In a recent Twitch stream, Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz responded sharply to a comedian’s offensive joke about Puerto Rico made during a Donald Trump rally. This moment shows just how disconnected some Republican leaders are from the real issues people face.
The comedian, Tony Hinchcliffe, said, “There’s a lot going on. I don’t know if you know this but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. Yeah. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” This “joke” received laughter from the crowd, but it was not funny. It was hurtful and disrespectful to the people of Puerto Rico, especially considering the struggles they have faced.
As a Puerto Rican, I’m tempted to call Tony Hinchcliffe racist garbage, but doing so would be an insult to garbage.
When casting their ballots at the voting booth, Latinos should never forget the racism that Donald Trump seems all too willing to platform.pic.twitter.com/Wlrulb5ygq
— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorresNY) October 28, 2024
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When Walz heard this joke during the livestream with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, he immediately reacted, asking, “Who is that jackwad?” It was clear he found the joke completely unacceptable. Ocasio-Cortez called it “super-disappointing,” pointing out how humor can sometimes cross the line into insensitivity.
Tim Walz calls speaker at Trump rally who called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage a “jackwad.” pic.twitter.com/mL4NFKrLkk
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 27, 2024
Walz didn’t stop there. He reminded everyone about Trump’s terrible response to Hurricane Maria in 2017, which devastated Puerto Rico. “Does anybody remember how he responded to Maria in Puerto Rico? It was absolutely horrific, down there insulting people,” Walz said. Trump famously threw paper towels at victims during his visit, which many saw as disrespectful.
This is not just a joke; It shows how some politicians make light of serious situations. They fail to recognize the pain and suffering of people affected by natural disasters. Puerto Rico is still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Maria, and jokes like Hinchcliffe’s only add to the hurt.
The Republicans, including Trump, have often been criticized for not caring about Puerto Rico. In the past, Trump has said things like Puerto Rico is “lazy,” suggesting that the island’s struggles are the fault of its people. This is not true. The truth is, Puerto Ricans have shown incredible resilience. They have worked hard to rebuild their communities, despite facing many obstacles, including a lack of support from the federal government.
Walz’s comments remind us that we need leaders who respect all Americans. They should not make jokes at the expense of those who are already suffering. Instead, they should offer support and solutions. In contrast, Trump and his supporters often seem more interested in making headlines and cracking jokes than in helping those in need.
As we head into the 2024 elections, it’s crucial to remember how leaders respond to crises. Do they laugh at the misfortunes of others, or do they show compassion and empathy? It’s clear that we need leaders who stand up for all Americans, not just those who fit their narrative.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
