Puerto Rico: Clinton's Vacation From Reality

But turnout in victory likely insufficient to give her an edge with popular vote

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton was projected to win the Puerto Rico primary by a wide margin today as polls closed, but turnout was estimated to be lower than the 700,000 that Bill Clinton said would support her emphasis on the popular vote. Hillary, Bill, and Chelsea Clinton had spent a combined 15 days campaigning in the primary once seen as a footnote, MSNBC reports. More»

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.

But voters there aren't all that excited about their 15 minutes

(NEWSER) - Today’s Democratic primary in Puerto Rico will bring the island the national attention many residents seek—but not for the right cause. Puerto Ricans are less excited about the Democratic presidential candiates—neither of whom will they get to vote for in November—than the perennial issue of how to resolve their not-quite-statehood, the Boston Globe reports. And some are angry that the government is spending $2.5 million on the primary, rather than the usual caucuses. More»

Where Barack's missing out and what Hillary needs to do

(NEWSER) - John Edwards’ endorsement may have helped Obama turn the page on recent troubles, but pundits say he should face up to them—or he leaves an opening for Hillary to climb back in:

• Sure, it was a “rational, prudent decision” to skip West Virginia, David Broder allows, but it will keep Obama’s blue-collar question alive into the fall. He could have staged a JFK-style coup in the Mountain State—he certainly had the money and foot soldiers.

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»