republican votes in the overall popular vote?  


by deminva on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 09:49:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

30,000 write-in votes thrown out in MI... (none / 0)

but, hey, that was a "legitmate" election and we should do everything we can to make sure that all of Hillary's votes are counted.


by jaywillie on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 02:24:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 3)

17 million people... that's more votes than any other candidate has gotten - ever

2004:
Bush - 62,040,606
Kerry - 59,028,109

You might want to qualify that statement.


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:53:40 PM EST

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 4)

clinton is clearly not running in a general election.

stop being a wise ass.


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:55:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Indeed (2.00 / 12)

Not in 2008 anyway.


by libertyleft on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:56:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Indeed (none / 0)

ROFL!  Comment of the day!


John McCain the flip-flopper...
by chinapaulo on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:44:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Indeed (none / 0)

Cute.  You just can't help yourself, can you?


"It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety". Salvor Hardin
by Denny Crane on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:43:49 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 2)

It's simply not true as written.

Many, many people running for President have gotten more votes than Hillary Clinton.  Perhaps she's got a record number of primary votes - and that's only if you include the unfair, invalid election in Michigan, because otherwise Obama holds that record - but she doesn't have "more votes than any other candidate has gotten - ever".  That's simply false.

Again, this can be fixed pretty easily by adding a single-word qualifier in there.


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:58:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 3)

Well you know, we rely on the intelligence of the people who post here to be able to use their common sense.  Most of them, anyway.


by Scotch on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:00:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 3)

Not only is it calling out an untrue statement, but it's also a way to enter into a larger discussion about the relevance of popular votes, particularly given that who is allowed to vote, how they vote, etc. varies wildly from state to state.

Hillary Clinton has gotten more primary votes than any other candidate, ever, except for Barack Obama if a different metric - in my opinion, a more fair metric - is used.


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:12:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 3)

Why don't you just state directly what is on your mind instead of being coy about it then.  Frankly, it just looks like an attempt to spam the diary with comments that put it off track.


by Scotch on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:18:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 1)

It's a bit Socratic, really.  Trying to draw people into a conversation rather than just arguing talking points.


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:23:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Is this snark? (1.00 / 1)

Seriously.


by libertyleft on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:54:07 PM EST

Re: Is this snark? (2.00 / 1)

You don't need to do this. If you hadn't noticed, the "is this snark" comment has been thoroughly covered.


by Okamifujutsu on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 03:28:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank You Puerto Rico! (2.00 / 1)

For what it's worth, I enjoyed this positive diary far more than yesterday's diary.  Congratulations to Clinton on the win.


by rfahey22 on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:55:10 PM EST

Whatever (1.16 / 18)

Hillary is just an inadequate white female, I am not impressed by her victory.


by libertyleft on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 11:55:17 PM EST

Lori (2.00 / 3)

Do not hide rate my comment, I have been assured by an administrator of this site that the phrase "Inadequate race gender" is far from over the line on this site, and in fact only the thin skinned and over sensitive would be offended.


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:00:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 1)

you stated it was a "snark" in the open comments thread - you should really either

a) put the snark tag in
or
b) don't bitch when people HR/TR you on it

because you are just trying to start a flame war here.


by colebiancardi on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:01:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 2)

I am seeking to make a message clear to the administrators that the above quote is indeed over the line and violates the social mores of this community and should not be allowed.  Other than provoking hide ratings, there is no clear way to make that case.


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:03:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 2)

no, what you are "seeking" is a flame war.  There was no reason for you to post that comment without the snark if that is what you meant it to be.

so, the conclusion is that you are looking for a fight.


by colebiancardi on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:04:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 4)

I am looking for racist material to be removed from this site, that has been promoted by prominent diarists on this site and approved by the administrators.  If it means I have to fight, I'm fine with that.


