Fox News Power Rankings: Arizona is Trump's to lose, but this election is anyone's to win
FOX NewsOct 31
Trump Campaign Responds to Backlash Over Puerto Rico MSG Joke
Above: Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a rally for former president Donald Trump on Oct. 27, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Image copyright: Peter W. Stevenson//Contributor/The Washington Post via Getty Images
The Facts
After Sunday's Trump rally at Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City, Archbishop Roberto O. Gonzalez Nieves of San Juan, Puerto Rico, urged former Pres. Donald Trump to personally apologize for the controversial remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe.
Hinchcliffe described the US island territory as a "floating island of garbage." "I enjoy a good joke...However, humor has its limits," the Archbishop stated. "It should not insult or denigrate the dignity and sacredness of people."
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This could be an "October surprise" moment that could shift public sentiment in favor of Kamala Harris. Hinchcliffe's racist slurs have gone viral, potentially affecting many Puerto Ricans and other Latinos across the US, especially in battleground states, as they make their voting decisions. The Trump campaign has made fun of an already marginalized demographic, and, as shown by Trump's behavior during Hurricane Maria, it's evident that Puerto Rico is not a priority for the GOP nominee.
Republican narrative
Hinchcliffe's jokes at the Madison Square Garden rally on Sunday night were clearly in poor taste and fell flat. These jokes don't represent the views of President Trump or his campaign. Trump's supporters understand his vision that he aims to be president for all Americans. The polling in fact shows that Trump polls quite strongly among the Latino demographic due to his sound policies on the economy, immigration, and combating failing woke policies.