Vice President Harris pledged to establish “a new Puerto Rico Opportunity Economy Task Force” in response to a comedian’s controversial remarks at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
“As president, I will bring down the cost of housing, invest in small businesses and entrepreneurs and fight to finally secure equal access to programs that strengthen the health care system and support children, seniors and working people,” Harris said in a video posted to Instagram.
“I will create a new Puerto Rico Opportunity Economy Task Force, where the federal government will work with the private sector, with nonprofits and community leaders, to foster economic growth and create thousands of new, good paying jobs in Puerto Rico, including for our young people,” she noted.
At the rally, Hinchcliffe remarked, “I don’t know if you know, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the ocean right now,” to which he added, “it’s called Puerto Rico.”
Several Republican lawmakers quickly condemned Hinchcliffe’s remarks on social media.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) tweeted on X, “This joke bombed for a reason. It’s not funny and it’s not true.”
“Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans! I’ve been to the island many times. It’s a beautiful place. Everyone should visit! I will always do whatever I can to help any Puerto Rican in Florida or on the island,” Scott continued.
Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL) posted on X, “Puerto Rico is the crown jewel of the Caribbean & home to many of the most patriotic Americans I know.
“@TonyHinchcliffe clearly isn’t funny & definitely doesn’t reflect my values or those of the Republican Party.” Gimenez added.
These people have no sense of humor. Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his “busy schedule” to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist. I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set. I’m a… https://t.co/VFxHRcdv5k
— Tony Hinchcliffe (@TonyHinchcliffe) October 27, 2024
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz blasted Hinchcliffe while they were Twitch streaming on Sunday.
“When you have some a-hole calling Puerto Rico ‘floating garbage,’ know that that’s what they think about you,” Ocasio-Cortez remarked.
“Who is that jackwad? Who is that guy?” Walz wondered.
Hinchcliffe responded in a post on X, “These people have no sense of humor. Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his “busy schedule” to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist,” he countered.
“I love Puerto Rico and vacation there,” the comedian added. “I made fun of everyone…watch the whole set. I’m a comedian Tim…might be time to change your tampon.”
