June 1, 2008
Posted: 02:04 PM ET

From

(CNN) — A majority of Puerto Rican voters have strong ties to the U.S. mainland and particularly to New York, according to CNN's exit polls.

Nearly 60 percent said they've lived on the mainland at one time, and 78 percent reported having family members who lived in New York, a fact that clearly advantages Clinton.

Filed under: Exit Polls


Donna in Sebastopol   June 1st, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Why is no one posting comments in here? Could it be that no one cares about PR's vote? Like someone else said - it's the largest welfare state and with their status (not a state) they don't have to contribute anything to pay for it.

Nice deal, if you can have it.

Mike, Ontario Canada   June 1st, 2008 6:03 pm ET

I would not have thought

sophia nyc   June 1st, 2008 5:43 pm ET

But they're not of the U.S. so WHY are they voting in our elections?

Vig   June 1st, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Puerto RIcians are tough people and they know a strong person when they see on - that would be Clinton - not dependent Obama.

Herman in LA   June 1st, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I will never vote for Puerto Rico to be a state.

Noemi   June 1st, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Obama supporters said who care about PR they don't count in the GE - oh yea, wait for the GE and see who PR in the mainland vote for one.

There is one about PR you never do and that is attack Island with racist comments! Vote for true candidate Hillary Clinton not Barak.

Susan MO   June 1st, 2008 4:48 pm ET

GOOD!!!

where the beef?   June 1st, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Obama can't win FL, MI, OH, PA, or WV. Game, Set, and Match for McCain!!!

where the beef?   June 1st, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Bo can't win the hispanic vote, the bluecollar vote, or the clinton vote. BO is a loser.
Who is this guy???

where the beef?   June 1st, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Another 35point loss. BO can't win in Nov. Hillary locked up the popular vote today no matter what happens in SD & MT

Eddie Lopez   June 1st, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Viva Hillary! Who says a female can't win in a male dominated society.

Christopher Wiren   June 1st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Angry Clinton supporters tell party leaders: 'Let's go McCain!'
Is this not a failure?!

Why would any person, in their right mind, suddenly be PRO WAR and ANTI HEALTHCARE?

4 years of more Bush is NOT the right thing for the Democratic Party.
Should we not stand for our believes, against the Republicans, regardless of the outcome in this nomination?

A bitter mid westerner who loves guns and God   June 1st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

A great victory for USA and a great win for Hillary

There is no doubt in my mind that Hillary should be the candidate this fall,

Obomus is a loser., Hillary is a winner.

Let's go with a winner

RJ, CA   June 1st, 2008 4:13 pm ET

ARE YOU LISTENING, SUPERDELEGATES?

"It was a clean sweep for Hillary Clinton in Puerto Rico in every demographic group, even those groups that are usually firmly in Barack Obama's camp."

ARE YOU LISTENING, SUPERDELEGATES?

curtis in WI   June 1st, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Schneider: Puerto Ricans have strong ties to United States

Maybe because they are citizens of the United States?

NORA, FLORIDA   June 1st, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Strong Ties. Hmmmm Let me get this straight. There ties are so strong until they can't vote in the General. Hmmm now that is strong.

A Diaz   June 1st, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Comment: The University of Pueto Rico is not in Mayaguez, it is in the San Juan Metro area, specifically Rio Piedras. My brother is a professor there. Mayaguez is a branch of the UPR. Although many Puerto Ricans favor statehood, the sad matter when the issue of comes, up the Independentistas (pro independent moment), will join the Popular Democratic Party to maintain the status quo. The independence movement (pipiolos) in some cases only carries 8% of the vote. By the way, there are Democrats and Republicans in the island.

Sylvia Johnsen   June 1st, 2008 3:04 pm ET

I am Norwegian, an ally and friend of the USA. We fight in Afghanistan, in fact if you adjust for our (very) small population we have the largest group of soldiers there. Who become President is important too us, not only the electoral states of America.

Please, elect a President qualified from day one. I'd rather have a Clinton than a Kennedy-Puppet. Ted Kennedy has not picked a Presidential winner ever. People live and die from the picks you make, not only in Puerto Rico, but Europe, Asia and Africa. Bush is a testimony to what great harm one person can do in that office, and seen from afar how USA once again elect the smoothtalker instead of the qualitfied candidate scares the hell out of us.

In Norway we had our first female Prime minister in 1980. What makes USA that sexist? From what I can tell, Hillary is under constant investigation and there has never been proven anything against her, except for constant slander and innuendos. Vote for policies, which it looks to me that Hillary Clinton offers plenty of and more important: The right policies.

