The comedian's insults during a Donald Trump campaign event, in which he referred to Puerto Rico as a "floating garbage island," could mobilize more Puerto Ricans to participate at the polls. This community's vote is expected to favor the Democrats, which would be unusual given their historically high abstention rate.
Puerto Rican residents in the key state of Pennsylvania have reacted with outrage to the insults made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during a show at Madison Square Garden in New York. This has led several Puerto Rican officials, including elected representatives from Pennsylvania, to call for a vote of censure against Trump for the offensive comments.
At a press conference led by Philadelphia councilwoman Quetcy Lozada and Reading Mayor Eddie Morán, frustration over the insulting comments was expressed with anger. The derogatory words have created a stark contrast between the Republican campaign and the visit of Vice President Kamala Harris, who met with the Puerto Rican community in Pennsylvania and presented a plan to revitalize the island.
It is important to highlight that more than 470,000 Puerto Ricans reside in Pennsylvania, a decisive state that could influence the 19 electoral votes at stake. The possibility that these acts will influence the Latino vote in favor of the Democrats, particularly Kamala Harris, has increased, according to political scientist Eduardo Gamarra.
The expert points out that the insults may motivate the electoral participation of a proud community like the Puerto Ricans, who have a relatively high abstention rate. Offensive rhetoric and discriminatory comments may favor the Democrats in key states where there is a high concentration of Puerto Ricans, such as Florida.
In Florida, for example, the active participation of the Puerto Rican population, alongside other Hispanic groups, could have a significant impact on the elections, including the contentious race between Rick Scott and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Gamarra argues that if Puerto Ricans and the Hispanic community in general go to the polls driven by anti-immigrant and racist rhetoric, the Democrats could benefit in the elections.
