In a significant development in the 2024 presidential race, El Nuevo Día, Puerto Rico’s largest newspaper, has thrown its weight behind Kamala Harris. This endorsement comes amidst a recent controversy involving derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico made by a Donald Trump supporter at a rally.
The incident that sparked the newspaper’s action involved comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, a known Trump supporter, who made disparaging comments about Puerto Rico at a rally in New York. Hinchcliffe, reported by Politico, referred to the unincorporated U.S. territory as a “floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean.”
This offensive statement drew immediate condemnation from Maria Luisa Ferre Rangel, editor of El Nuevo Día. In a scathing editorial, Rangel questioned whether Hinchcliffe’s remarks reflected the true views of Trump and the Republican Party. “Is that what Trump and the Republican Party think about Puerto Ricans? Politics is not a joke and hiding behind a comedian is cowardly,” wrote Rangel.
While acknowledging that Harris is not without flaws, Rangel emphasized the importance of Harris’ inclusive discourse, stating, “Her inclusive discourse ensures solid leadership for the world’s leading power.”
The endorsement by El Nuevo Día carries significant weight, especially considering the close nature of the presidential race between Harris and Trump. The Puerto Rican and Latino vote could be pivotal in determining the election outcome. El Nuevo Día’s endorsement also criticizes Trump’s past actions towards Puerto Rico, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, and praises Harris’ commitment to a more inclusive and supportive approach.
This is the second time El Nuevo Día has endorsed a presidential candidate, having previously backed Joe Biden in 2020. The newspaper’s decision to endorse Harris amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump’s rhetoric and policies towards Puerto Rico highlights the potential impact of the island’s electorate on the upcoming election.