Cynthia Raitt   June 1st, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I think it is real important for the news media to know that Carl Levin and other Democratic officals in Michigan did not get the O.K from voters to co-sign the compromise set forth to the democratic party yesterday,I am a Hillary Clinton supporter,and I am appauld at the politics my democratic officals have played in this most important election. It just seems to me that Barack Obama is the democrates golden boy,and they will go to any extreme to make sure he becomes the nominee,even if it means throwing in the Clinton's to the wolves.

randy   June 1st, 2008 2:55 pm ET

It makes no sence because the don't even vote in general election so I don't care obama will take montana and south D on tuesdays.

Jane Scobey   June 1st, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Please explain how and why Puerto Ricans can vote in the primary but not in the general election. If they can't vote when it counts, why is so much time and MONEY being spent?

Obama is not fit   June 1st, 2008 2:53 pm ET

and Obama just says opposite, big Drama he is !

Sam, Muncie, Ind.   June 1st, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Yay. Puerto Ricans can't vote for the president.

Oh, and this thing is already over, anyway. But you go, CNN – keep up the good work for the Clinton campaign.

: /

Rob   June 1st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Puerto Rico;Montana;South Dakota-please get your friends out to vote fpr HILLARY CLINTON""RISE HILLARY<RISE"

tr   June 1st, 2008 2:45 pm ET

The popular vote Clinton is using includes Michigan which per DNC, RBC was not approved and does NOT INCLUDE

Maine, Nevada, Washington, Iowa, Virgin Islands, Guam or Democrats Aborad

And the real sad thing is that CNN is trying to fool the public as well….SAD, that's why I watch MSNBC

mike   June 1st, 2008 2:42 pm ET

After Hillary wins Peurto Rico, then where is she gonna go? Will she say she will stay in the race after Tuesday? Obama will have the delegates needed to Clinch the nomination. Someone educate me the next move for Hillary.
Time for the Clintons to go away!

Think about this...   June 1st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

As a white, educated, mother of three…as an extremely involved citizen and active member of my party…AS A DEMOCRAT…I have ALWAYS been prepared to vote for the democratic nominee. As I have believed from the beginning of this terribly long Primary, we are lucky to have such amazing candidates. I am just befuddled at people in this country, people calling themselves staunch democrats, people that want better healthcare, education, and to get OUT of Iraq - that these very people can turn their backs on all of that because the person of their choice is not winning. It is a sad sad day in America and for MY CHILDREN. THEY deserve BETTER than your anger, BETTER than your bitterness, and BETTER than your racism. Educate yourselvf and ask yourself if you are truly a democrat. Read the policies of the candidates. Stop being fueled by the media who wants only to make this more emotional than it is. What do you want out of our next president? If you are a Hillary supporter, I am guessing you do not support the policies of McCain. And my plea is to please do not do this to our children.
Democrat '08

ellianna   June 1st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

CNN: You certainly have a biased Clinton Political Panel today!
Perhaps you could focus on the latest scoop about Bill Clinton!!
It is no surprise — Bill has been in the "womanizing mode" AGAIN!!
For your info you might want to check out the VANITY FAIR website for the big scoop!! It has been apparent in many of the media broadcasts of the last (6) months that he was ALWAYS pursuing women, standing by them, kissing their hand, etc.!!! Sometimes the media is a "blessing in disguise"!! Your camera lens has focused on exactly the WRONG PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR BILL CLINTON!! How about a page of coverage for this "gaff"?

b   June 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Seems that many of the Porto Ricans would be as disappointed as would the CNN network if Hillary were to somehow become president of the United States. It is so apparent that CNN is working hard to see Obama elected, that I sometimes wonder just how much money has gone to CNN from Obama's campaign.

Applebottom...yeah   June 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Send more J Lo's please…

Maria   June 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Yes many Puerto Ricans for example live in NY City. Such as the several FALN Terror Bombers that were convicted of bombings in NYC then pardoned and released by Bill clinton.

MP-Pennsylvania   June 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

By the way where was Hillary when Bill was the president for 8 years and why PR was not given statehood then?????

