Puerto Rico Joke Sparks Backlash Before Pennsylvania Election

At a rally for former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s controversial remarks about Puerto Rico drew significant backlash from both sides of the political spectrum. His comment, which described the island as a “pile of garbage,” has ignited outrage just nine days before the election, highlighting the importance of Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state.

Hinchcliffe’s inflammatory joke came at a time when Vice President Kamala Harris was simultaneously reaching out to Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania, a demographic that has seen a dramatic increase in eligible voters, particularly those of Puerto Rican descent. According to the Latino Politics & Policy Institute, the number of eligible Latino voters in Pennsylvania has more than doubled from 2000 to 2022, with over half identifying as Puerto Rican.

Latino voters comprise a modest 6% of Pennsylvania’s eligible electorate, but their influence could be pivotal in this tightly contested race. President Joe Biden narrowly defeated Trump in 2020, with fewer than 82,000 votes separating the two candidates. Current polling indicates that Harris and Trump are almost evenly matched, with Trump slightly leading. Notably, he is working to expand his support among Latino voters nationwide.

In her campaign efforts on Sunday in Philadelphia, where 15% of the population is Hispanic, Harris visited a Puerto Rican restaurant and announced the launch of a “Puerto Rico Opportunity Economy Task Force.” This initiative aims to foster collaboration between the private sector and federal government to generate new jobs and stimulate economic growth in Puerto Rico, a territory that has struggled with economic challenges, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Prominent Puerto Rican celebrities, including Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin, have publicly endorsed Harris on social media. Bad Bunny shared videos on Instagram where he highlighted Harris’s criticism of Trump’s handling of Hurricane Maria, referencing his infamous visit to the island where he downplayed the death toll and tossed paper towels into the crowd, actions widely perceived as dismissive and insensitive.

In response to the rally and Hinchcliffe’s remarks, Democrats have actively sought to rally support from Puerto Rican celebrities. Emmy-winning actress Liza Colón-Zayas, known for her role in “The Bear,” and “Hamilton” actor Anthony Ramos have joined efforts to mobilize voters for Harris in Pennsylvania. Notably, Ramos participated in a rally alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz last month, commemorating the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact on Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, Trump is also attempting to appeal to Puerto Rican voters. In August, he appeared at a rally with Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA, and his campaign opened a “Latino Americans for Trump” office in Reading, Pennsylvania, earlier this year. These efforts indicate a recognition of the significance of Puerto Rican voters in the upcoming election.

University of Pennsylvania political science professor Michael Jones-Correa highlighted the potential for mobilizing Puerto Rican voters, noting, “Puerto Ricans are one of the few voting groups where there’s a chance of either mobilizing them or changing their minds.” This sentiment underscores the strategic importance of outreach to this demographic in a competitive electoral landscape.

Recent polling data reflects a shift in support among Hispanic voters. A Reuters/Ipsos analysis revealed that 44% of Hispanic men currently back Trump, while 46% support Harris. This represents a notable decline from the 19-point advantage Biden had over Trump among Hispanic men during the same period in the 2020 election cycle. Overall, 37% of registered Hispanic voters now support Trump, up from 30% in 2020, while 51% favor Harris, slightly down from the 54% who supported Biden.

Hinchcliffe’s remarks, however, have overshadowed these political dynamics. As a comedian known for his roast-style humor, he attempted to dismiss the backlash, stating that his comment was meant as a joke and that he “made fun of everyone.” In a social media post following the uproar, he defended himself, claiming his comments did not reflect the views of Trump or his campaign. A spokesperson for the Trump campaign, Daniella Alvarez, emphasized that the “joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”

However, Harris’s campaign seized upon the opportunity to condemn Hinchcliffe’s comments, labeling them a “vile racist tirade.” Lawmakers from both parties swiftly criticized the remarks. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., expressed her disgust on X, stating that the comment was racist. Sen. Rick Scott, also a Republican from Florida, denounced the joke as “not funny” and “not true.”

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the sensitivity surrounding issues of race and identity in American politics, particularly in an election cycle where every vote is crucial. As the election approaches, both parties will likely intensify their efforts to engage Puerto Rican voters, aware of their potential to sway the outcome in a battleground state like Pennsylvania. The impact of Hinchcliffe’s comments on the broader electoral landscape remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly sparked discussions about the treatment of Puerto Rican voters and the importance of respectful dialogue in political discourse.