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FOX NewsOCT 2024
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 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.