Rain Doesn't Dampen Clinton's Spirits in Puerto Rico

CATANO, Puerto Rico -- It rained on Hillary Clinton's parade.
Saturday was meant to be a joyous and celebratory day for the New York senator, who is widely favored to win Sunday's Puerto Rican primary. She planned a long day of caravanning through small towns in the San Juan area, waving and smiling from the back of a white truck -- a more accessible and festive version of the bus caravans through small town America that helped her husband win the presidency in 1992.
And while campaigns are used to planning back-up locales in case of inclement weather, the idea hardly seemed necessary today. It's the end of May; it's Puerto Rico. It's supposed to be sunny. Clinton campaign staff issued motherly warnings to reporters covering the eight-hour road trip to wear appropriate clothing and to bring sunscreen.
But instead, Clinton encountered on and off showers and she gamely continued her last hours of campaigning (sometimes with the aid of an umbrella).
``Campaigning in Puerto Rico is like one long Puerto Rican Day parade. It is incredible energizing,'' the Democratic contender told a crowd, referring to the popular New York City event.
While Democratic officials huddled in Washington to determine how many -- if any -- of Florida and Michigan's delegates will be seated at the convention in August, a matter critical to Clinton's future in the race, the New York senator appeared unperturbed.
She blew kisses to supporters who lined up along the streets to see her caravan pass by. Women raced toward the truck out of shops, and others waved Clinton signs that said ``Smart Choice.'' Loud traditional Puerto Rican music blared from speakers, drawing out the ``Hillary! Hillary!'' shouts from modest-sized crowds.
Earlier in the day, Clinton discussed health care at the San Juan Bautista Medical Center in Caguas, telling locals that Puerto Ricans -- who pay the same Medicare taxes as fellow citizens in the United States -- should get the same benefits. Puerto Rico is a US commonwealth, and while its residents are US citizens that serve in wars, Puerto Rico is not guaranteed the same rights and social services given to Americans.
--Susan Milligan