Clinton Wins Puerto Rico Easily

Island doesn't vote in primaries, but today its Democratic delegates are up for grabs

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton is banking on a sizable victory today in Puerto Rico to bolster her argument that she’s received more votes than Barack Obama and is a stronger draw for Latinos. Key points to keep an eye on:

1. The second wave: While many Puerto Ricans sleep in, it's going to be clear by 1pm whether there will be a big turnout. And polls are open til 3pm.
2. The battle for San Juan: Puerto Rico's biggest urban district represents Obama's best chance, but Clinton has campaigned vigorously.

Claim divisive at best, untrue at worst, so let's just call it a tie

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton’s insistence that she’s winning the popular vote not only promotes a meaningless rubric in a delegate contest, but it's also a dangerous claim—and a false one, Jonathan Alter writes in Newsweek. Not only is Clinton trampling on old sore spots (think Al Gore in 2000), but she’s also in the wrong, Alter asserts, then runs through the math. More»

Mainland conventional wisdom doesn't apply in June Caribbean vote

(NEWSER) - Puerto Rico will vote on the late date of June 1, and the commonwealth might find itself with outsized influence on the Democratic race. Leading Puerto Ricans often deliver for their candidates by wide delegate margins; the territory’s governor has endorsed Barack Obama, but New York’s massive Puerto Rican population could translate into a boost for Hillary Clinton, Real Clear Politics reports. More»

John Lewis may switch vote; another House member already has

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton is starting to lose the support of prominent black leaders—and superdelegates— who previously backed her. Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat who carries great influence in Congress, says he's now tilting toward Barack Obama. Another Georgia Democrat, David Scott, already switched, the AP reports. “Something is happening in America," Lewis said, "and people are prepared and ready to make that great leap.” More»

(NEWSER) - One question hanging over Super Tuesday primaries was whether Barack Obama could attract white supporters across the country more effectively than he had in his South Carolina win. Obama answered that in the affirmative, losing white voters last night to Hillary Clinton by a much narrower margin of 44% to 50%. Clinton dominated among Hispanics by 61% to 38%, while Obama grabbed 80% of African-American voters, the New York Post reports. More»