Bad Bunny, the renowned Puerto Rican musician, has publicly declared his support for Vice President Kamala Harris, sharing her plans for Puerto Rico with his massive 45 million Instagram followers. This move comes on the heels of a disturbing incident at Donald Trump’s New York rally, where a speaker made a vile joke about Puerto Rico, sparking widespread outrage.
The joke, delivered by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” This comment was met with swift condemnation from many, including Bad Bunny, who took to social media to share Harris’s video highlighting Trump’s inadequate response to Hurricane Maria in 2017. Harris’s video criticized Trump for abandoning Puerto Rico and offering nothing but “paper towels and insults” after the devastating hurricane.
Bad Bunny’s support for Harris is significant, particularly in battleground Pennsylvania, where around 500,000 Puerto Ricans live. The Harris campaign has been actively courting Bad Bunny’s endorsement for months, recognizing the immense influence he has within the Latino community.
According to sources familiar with the campaign, Harris’s team has been in conversation with Bad Bunny’s representatives, hoping to secure his support for the vice president’s plan for Puerto Rico. This plan includes creating an opportunity economy task force to build economic opportunities and improve the electrical grid.
Other Puerto Rican stars, including Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, and Luis Fonsi, have also spoken out in support of Harris, condemning Hinchcliffe’s racist joke. Fonsi posted a video clip of the joke on Instagram, saying “Are you serious?” and signaling his support for Harris with emojis.
Harris has been actively engaging with the Puerto Rican community, outlining her plans for the island and listening to their concerns. Her campaign understands the importance of securing the support of influential figures like Bad Bunny, who has a massive following among young Latino voters.
Bad Bunny’s representative told CNN that the musician’s repost of Harris’s video was “not an endorsement,” but rather a show of support. However, sources close to the campaign indicate that Bad Bunny’s influence could be a game-changer for Harris, particularly among young male Latino voters who have traditionally leaned towards Trump.
With the election just around the corner, the stakes are high. Harris’s campaign is banking on Bad Bunny’s support to help sway the vote in her favor. The musician’s influence extends far beyond the music industry, and his endorsement could potentially mobilize thousands of voters.
In the wake of Hinchcliffe’s joke, the Trump campaign has faced intense backlash. Many have criticized the campaign for fostering a toxic atmosphere that emboldens racist and xenophobic rhetoric. Harris’s campaign, on the other hand, has emphasized unity and inclusivity.
As the election draws near, voters will be watching closely to see how the candidates respond to the needs of the Puerto Rican community. Bad Bunny’s support for Harris sends a powerful message about the importance of standing up for marginalized communities and promoting dignity and respect.
The outcome of this election will have far-reaching consequences for the nation, and the Latino community will play a critical role in shaping the result. Will Bad Bunny’s influence be enough to swing the vote in Harris’s favor? Only time will tell.
