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Stumping for Delegates, Clinton Pledges Voting Rights to Guam
May 02, 2008 11:44 PM
Guam's four Democratic delegates (not to mention its five superdelegates) are up for grabs in Saturday's primary, and Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., has told residents of that Pacific territory that as president she will work to give them the right to vote for president.
Residents of U.S. territories do not have the right to vote in presidential elections, nor do they have full representation in the U.S. Congress.
In an interview with KUAM-TV, Clinton, asked about giving Guam citizens the right to vote for president, said, "I am in favor of full voting rights for every American and that includes the people on Guam."
Watch the video HERE.
"It seems to me that it is long past time that we remedy this inequity," Clinton said. "It doesn't reflect American values; it is out of step with the move toward equality and full citizenship rights, and I will do everything I can to make sure the people of Guam's votes are counted. It seems to me that it is long past time that we remedy this inequity. It doesn't reflect American values; it is out of step with the move towards equality and full citizenship rights, and I will do everything I can to make sure the people of Guam's vote are counted."
Clinton also expressed her support for legislation to offer up to $126 million in reparations to Guam residents for their suffering during World War II at the hands of the Japanese military, which occupied the island.
The U.S. would pay the reparations, since it long ago forgave Japan its war debts.
"I think sometimes it takes unfortunately longer than it should to educate people about the justice of a cause like war reparations, or for the people of Guam that suffered under the Japanese occupation during World War II," Clinton told the Guam TV station. "All these years later we still haven't provided the reparations that the people of Guam were promised. As your president, I will work very hard to remedy this injustice. I am committed to doing so."
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, has expressed support for the reparations legislation as well.
- jpt
SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: This morning I e-mailed the Clinton campaign to find out more about this pledge. I wrote: "Am interested in learning more about the senator's plan to give residents of Guam the right to vote in presidential elections. Would that mean making Guam a state? Bestowing citizenship upon these US nationals? Same with Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and American Samoa? Would they get Senators and full voting members of Congress? How about DC? Wouldn't this require major constitutional changes?"
Will let you know what they say.
SATURDAY EVENING UPDATE: They got back to me -- nine hours after I asked. Read their explanation HERE.
May 2, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary | Permalink | Share | User Comments (198)
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Wow John Pen you are the defintion of ignorent in basicly everything you've written.
Hillary winning the democratic election is almost unrealistic at this point let alone the entire election.
In states like Texas after McCain was a sure win for the republican nominee you do know that republicans started switching sides to vote for Hillary because she is viewed as a much easier target to beat than Obama right? And she still lost that state.
She had a chance, and she lost it. Get over it.
Posted by: Scott | May 5, 2008 9:12:44 PM
"Bestowing citizenship upon these US nationals (from Guam)? Same with Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands..."
Somebody please tell Jake Tapper that the people of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands are born U.S. Citizens.
Posted by: Greg | May 4, 2008 2:52:25 PM
YET ANOTHER CAUCUS IN GUAM THAT OBAMA WINS BY FRAUD AND INTIMIDATION.
THERE IS SUPPOSEDLY ONLY A 7 VOTE DIFFERENCE...BUT NOW THEY ARE GOING TO A RE-COUNT BECAUSE 500 VOTES WERE NOT COUNTED IN AN AREA WHERE HILLARY WON 63% OF THE VOTES.
OBAMA AND HIS THUGS HAVE TRIED TO FIX THIS CAUCUS LIKE THEY FIXED THE OTHER CAUCUSES WITH INTIMIDATION AND FRAUD.
HILLARY WILL BE PRESIDENT!
Posted by: John Pen | May 4, 2008 11:43:54 AM
YET ANOTHER CAUCUS IN GUAM THAT OBAMA WINS BY FRAUD AND INTIMIDATION.
THERE IS SUPPOSEDLY ONLY A 7 VOTE DIFFERENCE...BUT NOW THEY ARE GOING TO A RE-COUNT BECAUSE 500 VOTES WERE NOT COUNTED IN AN AREA WHERE HILLARY WON 63% OF THE VOTES.
OBAMA AND HIS THUGS HAVE TRIED TO FIX THIS CAUCUS LIKE THEY FIXED THE OTHER CAUCUSES WITH INTIMIDATION AND FRAUD.
HILLARY WILL BE PRESIDENT!
Posted by: John Pen | May 4, 2008 11:41:09 AM
Votes for Guam? As has been said, this is more pandering to the public by Clinton, and on a subject that would probably require a Constitutional amendment rather than something the President could bring to pass single-handedly. Considering the uproar over the "rights" illegal aliens that already exists promoting undeserved entitlement is not a good strategy for anyone to push at this point. If Guam wants the vote, let them apply for statehood per the Constitution and abide by the requirements for and responsibilities of a state. Just let them remember that it's a one-way trip (as the Civil War established).
