Obama makes first presidential visit to Puerto Rico in 50 years

Barack Obama on Tuesday became the first sitting US president in 50 years to visit Puerto Rico, the island territory whose descendants could help the prospects for his re-election next year. Obama said he will support a plan that allows Puerto Ricans to determine their own future.
There has been a long-standing debate about whether the Caribbean island should be granted statehood, independence or maintain its current status. "When the people of Puerto Rico make a clear decision, my administration will stand by you," Obama said in brief comments that carried all the hallmarks of a campaign speech.
There are millions of Puerto Ricans in the United States, particularly in New York. Obama wants their votes to boost his re-election in November 2012. Obama visited the island during his 2008 campaign and said he would return as president. "Although my hair is a little greyer, I am glad to be able to keep that promise to the people of Puerto Rico," Obama said. Obama's trip was the first official visit to Puerto Rico by a president since John F Kennedy went there in 1961, the White House stated.