By james art Jennifer Lopez has stepped up the support of Hollywood celebrities, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid for president in the final days before the Nov. 5 election.
Warming up the crowd before welcoming the Democratic presidential nominee, the American singer and actress hit Harris’ rally in North Las Vegas as part of the When We Vote, We Win series. As one of the most influential Latin artists, the barrier-breaking artist’s visit to Nevada on Oct. 31 comes after MAGA comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s questionable description of Puerto Rico as a “floating island of trash” at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally in New York.
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Like Beyoncé, Lopez chose not to flaunt her pipes with a stunning performance. With iconic Mexican rock band Mana handling those entertainment responsibilities, the song “Let’s Get Loud” delivered an emotionally empowering speech about why it was appropriate for Harris to “show up.”
Directly referencing Trump’s opening remarks at the rally from the Kill Tony podcast host, JLo said: “I promised myself I wouldn’t get emotional, but you know what, we have to be emotional. We should be upset. We should be scared and outraged. We should – our pain matters. We matter.” As she reminded everyone of the importance of their vote, she previously said of Trump: “At Madison Square Garden, he reminded us who he is and how he really feels.”
“It wasn’t just Puerto Ricans who were offended that day. It was every Hispanic in this country, it was humanity and anyone of decent character. The Marry Me actress made her impassioned argument, slamming Trump and labeling him as someone who has “consistently worked to divide us.”
Jennifer Lopez on her identity as Puerto Rican and American
Moreover, Lopez proudly asserted her American identity as she declared herself the daughter of Guadalupe Rodriguez and David Lopez, “a proud daughter and son of Puerto Rico.” Before closing her speech and making way for Kamala Harris’ address, the “Mother” actress firmly confirmed that she will vote for the Democratic nominee in the November election.
“I’m Puerto Rican and yes, I was born here and we’re Americans. I am a mother. I am a sister. I’m an actress and I like Hollywood endings and I like it when the good guy, or in this case the good girl, wins. And with an understanding of our past and our faith in our future, I will cast my vote for Kamala Harris for President of the United States,” Lopez said.
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Most of the singer’s 15-minute remarks were devoted to likening her background and history to that of the vice president. “When I started doing TV and film, I could get roles as a maid or a loud Latina, but I knew I had more to offer,” she added. “And I think there’s a lot of people in this country who feel the same way, who know they’re capable of more, and we all just want a chance to prove it.” And elections are about electing leaders who support that, not leaders who get in the way.”
JLo isn’t the only one with star power to quote Hinchcliffe’s comments while banking on Kamala Harris. Many Latino celebrities, including Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Rita Moreno, have since defended Puerto Rico, while others such as Nicky Jam have been catalyzed to abandon the Trump train.
Reversing Trump’s “enemy within” comment, Lopez firmly warned the crowd: “I’m a lover. I’m not a fighter. I’m not here to bash anyone or tear them down. I know how it feels and I wouldn’t do it to my worst enemy or even when I’m facing the biggest adversary I think America has had internally. But throughout Kamala Harris’ career, she has proven to us who she is.”