In the final days before a tightly contested U.S. presidential election, a Trump campaign rally in New York has ignited a wave of backlash. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s remarks, made at a Trump event at Madison Square Garden, included a reference to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” and comments about Latino communities, sparking accusations of racism. These remarks come at a crucial time as both presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, vie for support in key battleground states.
Trump’s campaign was quick to distance itself from the comedian’s statements, although responses from various members of the campaign differed in tone. Danielle Alvarez, a senior advisor, clarified that the remarks did not represent the campaign’s views, while spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described the joke as in “poor taste,” yet believed that the incident was overblown. Meanwhile, Trump’s vice-presidential candidate JD Vance remarked that people were “getting too offended over every little thing,” prompting further discussion on the subject.
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The comedian himself, Tony Hinchcliffe, defended his comments, insisting his joke had been taken out of context. On social media, he argued that his critics lacked a sense of humor and noted that he regularly visits Puerto Rico. In his defense, he stated that the remarks were meant as light-hearted and that he had “made fun of everyone.”
Harris, however, seized upon the remarks as evidence of divisive rhetoric within Trump’s campaign. Speaking to reporters, she argued that Trump’s event exemplified a focus on grievances and divisive language. Her running mate, Tim Walz, noted that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens who contribute significantly, paying taxes and serving in the military. President Joe Biden also weighed in, describing the incident as an “embarrassment” and further underscoring the importance of the upcoming election.
The remarks have had a particular impact on Puerto Rican voters in the mainland United States. While residents of Puerto Rico itself are unable to vote in the presidential election, those living in the U.S. states, especially in battleground regions, could play a decisive role. Puerto Ricans make up a considerable portion of the population in several key states, including Pennsylvania, Florida, and Georgia. This demographic, which historically supports Democrats but includes a growing number of swing voters, may now reconsider its support due to the rally incident.
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Currently, Harris holds a slight lead over Trump in nationwide polling averages, but the race remains tight in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Georgia, where even minor changes in voter turnout among the Puerto Rican community could sway results. According to analysis, Pennsylvania is especially crucial, given its significant number of electoral votes and Puerto Rican residents, and political analysts believe that disenchantment over Trump’s campaign rhetoric may impact voter turnout in Harris’s favor.
Beyond Pennsylvania, states like Georgia and North Carolina, which also have large Puerto Rican populations, could see similar shifts. Even non-battleground states with substantial Puerto Rican communities, like Florida, Connecticut, and New York, are paying attention to the incident. In Florida, Puerto Ricans make up 5.6 percent of the population, a sizeable bloc that could influence local and national races.
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The recent comments echo previous instances where Trump has been criticized for controversial remarks, including a 2018 statement describing certain countries as “s***hole countries,” and, more recently, a reference to the U.S. as a “garbage can for the world.” These remarks have often been met with criticism and concern among communities targeted by such language. In response to the latest incident, notable Puerto Rican public figures, such as Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, and Bad Bunny, have voiced their displeasure, urging voters to support Harris.
Political experts now note that the election may come down to mobilizing each candidate’s base, with the Puerto Rican vote proving pivotal in some states. Turnout, particularly among Latino and other historically underrepresented groups, is expected to be crucial. The backlash over the comedian’s remarks could influence these groups to vote, possibly swaying the election outcome in states where the race is too close to call.
In this climate of heightened sensitivity and political tension, each comment and controversy has the potential to influence key demographics. As Election Day approaches, both campaigns are navigating the fine line between appealing to their core supporters and avoiding backlash that could cost them crucial votes.