Bob the uniter from FL   June 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

To all hillary clinton supporters who would vote for McCain over the Democratic nominee… please read below in my pursuit to persuade you. If you reasoning is
Michigan votes allocated to Obama, If you include the 30,000 write in votes for Obama you will see that this is the most accurate representation of the people’s will.
Florida counted as ½. Newsflash, McCain and Republicans also instituted this punishment so your reasoning is flawed.
Democratic Party in general. Look where we are with the Republicans.
Obama’s “appeasement”: The Soviet Union, China and many more were all curbed not through war but through peace talks (unconditional ones at that)
Obama’s lack of experience: Look where experience has gotten us. It is judgement that matters
Obama’s gender: NEWSFLASH…McCain is a man and staying home is not a woman
Obama’s Health Care, is it better to have almost all people covered instead of all, or have much less covered. There you have it, Obama’s is closest to Hillarys.
Obama’s Spending: NEWSFLASH, Obama’s spending is nothing in comparison to what McCain would spend during his first term as president due to the war in Iraq.
Obama having no ideas: Go to his website and his platform and ull see all his ideas
Obama and wanting to pull out of Iraq: Hillary does too
Obama’s controversial connections to his church: how bout Hillary’s pastor and the child molestation or Peter Paul and Clinton as well as McCain’s relationships with Hagee and others
Obama saying he’s for new politics but he isn’t. Which is better for one to say they won’t use negative campaigning and to use 2 ounces of it, or one to never state this but to use 50 ounces of negative campaigning and subsequently say it wasn’t negative
Obama’s integrity: Cus hillary’s sniper story was soooo honest and cus McCain misspeak for which he hasn’t apologized represents integrity.
Obama Supporters are mean. First of all his supporters are not a microcosm of his personality and secondly you saying you wouldn’t vote for him for a random reason is mean too.
The only thing remaining, Obama’s skin color to which I have nothing to say.
I urge you to put aside your depression over the loss of a great candidate and fighter for whom I’d vote for any day and unite because as you can see there is no reason for which you’d vote for the Republican candidate over Obama…. Unless if your racist.

joe smith   June 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

its great that men and women can exersize this privlege; we hope Ron Paul is on the menu..

Manny   June 1st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Yes Puerto Ricans have strong ties to the U.S. mainland. The ties are so strong that 4 million Puerto Ricans live in the U.S. mainland and almost the same amount on the island. The ties are so strong with the U.S. mainland because they all are 100% United States citizens since 1917.The island residents do not have the right to vote in the general elections but their mainland counterparts do. Even though the island residents do not pay federal income tax, if they did, most would be exempt because their income does not reach the taxable bracket. They do not have parity in many federal programs, even though their per capita participation and causualties in military conflicts is higher than most states. So yes the ties between the U.S. mainland the U.S. territory is strong and becoming stronger since the relationship started in 1898, when the Treaty of Paris was signed.

GWB   June 1st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

She's from Illinios not NY!

Lisa Capozzoli   June 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Aren't the super delegates supposed to follow the popular vote?

Gary Chandler in Canada   June 1st, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Not a PR issue, but could a reporter point out that 73 delegates in MI is 57% and Clinton only got 55%, which is 70?
—–
Ickes is also lieing about her leading in the Popular vote, because he does not add anyhting for Obama in MI
——
The purley 'legal' argument Clinton wants to take to the CC, leads to 0 delegates in MI and FLA. They can ONLY be solved by a 'political' decision, and WERE.
(Ever notice how his ear flaps close when facts are being spoken?)

granforchange   June 1st, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Who really Cares???? Hillary has been a Very Large disapointment to the Latino Population in New York, and More than Likely she will NOT get relected a second term….. with or without Puerto Rico Obama WILL be the Nominee.. Quit being so bias against Obama… Viva Obama !!!

aware   June 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

And, they will vote for McCain if Obama is the Dem nominee! :)

I am a Disillusioned Democrat leaning Independent and voting for McCain if the love sick Dem establishment gives the nomination to the arrogant/user Obama.

Eddie   June 1st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

You bet we have strong ties to the United States. I want to add that we're very proud people and we love our unique identity. Those of you who think we don't have a say on the general election, think again. We're 4 million plus strong in NYC along not counting the other 1.8 million plus accross the continental United States and even abroad and I'm not even counting the 4 million plus living in Puerto Rico. I think the congress fear granting the right to vote to Puerto Ricans for an obvious reason, we would have voice, vote, and a tremendous show of force in congress. It would take some growing up from lawmakers to make this happen, not to mention the fact that citizens need to start looking at Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans in general without prejudice.

Tex   June 1st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

This issue is of no importance. The voters of Puerto Rico will not even vote in November. This has been an issue for over fifty years and i doubt it will be decided anytime soon.

mike   June 1st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

They have their President, President Hillary Clinton!

Justin   June 1st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Whoa there Bill. Let's not undervalue the legitimacy of Clinton's likely win in Puerto Rico (i.e. 78% say they know of people who've lived in New York, therefore, Clinton should win big). This is simply ridiculous. Clinton will win, not because Puerto Ricans know people in the state from which she's a Senator, but because her message — and the specifics in it — resonate with Puerto Ricans.

