Former President Donald Trump campaigned in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to address anger over a comedian’s insulting jokes about Latinos and Puerto Rico at a recent rally. Trump did not address the comments during his speech but emphasized his strong performance among Latino voters and support for Puerto Ricans. Puerto Rico’s Republican shadow senator also vouched for Trump’s commitment to the island.
Before Trump took the stage, speakers highlighted Puerto Rico’s pride and heritage, with Senator Marco Rubio delivering remarks in both Spanish and English. The pro-Puerto Rico message aimed to counter the controversy caused by the comedian’s insult at a recent Trump rally in New York City.
The comment disparaging Puerto Ricans came at a critical time in the election, as Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris compete closely. In Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, Puerto Ricans represent a significant part of the Latino electorate. Matt Tuerk, the Democratic mayor of Allentown, expressed constituents’ anger and suggested that it could translate into higher voter turnout.
Despite criticism from various sources, Trump has not personally denounced the insult. The fallout from the incident has led to protests and increased attention on the issue. Puerto Ricans in Allentown expressed disappointment over the comment, highlighting their dignity and the importance of being seen and respected by political figures.
Democrats believe that the Puerto Rico slur could have a lasting impact on the campaign, especially as Trump has previously faced few consequences for controversial statements. The focus on the incident underscores the significance of voter sentiment, particularly among Puerto Ricans and Latino voters in swing states.
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