By james art NEW YORK (WABC) — Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson and Hulk Hogan were among the speakers who took the stage Saturday before former President Trump — but it was a short set by a comedian named Tony Hinchcliffe that sparked an immediate reaction.
For nearly five hours, a line of speakers fired up the crowd at Madison Square Garden ahead of Trump’s much-anticipated speech.
It was a statement that caused instant vitriol.
“There is literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” Hinchcliffe said.
Hinchcliffe is a comedian and podcaster, and his remarks have sparked an avalanche of criticism. His comments targeted a critical demographic in a very close election.
Analysts expect a record 36.2 million Latinos to vote this year – many of them Puerto Ricans who live in New York, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Puerto Rican Congressman Richie Torres, who represents the Bronx, says he can’t understand how a rally of support belittles such a critical segment of the electorate.
“Puerto Rico is not trash, it is magnificent. The people, the island, the culture – everything about Puerto Rico is wonderful. And to insult the people of Puerto Rico, as the Trump campaign did, is not only bad morals, but bad politics,” Torres said.
More offensive remarks were directed at another key voting group. Hinchcliffe stooped with racist comments about African-Americans.
Minutes later, Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, Tim Waltz, responded during a campaign streaming event with New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.
Authorities in Puerto Rico also responded.
Jennifer Gonzalez, a Republican running for governor of the island, called the comments “despicable, inappropriate and disgusting.”
In Florida, Republican Sen. Rick Scott said “this joke bombed for a reason.” It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans.”
On Sunday night, Hinchcliffe defended himself. He said, “These people have no sense of humor, I love Puerto Rico and vacation there.”
Former President Trump’s campaign released a statement saying the joke did not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.
The Puerto Rico National Parade released a statement saying:
“The Board of Directors of the Puerto Rico National Parade condemns
outrageous, racist and misinformed statement about Puerto Rico at the Trump/Vance rally
in New York. First, Puerto Rico is a beautiful island whose US citizens are doing great
contribution to this country in the military, medicine, science, education, sports and many others
other disciplines. Puerto Ricans alone have earned over 2,700 Purple Hearts in defense of
USA.
Our historical and cultural heritage and the beauty of Puerto Rico are not simple
well documented but also globally recognized. Another 5.8 million US citizens who
acknowledge and embrace their Puerto Rican ancestry live in the states, in a decisive vote
states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia and North Carolina. Shocking, folks
choose to speak ignorantly about puerto rico spewing garbage. this
offense will not diminish who we are or what we stand for, but it should remind us of the critical
the importance of voting on November 5.”
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