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:06:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (none / 0)

This diary doesn't have any racist material in it.

go complain over at the appropriate diaries.  That way I don't have to read your comments, as I don't go to those diaries.


by colebiancardi on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:09:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

The author of this diary (2.00 / 3)

Is responsible for pushing the racist video in another diary, this is an appropriate place to make a complaint.


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:10:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The author of this diary (2.00 / 1)

so you attack Hillary?

Did the Hillary campaign put out that video?  I don't think so.


by colebiancardi on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:12:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

A fair point (2.00 / 3)

I will adjust my technique in the future.  I used Hillary's name because I knew it would provoke a visceral reaction from those who might not have seen it as so bad when it was directed at Obama, a very large group. (TexasDarlin's diary in which she promoted the video was top on the rec list earlier today.)

Sometimes you need to be hit before you realize something hurts, but you are right, I should not have involved Hillary.


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:20:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Update (2.00 / 3)

TexasDarlin's diary is STILL on the rec list.

http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/6/1/12451 1/3510

It would be nice if instead of complaining about my satirical posting of the offensive statement more folks would go complain about it being posted seriously. :)


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:26:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Update (2.00 / 1)

well I and many others who are Hillary Supporters (without the quotes - props to Angry Mouse) did not rec'd that diary.

I can't help you there.


by colebiancardi on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:35:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 5)

cole, I respect your opinions on this site, however, many people were very offended by the video that alegre posted last night.  It was never taken down -- that video was designed to inflame and had no snark involved -- it was intentional.  I believe that issues are being dealt with here in an uneven manner.  I am not saying people don't have the right to rec or TR, but, I do believe that until the venom is dealt with, this type of posting and the parody trolls will continue.


by gchaucer2 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:07:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (none / 0)

okay, I see.  I didn't see that diary, as I try to state out of anti-Obama diaries (this diary is a pro-Hillary one)

But the poster in question is attacking Hillary, instead of the diarist for those comments.

That video was not put out by the Hillary campaign, correct?


by colebiancardi on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:11:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 1)

but did the Hillary campaign renounce and reject it?  Did they renounce and reject her for posting it? They need to be held accountable for what one of her supporters did!


by IowaMike on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:16:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (none / 0)

huh?


by colebiancardi on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:19:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 1)

Your "the Hillary campaign didn't put out the video" defense. Clinton demands Obama to "renounce and reject" support she deems unfit or unethical (you seriously don't remember the flap about Farhakan?). I'm just doing the same.


by IowaMike on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:26:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (none / 0)

sigh.  get over it.  Move on.  Nothing to see here.


by colebiancardi on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:36:30 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 5)

Absolutely not -- I do not attribute the vileness to Sen. Clinton at all.  I think the problem many people had last night was that this video of this deranged woman talking about an incompetant black man and then promoting McCain was way over the top.  It was posted as an update.  

Alegre has been put in a different category here -- touting her status as someone who sits in on campaign phone calls.  I think she is doing a disservice to Sen. Clinton.  What you are seeing is frustration.  I don't have the nerve to post something like that, but I will support any effort that will finally bring this site back to the balanced discussions I remember when I started.

It is people like you and most others here who give me hope.  I find the same vitriol at DKos and am determined to stamp it out there as well.


by gchaucer2 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:18:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]



point of order (2.00 / 1)

Alegre is indeed a campaign surrogate.

She bundles money and receives perks and invitations to private events as 'payment' for her efforts.

The campaign should certainly be held accountable.

by Is This Snark on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:31:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

When I was lurking over at Dkos (none / 0)

I remember she said she was on the transition team in 1992/1993.  It was on February 25.


Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:40:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (none / 0)

HA!  You are going to stamp out vitriol at DKos.  I can't stop laughing.  That'll be the day.........Where's Caldonia?  We need some Buddy Holly here.


by Tolstoy on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:47:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 3)

Get lost.


by Scotch on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:02:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 6)

Please address the same comment to Alegre and TexasDarlin, who have promoted in their diaries a video in which that comment is directed at Obama.

