Backlash Erupts Over Comedian's Racist Joke at Trump Rally, Threatening Support Among Latino Voters

 

A controversial joke made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Donald Trump rally has sparked significant backlash, particularly among Latino voters, just a week before the presidential election. Hinchcliffe's 11-minute set at Madison Square Garden featured a racially charged quip about Puerto Rico, which he previously tested at a New York comedy club the night before.

During his routine, Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage,” a comment that failed to garner laughter at the comedy club and drew outrage at the rally. This incident has prompted Trump's campaign to scramble for damage control as they attempt to maintain support in critical battleground states.

Despite the offensive nature of the joke, Trump has not publicly addressed the remarks. Instead, he has downplayed his association with Hinchcliffe, claiming ignorance of the comedian despite his prominent role at the rally and the vetting process by the campaign. Trump is set to visit Allentown, Pennsylvania, a city with a substantial Latino population, which could compel him to address the backlash.

Hinchcliffe's set included other racially insensitive jokes, but the comment about Puerto Rico received the most attention, provoking responses from within the Republican Party. Danielle Alvarez, a senior advisor to Trump’s campaign, quickly distanced the campaign from Hinchcliffe's remarks, stating, “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”

The fallout has raised questions about the vetting process for speakers at the rally. Reports indicate that while the campaign requested drafts of speeches for review, some offensive comments made by Hinchcliffe may have been ad-libbed, escaping prior scrutiny. Vianca Rodríguez, deputy director of Hispanic communications for the Trump campaign, acknowledged that staffers did not have "absolute control" over what was said during the event.

Political figures from Puerto Rico have expressed their discontent, with Angel M Cintrón, chair of the Puerto Rico Republican Party, threatening to withdraw his endorsement of Trump unless he issues a personal apology. The controversy has also resonated with voters in Pennsylvania, where a significant Puerto Rican population resides.

The controversy has provided an opportunity for Kamala Harris’s campaign to capitalize on the backlash, targeting Latino communities with advertisements that highlight Hinchcliffe's offensive comments. Meanwhile, Trump's running mate, JD Vance, took a defiant stance, suggesting that people need to stop being overly offended by such remarks.

As the election draws near, the incident underscores the delicate balance Trump must maintain with diverse voter groups, particularly as he faces a competitive race against Harris.