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Obama Makes Historic Trip to Puerto Rico

It's the first presidential visit in 50 years

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 14, 2011 3:38 PM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama visited Puerto Rico today, becoming the first sitting president since JFK to do so. “When I ran for president, I promised to include Puerto Rico not just on my itinerary, but also in my vision of where our country needs to go. And I am proud to say that we've kept that promise,” he said in a speech that noted Puerto Rico’s contributions to “the American story.” The trip signals Obama’s push for the Latino vote in 2012, the Los Angeles Times notes.

Obama said a report by his Puerto Rico task force “provided a meaningful way forward” in the island’s relationship with the mainland. “When the people of Puerto Rico make a clear decision, my administration will stand by you,” he said. Streets were lined with pictures of Obama and Kennedy, saying “we are proud to be part of history.” But at least one resident at the sandwich shop he visited wasn’t impressed. “It is important for him to get some money but he is not talking with the people,” she said.

President Barack Obama, Sen. Alejandro Garcia Padilla, second from left, Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Barack Obama, right, order lunch at Kasalta bakery. (AP Photo/Christopher Gregory, El Nuevo Dia)

President Barack Obama waves to a crowd gathered inside a hangar at the Muniz Air National Guard Base, shortly after his arrival in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

President Barack Obama speaks in an airport hanger at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Barack Obama greets guests after speaking at a welcome ceremony in a hangar at Muniz Air National Guard Base in San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 14, 2011. (Getty Images)

President Barack Obama speaks in an airport hanger at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Barack Obama, center, Gov. Luis Fortuno, left, and Rep. Pedor Pierluisi, D-Puerto Rico, right, tour La Fortaleza, Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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Obama Makes Historic Trip to Puerto Rico

It's the first presidential visit in 50 years

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Barack Obama • Latino voters • Puerto Rico • Election 2012 • President Obama • Obama 2012

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More Newser Stories

Obama Barely Ekes Out Wins in Arkansas, Kentucky

Nabs 60% of the vote or less in latest primaries

Obama 2012 Makes Donors Ditch Phones at Fundraisers

Cell phones confiscated in strange practice

Obama, Congress May as Well Go Home

Nothing will get done until after the election anyway: Judd Gregg

Obama, DNC Raised $53M in March, But...

...April's number is the one to watch: Politico

Foster Friess: I Hope Obama's 'Teleprompters Are Bullet-Proof'

We can't imagine why anyone would be offended, can you?

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