In a fiery rally at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden on Sunday, former U.S. President Donald Trump launched relentless attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. The event, drawing thousands of supporters donning the signature red “Make America Great Again” caps, marked a significant moment in the tight race for the White House ahead of the November 5 election.
“You’ve destroyed our country. We’re not going to take it anymore, Kamala,” Trump declared to a roaring crowd, emphasizing his message of change and critique of the current administration.
Several speakers preceding Trump stirred controversy with their sharp remarks aimed not only at Harris but also at Puerto Rico and Latino communities. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe drew ire for comments on Latino birthrates and referring to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage.”
Democrats Respond to Rally Insults
Vice President Harris, 60, seized on the offensive remarks as an opportunity to connect with Puerto Rican voters in crucial battleground states. “Puerto Ricans deserve a president who sees and invests in their strength,” Harris stated in a social media clip addressing Hinchcliffe’s comments.
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman highlighted the importance of Puerto Rican voters, noting the state is home to nearly half a million Puerto Ricans, with the majority eligible to vote. “Their voices are pivotal in this election,” Fetterman remarked.
Prominent Puerto Rican figures like Ricky Martin and Bad Bunny amplified Harris’s message by sharing her videos with their millions of followers on social media platforms. Martin wrote, “This is what they think of us. Vote for @kamalaharris,” urging the community to make their voices heard.
Controversial Speeches Draw Criticism
The rally featured surprise appearances, including Trump’s wife Melania and supporters like billionaire Elon Musk, who has been actively campaigning for the ex-president. Other speakers, such as former advisor Stephen Miller, sparked concern with aggressive rhetoric. “America is for Americans and Americans only,” Miller proclaimed, pledging a crackdown on “cartels and criminal migrants.”
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson mocked Harris’s background, calling her “a Samoan Malaysian low IQ former California prosecutor,” adding to the list of derogatory comments that have drawn widespread condemnation.
Harris Intensifies Campaign Efforts
Undeterred, Harris intensified her campaign efforts with a packed schedule in Pennsylvania, a key state in the upcoming election. She visited Philadelphia’s largest Black church, a barbershop, and a Puerto Rican restaurant, emphasizing grassroots engagement. “We must not wake up the day after the election and have any regrets,” she urged at a rally in the city.
This marks Harris’s 14th visit to Pennsylvania since assuming the top of the ticket following President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal in July. She has been focusing on solidifying support in critical regions, leaving “nothing to chance” in the battleground state.
On Tuesday, Harris plans to hold a major rally in Washington near the White House, strategically choosing the park where Trump previously addressed supporters before the Capitol riot in 2020. Her campaign aims to draw a stark contrast between her vision and that of her opponent.
(With input from AFP)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
