The presidential campaign of the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris issued an advertisement targeting Puerto Rican voters in response to insults directed at the island during a rally by her rival, former President Donald Trump. The ad focuses on the importance of the Latino vote in the elections on November 5, especially in key states like Pennsylvania, where half a million Puerto Ricans reside whose votes could be decisive.
At the large Trump rally, host Tony Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as a "floating garbage island in the middle of the ocean," comments that drew condemnation. Artists like Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Luis Fonsi, Bad Bunny, and René Pérez spoke out urging votes for Kamala Harris in the elections. Harris herself stated, "As president, I will always fight for you and your families."
The Democratic campaign reproduced Hinchcliffe's offenses in the ad aimed at Puerto Ricans, highlighting Trump's lack of support after Hurricane Maria and showing images of the devastating disaster. Harris affirmed, "I will never forget what Donald Trump did. Puerto Ricans deserve better. I will fight for you." Although island residents cannot vote in presidential elections, Puerto Ricans living in the 50 states of the Union are called to exercise their right to vote.
