Miami Residents Outraged Over Comedian’s Comments at Trump Rally
Miami, FL – The Puerto Rican community in Florida is reeling from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s recent inflammatory remarks made during a warm-up set at a Donald Trump rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden. Referring to Puerto Rico as a "floating island of garbage," Hinchcliffe’s comments have ignited fierce backlash among local residents and leaders.
While the Trump campaign swiftly distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s remarks, many in South Florida remain skeptical. Mari Guzman, a local Puerto Rican resident, voiced her doubts about the campaign’s disavowal, stating, "The Trump campaign must have known in advance what everyone was going to say on that stage." Discussions at local eateries specializing in traditional Puerto Rican cuisine reflected a palpable sense of frustration and anger.
Susana Baxter, a Nuyorican, highlighted the broader implications of the comments, noting that the offense extends beyond Puerto Ricans to all Latino communities. Political leaders responded swiftly, condemning the remarks. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush labeled the comments "insulting," suggesting that such comments reflect poorly on the candidates they support. U.S. Senator Rick Scott denounced the joke on social media as "unfunny and untrue," while Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar emphasized the need for respect, reminding the public of Puerto Rico’s significant contributions to the U.S. military. Congressman Carlos Gimenez criticized Hinchcliffe’s remarks as "classless and in poor taste."
As the Puerto Rican population in Florida increasingly engages in politics, particularly as they are eligible voters in U.S. elections, the impact of such rhetoric may shape their political decisions. For many, Hinchcliffe’s offensive joke resonates as a broader issue of respect and representation within the political landscape.
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