Former President Donald Trump campaigned in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a majority-Latino city, following outrage over a comedian’s insulting jokes about Latinos and Puerto Rico at his rally at Madison Square Garden. Trump made no mention of the remarks in his speech, emphasizing his performance among Latino voters and expressing solidarity with Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico’s Republican shadow senator praised Trump and advocated for his return to the White House, emphasizing the island’s trust in him. Other speakers at the rally also celebrated Puerto Rico and its people. Senators Marco Rubio and Matt Tuerk condemned the comments but focused on an affirming message about the island.
The comedian’s remarks sparked condemnation from elected officials, entertainers, and voters, leading to growing outrage. Trump has not personally denounced the insult but stated that it does not reflect his views. Democrats believe the incident could have a lasting impact, highlighting the sensitivity of the Puerto Rican population, a significant voting bloc in Pennsylvania. Protesters gathered at the rally, expressing anger over the comment and Trump’s handling of Hurricane Maria. The incident has energized voters in Allentown who were previously apathetic, potentially impacting the election. The fallout from the comedian’s remarks underscores the importance of carefully navigating issues related to race and ethnicity in political campaigns.
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