Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe‘s comments about Puerto Rico created problems for Donald Trump. The comedian was one of the people who introduced the presidential candidate at his campaign in New York.
Specifically, according to by the Associated Presscomedian Tony Hinchcliffe said:
“I don’t know if you know this, but there is literally an island of garbage floating in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”
Hinchcliffe’s series also included trite and racist comments about Latinos, Jews and blacks, all key constituencies in the election.
Understandably, this comment caused a big reaction among the residents, although they cannot vote in the general election despite being US citizens, they can exert a strong influence on relatives on the mainland.
Phones across the island of 3.2 million people were ringing minutes after the comedian made fun of Puerto Rico on Sunday night, and were still buzzing on Monday.
The residents are furious
Although Puerto Ricans do not vote, they have a lot of influence, as many of their relatives vote regularly. In general, residents say they feel like second-class citizens because they cannot vote in presidential elections and receive limited federal funding compared to US states.
For all this comes the traffic that caused the anger of the residents. Milagros Serrano, 81, who has a son who lives in his home state of Pennsylvania, said the whole family was moved by the comedian’s comments. “He can’t be talking about Puerto Rico like that,” she said as she left for a medical appointment. “It’s the one with a piece of trash.”
Jose Acevedo, a 48-year-old health care worker from San Juan, shook his head as he recalled the emotions he felt watching the rally. “What humiliation, what discrimination!” he said early Monday while waiting to catch the public bus to work.
Acevedo said he immediately texted relatives in New York, including an uncle who is a Republican and planned to vote for Trump. “He told me he had to reconsider his decision,” Acevedo said, adding that his relatives were surprised. “They couldn’t believe it.”
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe spoke at a Trump campaign event in New York
AP Photo/Evan Vucci
What the Republican president of Puerto Rico had to say
According to with the BBCthe president of the Republican Party’s Puerto Rico chapter says he won’t vote for Donald Trump unless he personally apologizes for what the comedian said about Puerto Rico.
Angel Cintron-Garcia, former member of Puerto Rico’s state legislature and current president of the island’s Republican party, made the comment on Monday’s Jugando Pelota Dura talk show.
Voters in Puerto Rico will be able to participate in a symbolic ballot to declare the island’s choice for president of the United States, but it is not part of the official election process.
How JD Vance responded
Vice presidential candidate Jay De Vance claimed he did not hear what Tony Hinchcliffe said during Trump’s event in New York.
According to with AxiosVance said he’s not “concerned” that something a comedian said “has nothing to do” with the Trump campaign will convince people to say, “‘We’re not going to vote for Donald Trump now — we’re going to forget. the fact that we can’t shop because someone said something we didn’t like.”
Kamala Harris
AP Photo/Ben Curtis
Fierce reactions from the Democrats
According to by the Associated PressDemocrats stepped up their attacks on Donald Trump on Monday. The reason was comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comment about Puerto Rico.
Vice President Kamala Harris described Trump’s Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden as “more lively than usual” and said it was “raising the fuel of hate” before flying to Michigan for a campaign event.
President Joe Biden called the rally “just disgusting.” At the same time, the Trump campaign spokesman distanced himself from the comments about Puerto Rico.
“The trash he talked about taints our election and proves how little Donald Trump cares about Latinos specifically, about our Puerto Rican community,” Redding Mayor Eddie Moran said at a news conference with other Puerto Rican officials.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an Expert on Puerto Rico and Political Communication
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining me today, Dr. Rodriguez! There’s been quite a stir since comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made those remarks about Puerto Rico at a Trump campaign event. Can you share your initial thoughts on how such statements can impact Puerto Rico’s political landscape, especially considering that residents can’t vote in presidential elections?
Dr. Maria Rodriguez: Thank you for having me. Hinchcliffe’s comments are particularly concerning because they play into long-standing stereotypes and marginalization of Puerto Rico. Even though Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, their inability to vote for president makes them feel like second-class citizens. Comments like Hinchcliffe’s can fuel anger and resentment, not just among Puerto Ricans on the island but also among the Puerto Rican diaspora.
Time.news Editor: That’s a crucial point. The article mentions significant reactions from residents just minutes after the joke was made. How do you think social media and immediate communication among Puerto Ricans and their relatives in the mainland U.S. contributed to this backlash?
Dr. Maria Rodriguez: Social media has amplified voices and reactions on issues like these and allowed for rapid mobilization. The immediacy of communication means that family members can quickly share their outrage. This kind of swift reaction can influence voting behavior among Puerto Ricans living in the mainland, as they may reconsider whom they support based on feelings of solidarity and outrage at remarks disparaging their home.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, we saw one voter reconsider his support for Trump after hearing about the comedian’s comments. Angel Cintron-Garcia, the president of the Republican Party in Puerto Rico, stated he wouldn’t support Trump unless he issued a personal apology. What does this response signify about the potential shift in political allegiance in Puerto Rico?
Dr. Maria Rodriguez: It speaks volumes about the intersection of identity and political affiliation. Cintron-Garcia’s stance reflects how personal attacks on Puerto Rican identity can directly challenge party loyalty, particularly in an election cycle where every vote counts. It shows that Puerto Ricans are looking for respect and acknowledgment; without that, even Republicans are willing to reconsider their support.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like Hinchcliffe’s comments have resonated beyond immediate humor to larger social and political ramifications. What do you think should be the next steps for political candidates regarding interactions with Puerto Rican communities?
Dr. Maria Rodriguez: Candidates need to be incredibly mindful of their words and the impact they have on all communities, particularly marginalized ones. They should engage with Puerto Rican leaders and organizations directly, ensuring they listen to the concerns of both residents and expatriates. It’s also essential that politicians openly support Puerto Rico’s needs, such as greater federal support and representation, to foster goodwill and connection.
Time.news Editor: Great insights, Dr. Rodriguez. With the upcoming elections, how critical do you believe the perception of Puerto Rico’s treatment will be for candidates on both sides of the aisle?
Dr. Maria Rodriguez: It’s going to be pivotal. As we’ve seen, expressions of disrespect can lead to significant backlash that alters voter sentiment. Candidates who ignore this factor may miss out on the influence of Puerto Rican voters and their families, especially as their collective experiences and emotions drive voter participation. Respect and engagement will be key—candidates must view Puerto Rico as an integral part of this nation, not just a backdrop for political rallies.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your time and thoughts, Dr. Rodriguez. Your expertise on this topic sheds light on the nuances of political communication and community dynamics in the U.S.
Dr. Maria Rodriguez: It was my pleasure. Thank you for discussing such an important issue!