Obalegerwright   June 1st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Just when you thought that it was getting crowded under that bus, Obalegerwright, has just thrown his whole church under the bus. He will do anything to win the Presidency, and I mean anything. Wonder how that will set with all those black people who were jumping up and down and cheering when Wright and Pfleger were putting down white people, this country and especially Hillary Clinton? He might lose the black vote when they realize he was using them to get to point A. He knows they (a mere 12%) cannot carry him to the White House. Wonder how Oprah feels, now that her popularity is waning? Loyality is not his forte! Anything to win is now evident, is it not?

adel   June 1st, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Wolf, your interviews throughout today is too biased aginst Obama. You may not know, but it is too evident. Unfortunately, the die is cast, and none of your wish can be realistic. Even your calculation of'popular vote' Let us get real, nomination is by delegation.

john, florida   June 1st, 2008 2:21 pm ET

They make have strong ties…but last time i checked no electoral votes…so why do they have more delegates than some states? seems a bit odd doesnt it…

and for the record…any clinton supporter who says they wont vote for obama…well you are a republican then not a democrat…so stop pretending to be party of the party…people who believe in all of the ideals hillary clinton believes in would vote for obama…because hillary supports obama over mccain….

so stop putting own ego over what is best for the country

Kathy   June 1st, 2008 2:20 pm ET

I am sooooo sick and tired of the constant rant from news anchors, commentaries and the like when they ask—with that stupid look on their faces..….”but what do you say to the African American population who voted for Obama if you do not give him the nomination”—-my answer…next time put up a more qualified candidate…period. There are an estimated 17 million African Americans in this country—less than 50% of them are registered—so where is the majority here? They have ignored his lack of qualifications and have voted for him based on ethnic pride. And while they certainly have a right to do so, they have intentionally ignored the fact that regardless of his rhetoric— he is seriously flawed, and an unimpressive candidate, who has had to constantly clarify statements and positions on almost every issue. He WILL most certainly lose to McCain (should he become the nominee).
Moderate democrats and independents will write the last chapter in this drama, by sending a clear message- YET AGAIN to the party—clean up your act - you no longer represent the moderate/progressive voter that you expect will fall in line with your philosophy.
The DNC party elders will have plenty of time to look for a candidate—McCain will be elected in 08, his VP choice will be elected in 2012 and possibly beyond—plenty of time to lick your wounds—but do remember—the scars are very deep and will not be healed any time soon.

patrick   June 1st, 2008 2:20 pm ET

My question is….what is she doing on a day by day basis for Puerto Rican people on the mainland?, besides flattering PR people telling them how beautiful the island is (which is true) PR people are doing better today but many are still living paycheck to paycheck like most americans. I still dont understand what she has done??

Sohail   June 1st, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Must be a really great experience to vote in florida and then catch a flight to Puerto Rico and vote there too.

Jeri McEwen   June 1st, 2008 2:17 pm ET

I'm so frustrated with the media going along with the Clinton talking point of popular vote. It is an unfair comparison/tabulation and to give it credibility only tears the democrats apart farther. The Clinton supporters have believed the Clinton claim that getting the Michigan and Florida votes would get her the nomination. It didn't. What you are showing, going right along as a supporter for Clinton, only hurts! How about spending equal time showing old clips of Clinton after she lost state after state and claimed that only delegates mattered, both pledged and super because she was so far ahead in super delegates. The media bias is not against Clinton! It is bias to create controversy but you are ignoring reality!

Josh S.   June 1st, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Hillary will win Puerto Rico 60-40. Sorry though, it's not really gonna make much of a difference unless she blows him out of the water (Kentucky & West Virginia style)

I hope this madness that we call the primary season ends soon.

Obama 08

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   June 1st, 2008 2:17 pm ET

who cares?

tr   June 1st, 2008 2:16 pm ET

CNN should be ashamed of itself, spinning for the American people just the way they spun BUSH's crap on the war that Scott talks about.

Sen Clinton is NOT winning the popular vote, even the way Wolfe atttempted to spin it for her. You cannot use Michigan as the results as they voted did NOT stand per the RBC.

Didn't you kearn anything from reading Scott's book, seriously Wolfe, you are pathetic

Billiam the Kid   June 1st, 2008 2:09 pm ET

They shouldn't vote. They should have all or none. I can't wait to hear Clinton act like the "good people of Puerto Rico have decided that I'm the best for the country". Give me a break. She disgusts me from her face, to her cackle, to her cankles.

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