Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – In the vibrant North Philadelphia neighborhood of Fairhill, signs of Puerto Rico are prevalent. The red, white, and blue flag of the US island territory can be seen adorning homes and businesses, with the sounds of salsa and reggaetón filling the air. This area serves as the epicenter of Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican community, a vital part of Pennsylvania’s Latino population targeted by both Democrats and Republicans in the lead-up to the November 5 election.
The aftermath of a joke made at Donald Trump’s rally in New York the night before left many locals in Fairhill outraged. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s description of Puerto Rico as an “island of garbage” was met with disapproval by residents like Ivonne Torres Miranda, who emphasized the importance of dignity and pride in the Puerto Rican community. The Trump campaign swiftly distanced itself from the joke, while the Harris campaign seized the opportunity to portray Trump as divisive.
Puerto Ricans, unable to vote in presidential elections on the island itself, are a significant voting bloc in the US. In Pennsylvania, where over 600,000 eligible voters are Latino, Puerto Ricans make up a substantial portion. With a tight race between Harris and Trump in the state, the impact of the joke on voter turnout remains uncertain. Harris has made efforts to connect with Puerto Rican voters, unveiling a new policy platform for the island.
In Fairhill, a sense of skepticism towards politicians prevails, with many feeling that their needs have been overlooked. Trump’s upcoming campaign stop in Allentown, where a sizable Puerto Rican community resides, does not guarantee a warm reception following the controversial joke. Even among Latino Trump supporters like Jessenia Anderson, the joke was deemed offensive, highlighting the need for respectful engagement with Latino voters.
As the election approaches, the fallout from the joke in Fairhill serves as a reminder of the power of words in shaping political discourse. The impact on voter turnout and allegiance remains to be seen, as Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia and beyond weigh the candidates’ stances on issues important to their community. Fairhill residents, like many Americans, are eager to make their voices heard as they navigate a divisive political landscape.