On October 28, 2024, Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to the media before boarding Air Force Two to fly to Michigan at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, the United States.
Evelyn Hochstein | Reuters
Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday dismissed the “nonsense” Donald Trump delivered at a campaign rally in New York City a day earlier that included the comedian’s racist joke Tony Hinchcliffe About Puerto Rico.
“I’m proud to have the support of people like Bad Bunny and Jennifer Lopez who supported me before that nonsense happened last night at Madison Square Garden,” the Democratic presidential candidate told reporters.
Puerto Rican superstar singer Bad Bunny and Lopez highlighted Harris’ support for Puerto Rico in social media posts following Hinchliffe’s attack on the U.S. territory.
The vice president released a plan Sunday to “build a opportunity economy Puerto Rico,” creating a task force to promote economic growth on the island.
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe speaks at a rally for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York, U.S., October 27, 2024.
Andrew Kelly | Reuters
“I think Donald Trump’s event last night at Madison Square Garden really highlighted a point that I’ve been making throughout this campaign,” Harris said on Monday.
“His focus is really on his grievances, on himself and dividing our country. That does not in any way strengthen American families, American workers,” Harris said.
“This is absolutely intentional and is inciting to divide us.”
Hinchcliffe addressed the crowd in the Garden before Trump took the stage as part of a warm-up for the rally.
“There’s a lot going on. I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” Hinchcliffe said.
The comedian added, “These Latinos love having kids, too. Just know that’s what they do.” There’s no backing out. They don’t do this. They came in, just like they did to our country.
Hinchcliffe also made other racist comments during the performance.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro noted in a radio interview Monday morning that the state is “the proud home of approximately 500,000 Puerto Ricans.”
Pennsylvania is a key swing state in the 2024 presidential election.
According to NBC News, Trump campaign senior adviser Danielle Alvarez said in a statement about Hinchcliffe’s comments about Puerto Rico that “the joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.” ”.