Posted by: Publius | May 4, 2008 11:36:06 AM
I think its great that Obama was supposed to win Guam by at least 40%, but didnt! Only 7 votes separated them! Wow, Obama thought they would overwhelmingly vote for him because, like them, he was born on an island...lol. Clinton will win Indiana BIG since the state incorporated the law that the voters have to show a valid picture ID. 28% of the African American voters do not have a valid picture ID and can not get one before Tuesday. Added to this, the blue collar voters in the latest poll are not buying in on Obamas attempts to recruit them. Hillary will win Indiana. As far as North Carolina, since Obama was leading her by 30+ points at one time, now, the latest poll shows him up only 6pts., she could very well win North Carolina as well. Even if she loses, if its in the single digits which ALL the analayst are projecting, this will give her momentum. One analyst says if she wins Indiana and only loses by single digits in NC, this will cause the Super D's to rethink Obama's electability. If Hillary wins Indiana and North Carolina, the Super D's will be running to Clinton and it will be over for Obama. Hillary 08!
Posted by: david from texas | May 4, 2008 1:43:18 AM
HILLARY WILL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!
Posted by: John Pen | May 4, 2008 10:31:19 AM
"ABC is putting on a free 1 hour commercial for Hillary Tonight, hosted by her husband's Campaign Advisor."
GREAT..I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT, WHAT TIME DOES IT COME ON TONIGHT?
SINCE OBAMA IS AFRAID TO DEBATE HILLARY FACE-TO-FACE....I APPLAUD ABC FOR SHOWING HILLARY TALK ABOUT WHAT SHE WILL DO WHEN SHE IS ELECTED PRESIDENT.
Posted by: John Pen | May 4, 2008 10:25:06 AM
ABC is putting on a free 1 hour commercial for Hillary Tonight, hosted by her husband's Campaign Advisor.
GREAT..I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT, WHAT TIME DOES IT COME ON TONIGHT?
SINCE OBAMA IS AFRAID TO DEBATE HILLARY FACE-TO-FACE....I APPLAUD ABC FOR SHOWING HILLARY TALK ABOUT WHAT SHE WILL DO WHEN SHE IS ELECTED PRESIDENT.
Posted by: John Pen | May 4, 2008 10:23:11 AM
Barry (obama) has not shown me anything the only thing he say's is Change. He can't take questions and answer them unless he is told of the question before hand and then has 3x5 cards in his hand.When your running for anything stuff is going to go back and fourth. But to me he is a CRY BABY. I would still like to ask his wife really one question Why are you now proud of this counry now ????? And as for Rev Wright u can't tell me that obama doesn't feel like Rev wright, you don't stay in that church for 20 yrs, and rev wright didn't just change what he believes. People wake up !!!
Posted by: Lynda | May 4, 2008 10:06:53 AM
BOYCOTT ABC and their Sponsors. They are putting on a free 1 hour commercial for Hillary Tonight, hosted by her husband's Campaign Advisor. Stephie also got a question fof the last debate from Sean Hannity.
BOYCOTT ABC NOW. Let them know your thoughts. Pass it On
Posted by: Glenn | May 4, 2008 9:28:51 AM
grace | May 3, 2008 1:40:05 PM writes in and sez: "Tomdavie, did many republicans switch registration to vote for him? Yes, he did. Did he work with republicans to get things accomplish? Yes, he did.
So tomdavie, Obama's comment is not pandering. It is the truth."
Look at Obama's voting record: http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=9490
NV stand for "not voting". Not voting for veterans, chilren's healthcare, implemetation of 9/11 commision recomendations, energy policy, trade agreements. Votes against border security, for abortion funding. Total non voting record in housing and property issues. Out of 20 oppurtunities
since 2005 to vote on health issues, he did not vote on 11 of the bills.
Helluva voting record. Really reaching across the aisle and looking out for the American people. What a sham. Keep drinking the Kool Aid.
Posted by: brwillham | May 4, 2008 8:59:51 AM
What's next with Hillary?
Is she going to promise states rights for North Carolinians when she's campaigning there next week?
Maybe, she'll promise a return to the Confederacy.
In Indiana, I expect her to promise to make basketball the national past time and find some way to claim to really be a Hoosier.
What can we expect next?
If Clinton wins the nomination, she will find a way to say she spent some time in a POW camp and has a better bowling average than McCain. (Remember McCain's arm movement is limited and likely bowls worse than Obama).
A couple of more promises Mrs. Clinton can make:
** An IPod in every pre-teens hands to get the parental vote.
** A promise to obliterate any country that just looks at us the wrong way.
** A free membership with the NRA including an autographed photo of Hillary in a duck blind holding her shotgun and pretending to use a duck call.
