Vice President Kamala Harris made it a point to uplift the Puerto Rican community on Sunday (Oct. 27) a barrage of insults the country received during a rally for Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New Yorkthat same day.
During the Trump event, comedian and podcast host Tony Hinchcliffe made a joke about accepting Latinos into America “with open arms” while making a shooing motion, as reported by The New York Times.
Hinchcliffe continued with his verbal attack on Latinos with a tasteless joke about how they have too many children before bringing up illegal immigration. Most shockingly, he commented that Puerto Rico is “a floating island of garbage.”
Following a slew of outrage, Hinchcliffe wrote in response on X, “These people have no sense of humor.” He also said “I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set.”
During the rally, Harris was in Philadelphia spending time with Pennsylvania’s Puerto Rican residents. She also visited a Puerto Rican restaurant where she discussed bringing economic opportunities to such a vulnerable population.
The presidential candidate talked about her visit to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017 as a senator and how she had to “make sure Puerto Rico’s needs were met.” Harris’ words touched those in attendance and were met with chants of “Sí, se puede” from the group.
Even before Trump’s New York rally on Sunday, Harris had already critiqued him in a video message directed at Puerto Rican voters. She reminded them that after the hurricane, Trump offered the victims nothing but “paper towels and insults.”
Following Hinchcliffe’s “island of garbage” remark, the Trump campaign attempted to distance itself from the comedian altogether. “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” said senior adviser, Danielle Alvarez, in a statement.