Address it also to the site administrators who have told me, quote:

We simply disagree on what constitutes crossing the line. Sorry, this video doesn't come close, and I have deleted racist shit from this site. Many times.

Once that opinion is changed I will be happy to stop posting references to Hillary in that manner.


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:05:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 4)

Very passive agressive immature way of handling it, but go ahead and open yourself up to whatever comes your way.  


by Scotch on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:10:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 4)

A rational complaint was posted in the original diary and e-mailed to administration here, there isn't much else I can do.  This certainly isn't how I expect to combat racist content here, it shouldn't take anything more than pointing it out.


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:22:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 2)

Please post a diary as a call to arms to the sane members from both sides.

Your current tactic will not generate anything other than getting yourself banned.


McCain = bad Obama = good
by CAchemist on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:29:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 1)

That comment wasn't directed at Obama.  It was directed at a reporter looking to find someone angry enough to lose their composure.  I do not know that woman but I suspect she has been a Democrat for a very long time and sees Obama as an inexperienced newcomer who should have served in the Senate a couple of terms and acquired some accomplishments on the national stage before running for the top job.  And the RBC giving him "uncommitted" votes just pushed her over the line.  She's obviously furious with the DNC, the RBC and the treatment Hillary has recieved.

I seriously doubt if she is a long time Democrat that she's a racist.


by Tolstoy on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:54:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 4)

Racist or not, she most certainly described Barack Obama as an "inadequate black male" which is every bit as offensive as dismissing Hillary Clinton as an "inadequate white female."


by davisb on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:58:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 2)

I would be thrilled if "inadequate white female" was the worst thing Senator Clinton has been called during this campaign.  She's been called every filthy name in the book and some new ones have been created just for her.


by Tolstoy on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:07:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (none / 0)

Like what?


John McCain wants to stay in Iraq.
by ihaveseenenough on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:00:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (none / 0)

I wish I could answer for you, but I'm just an inadequate jew girl.


When you start out making the "slippery slope" argument, where do you draw the line?
by Jess81 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:42:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (none / 0)

As an inadequate white male I'm offended by your use of the word girl


John McCain wants to stay in Iraq.
by ihaveseenenough on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:10:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 1)

Is she a racist woman?  Who knows, everyone says crazy shit now and again.

Was that a racist statement?  No doubt, it was, and it has no place being promoted in widely read diaries on this site.


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 01:01:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 1)

Who and where did an administrator say that "inadequate black male" was perfectly okay?

I'm assuming that's the reference.


When you start out making the "slippery slope" argument, where do you draw the line?
by Jess81 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:06:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 3)

In a personal e-mail to me when I tried to settle this matter privatly:

We simply disagree on what constitutes crossing the line. Sorry, this video doesn't come close, and I have deleted racist shit from this site. Many times.


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:07:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 2)

Which administrator told you it was an appropriate statement , I would like to know.

I have almost never had to use the hide option , but that comment really made me livid.

That is a totally inappropriate statement and I am surprised you would think it is above board .

If you can name who told you it was appropriate I would uprate your comment , I don't believe any administrator would tell you that .

Infact thats a statement that would likely result in your banning .  


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:06:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 2)

I don't want to publish the name in public, to protect him really from owning up to such a stupid statement.  E-mail me at libertyleft@gmail.com and I will let you know the name, as long as you promise not to publish it here.


by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:09:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lori (2.00 / 2)

I am going to uprate your comment , I would see where Todd and the gang stand on this .

If anyone of them told you it was an appropriate word to use and it was officially sanctioned , I am not going to want to continue being part of this community.


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 12:14:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

<
The video of that crazy lady was covered (none / 0)

by 1.  All major news outlets  2. The Huffington Post 3. Was the lead story at drudge report.

Nobody can show it here because it might be considered offensive????   It exists, whether or not mydd shows the video or not.  Its evidently newsworthy and topical,  because ALL major newsoutlets and BLOGS seem to be covering it.  

TO say that "the moderaters approve of such language" by allowing someone to show the video of that diary is ridiculous.