The US presidential election campaign is heating up, with the Democrats ramping up efforts in response to escalating resentment over inflammatory remarks against Puerto Ricans at a rally held by Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, along with her running mate Tim Walz, are reaching out to young, first-time voters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Meanwhile, previous US President Barack Obama alongside rock star Bruce Springsteen addressed the crowd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Obama criticised Mr Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, labelling it as a platform for “racist, sexist, and bigoted stereotypes”.
Prior to joining President Obama for a rally in Pennsylvania, Bruce Springsteen expressed his opposition to Donald Trump and JD Vance, as well as his support for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. He voiced his desire for a leader who respects the constitution, promotes peace, upholds law and order, champions women’s rights and develops an economy that benefits everyone, especially the middle class.
As tensions mount over the controversial ‘joke’ about Puerto Rico during Trump’s rally, the Democrats make concerted attempts at rallying support.
Calling voters to action, Obama said, “It’s not only policies that are up for vote, it’s our identity. Regardless of how this election makes you feel, do not stand on the sidelines. Log off and cast your vote,” he urged.
Obama, appearing at ease in his rolled-up sleeves, delivered a biting critique of Trump during his speech in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, where the Democrats were making their final appeal for support. Referring to the divisive politics fuelled at Sunday’s Madison Square Garden rally, he advised voters not to elect a candidate who fails to respect them or recognise their right to opportunities and the American dream.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a congresswoman from New York with Puerto Rican roots, openly condemned the racially insensitive comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe in Wisconsin. She did so in the company of Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont. She argued that the language used by the comic was purposeful, likening it to the rhetoric used by Adolf Hitler and stating it was no laughing matter. Mr Trump’s reiteration of these sentiments was also called out by Ocasio-Cortez.
Hinchcliffe, on the other hand, had taken a dig at Puerto Rico, referring to it as a “floating pile of trash” whilst speaking at a Trump rally held at Madison Square Garden.
Subsequent to these comments, the Chairman of Puerto Rico’s Republican Party, Angel M Cintrón, stated he would no longer offer his support to the former President, unless an apology for these racially derogative remarks was issued. Despite residents of US territories not having the privilege to cast their vote for presidents, he urged Mr Trump to openly deny Hinchcliffe’s comments.
Trump’s Senior campaign adviser, Danielle Alvarez, attempted to distance both the campaign and the former President from the offensive ‘joke’ regarding Puerto Rico. However, her explanations were deemed insufficient by Roberto O. González Nieves, the archbishop of San Juan, who emphasised the importance of a direct apology from Trump.
Elsewhere, in Atlanta, Georgia, Trump addressed voters by declaring himself to be the “antithesis of a Nazi”. Additionally, he claimed that Michelle Obama’s recent critique of his mental wellbeing was a grave error. Responding for the first time, Trump stated, “I consistently endeavoured to maintain respect and kindness,” despite spreading falsehoods in 2011 about the birthplace of Barack Obama, insinuating that he had unlawfully assumed office. Furthermore, he concluded his statement by accusing Mrs Obama of “opening a bit of a can of worms”.
While voicing her support for Ms Harris during a promotional event in Michigan on Saturday, Ms Obama criticised the apathy of some voters towards the flagrant inefficiency of Mr Trump. She highlighted how Trump’s unpredictable conduct and clear mental deterioration were alarming. Furthermore, she pointed out that Trump had been judged responsible for sexual misconduct in a non-criminal lawsuit, indicating that the ex-president is currently regarded as a criminal.
Responding to her at an assembly in Atlanta, Mr Trump commented, “She was unpleasant,” continuing to say, “That was a serious blunder she made,” as noted by various news agencies.