** Declare Monica Lewinsky an enemy combatant, sending her to Gitmo with only her stained blue dress to wear.
** Give Bill and Chelsea lessons on how to follow the message or else.
Posted by: Steve T | May 4, 2008 7:55:24 AM
There seems to be a lot of noise about the Reverend
Wright business. Let's look at it another way. Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and George W. Bush have been church goers for many years, and by all accounts, their pastors have been fine, upstanding, kind, and not angry. So why is Hillary Clinton a pathological liar, Bill Clinton an adulterer, and George W. Bush a war criminal and casual torturer? Clearly, their pastors have not done much to bring them to the straight and narrow path. Just how much influence, for ill or good, do pastors really have?
Posted by: FilmMD | May 4, 2008 4:46:16 AM
Camille. We all know Obama is 1/2 white and was actually raised white .
Unfortunately, at some point he DITCHED his white half, and embraced his african american side.
This is only unfortunate because to do so, he eventually met up with with Rev Wright, and then proceeded to practice Black Liberation Theology for the next 20 years.
The average american doenst know this yet. They still all think its about the crazy ol Rev Wright.
Wright might be ZANY , but he is only preachin the religion of his church. Black Liberation Theology.
When america finds out what this stuff is, they will not be impressed.
I think this is the issue that makes him unelectable in the general election.
Posted by: tomdavie | May 4, 2008 4:27:43 AM
I am not a Clinton supporter who think Obama is 'phony' or an anti american blah blah blah.
I think he is smart, charismatic, and the 'new guy in town' .
I also feel he is unqualified in experience and resume, and is a liberal.I dont like liberals as much as I dont like far right neo cons.
I am a reagan democrat. I thought Reagan was a great prez, and so was Clinton.
Im too conservative of a democrat for Obama.
It bothers me that he attracts the most vile element of the left to his cause on a continual basis. Even though I dont think he is as far left as some of his followers.
The bottom line is for me, Hillary is simply a better choice for president. She has a lot of experience on a national stage. She knows the issues far better than Obama. She has been thru all the wars.
I think Obama is unelectable because of some of his comments and his choice in church will probably cost him the white house.
Posted by: tomdavie | May 4, 2008 4:20:08 AM
It is only by God's providence that Hillary will win the election and become president. She is not God's prime choice of candidate, she has many faults, but God can make use this weakness, much like what happened to Saul on the way to Damascus, (Acts of the Apostles 9:3).Nothing is impossible for him.
After she has accepted the gift of repentance, then she will be put right with God and with the nation.
Obama, is a sinner also, but it is clear what Hillary stands for, Women's pro-choice for abortion etc an other issues., that God can do more for her and her followers that are in need of repentance, than what Obama's squeaky clean image stands for.
Posted by: Kiwi | May 4, 2008 4:07:22 AM
The only way I can see Guam obtaining the right to vote in the presidential election is if Puerto Rico and Guam both become states.
Posted by: Mike | May 4, 2008 2:04:06 AM
Maya Angelo, who endsorses Hillary, states the following:
I am inspired by her courage and her honesty. She is a reliable and trustworthy person. She is someone I not only admire but one for whom I have profound affection.
Hillary does not waver in standing up for those who need a champion. She has always been a passionate protector of families. As a child, she was taught that all God’s children are equal, and as a mother, she understood that her child wasn’t safe unless all children were safe. As I wrote about Hillary recently in a praise song: “She is the prayer of every woman, and every man who longs for fair play, healthy families, good schools and a balanced economy
This is what Hillary is all about. The next President of the United States, Hillary Clinton !
Posted by: david from texas | May 4, 2008 1:52:40 AM
If Hillary Clinton has to pay for all the promises she's made it will cost more than the Afgan and Iraq War. This is the most dishonest person who has come along in centuries. It is a different world, a different time, a different universal economy and the world will not be pandering to her. You can take that to the Bank!.
Posted by: Sharon | May 4, 2008 1:45:40 AM
I think its great that Obama was supposed to win Guam by at least 40%, but didnt! Only 7 votes separated them! Wow, Obama thought they would overwhelmingly vote for him because, like them, he was born on an island...lol. Clinton will win Indiana BIG since the state incorporated the law that the voters have to show a valid picture ID. 28% of the African American voters do not have a valid picture ID and can not get one before Tuesday. Added to this, the blue collar voters in the latest poll are not buying in on Obamas attempts to recruit them. Hillary will win Indiana. As far as North Carolina, since Obama was leading her by 30+ points at one time, now, the latest poll shows him up only 6pts., she could very well win North Carolina as well. Even if she loses, if its in the single digits which ALL the analayst are projecting, this will give her momentum. One analyst says if she wins Indiana and only loses by single digits in NC, this will cause the Super D's to rethink Obama's electability. If Hillary wins Indiana and North Carolina, the Super D's will be running to Clinton and it will be over for Obama. Hillary 08!
Posted by: david from texas | May 4, 2008 1:43:18 AM
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