Trump's Shock Comic Was Set to Call Harris a 'C*nt'
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Tony Hinchcliffe's set at Madison Square Garden wasn't great for the campaign. It could have been much worse.
DONALD TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN WAS LEFT scrambling Sunday night after roast-comic Tony Hinchcliffe made insulting jokes about Hispanic and black people on stage at the ex-president's Madison Square Garden rally.
The lines sparked immediate backlash and even condemnation from fellow Republicans. But four top campaign sources said it could have been even worse.
"He had a joke calling [Vice President Kamala] Harris a 'cunt,'" a campaign insider involved in the discussions about the event told The Bulwark. "Let's say it was a red flag."
Hinchcliffe's remarks—and the ensuing backlash—has sparked questions about how such an offensive speech was allowed at such a high-profile rally; whether it was deliberate; and why a presidential campaign would elevate a roast-master comic edgelord in the closing days of a tight race for the White House.
Campaign staffers had asked all speakers to submit drafts of their speeches ahead of time—before they were loaded into the teleprompter—according to the aforementioned sources. Once the objectionable "cunt" joke was spotted, the sources said, a staffer asked Hinchcliffe to strike it. He complied.
Those sources insisted that they did not spot the other objectionable lines in Hinchcliffe's speech prior to him delivering it because they were ad-libbed.Hinchcliffe couldn't be reached for comment.
The shock comic took the stage early during the MSG rally. In the course of delivering his eleven-minute-and-forty-second set, he called Puerto Rico an island of trash and joked about a black person carving watermelons for Halloween.
About three hours after the performance, as condemnation was pouring in from left, right, and center, the Trump campaign was forced to take the rare step of distancing itself from one of their speakers—though itonly separated itself fromthe "trash" line and not the watermelon one.
"This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign," Danielle Alvarez, a Trump senior adviser said.
By then, the political damage had been done. In Pennsylvania, home to a sizable number of Puerto Rican voters, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro denounced the comments. At roughly the same moment, Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny announced his endorsement of Harris.
Behind the scenes, the Trump campaign debated how to respond. Some aides wanted a full-throated denunciation of Hinchcliffe while others, in accordance with MAGA's no-apologies crowd on Twitter, advocated for no response at all.
"It's a joke. People need to grow up," one Trump adviser in the no-apology camp told The Bulwark. "This is what we're campaigning against: PC culture run amok."
Another adviser, speaking to TheBulwark, took the opposite position: "This isn't the hill we need to die on, Puerto Rico as a trash island—for fuck's sake!"
The divide within the campaign exemplifies the premium it has placed on spectacle as a political tool. It is a culture in which rhetoric, especially from the candidate, often exceeds the standards of common political discourse, in an attempt to appeal to voters tired of "cancel culture" and tone-policing. That refusal to play it safe or normal is a testament to the supreme confidence of Trump and his team. But some aides fear it may veer into overconfidence that Trump will win, despite polling showing the race is essentially a tie.
Campaign advisers are united in their opinion that the Hinchcliffe controversy will blow over. Some were heartened by the fact that for once it wasn't Trump who was at the center of the maelstrom. Others noted that they have overcome far worse.
"Heading into the rally, we were called Nazis. Do voters really care about a comic telling a joke that offended people who weren't going to vote for us? No," a third campaign adviser said.
A fourth source said, "Giving a speech onstage is just like being on TV: once your ass is in the seat, anything can happen."
But Democrats were gleeful for the cudgel they were handed. Carlos Odio, a Democrat and founder of the Latino research firm Equis Research, said he's not sure about the severity of the downstream political consequences of the controversy, save that it would be bad for Trump.
"We've gotten so used to the idea that nothing Trump or his allies say ever seems to move the needle," he told The Bulwark. "Maybe it is the same now. Or maybe the exception turns out to be insulting a critical community in your tipping-point state while voting is already underway, using a joke so incendiary it breaks through almost instantly."
Harris's campaign has continuously highlighted the comment and, on Sunday afternoon, posted a reaction video featuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)—herself a boricua—and Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, condemning Hinchcliffe.
"These people have no sense of humor," Hinchcliffe responded. "Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his 'busy schedule' to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist. I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone . . . watch the whole set. I'm a comedian Tim . . . might be time to change your tampon."
AS THE CAMPAIGN ENTERS ITS FINAL week, the attacks against Harris have taken on a harsher tone that has left the Trump campaign open to accusations of sexism. The America super PAC financed by billionaire Elon Musk recently released a web ad that repeatedly calls Harris "the C Word." Only later does it say she's a "communist." And during a podcast appearance just hours before the MSG rally, vice presidential candidate JD Vance repeatedly mocked Harris's laugh, calling it "very fraudulent" and "so off putting."
Unlike Musk or Vance, Hinchcliffe has no formal campaign role. He entered Trump's orbit as part of the campaign's effort to book the candidate on popular podcasts that appeal to young men. But the preliminary talks to have Trump appear on Hinchcliffe's hit "Kill Tony" show never panned out, and as time ran short in the campaign, advisers offered Hinchcliffe a consolation: a speaking role at the rally in order to provide the audience some flashy comic relief.
But what works on "Kill Tony" and comedy roasts is not necessarily suitable for the presidential campaign. That seemed apparent to Hinchcliffe at the start of his set, when he pointed out he doesn't usually perform invenues like the Garden. Then, four minutes later, he compared Puerto Rico to a trash island . . . in New York, home to the second-largest boricua population on the mainland.
There were cheers, nervous laughs, and jeers.
"Okay, all right, okay," he chuckled nervously. "We're getting there. Again, normally, I don't follow the National Anthem, everybody. Ah, this isn't exactly a perfect comedy setup. There's some people here—all right. Very good. I like it."
Rimshot.
Democrats, liberals, and Puerto Rican advocates on both sides of the political aisle quickly condemned the remarks. In Florida, which has the nation's largest Puerto Rican population outside of the island, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fl.) hounded a Trump campaign adviser by text demanding an apology.
"Disgusted by @TonyHinchcliffe's racist comment calling Puerto Rico a 'floating island of garbage.' This rhetoric does not reflect GOP values," Salazar, a Republican of Cuban descent who represents a large Hispanic population in Miami, posted about 10 minutes after Hinchcliffe's comment. "Puerto Rico sent 48,000+ soldiers to Vietnam, with over 345 Purple Hearts awarded. This bravery deserves respect. Educate yourself!"
About 40 minutes later, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fl.), a top Trump ally who is locked in a tight battle for reelection against former Democratic Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, let loose with his own response.
"This joke bombed for a reason," Scott posted. "It's not funny and it's not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans! I've been to the island many times. It's a beautiful place. Everyone should visit! I will always do whatever I can to help any Puerto Rican in Florida or on the island."
While the jokes about Puerto Rico and watermelon-carving made at least some Trump staffers wince, the sources who spoke to The Bulwark all agreed that the campaign did not object to Hinchcliffe's other jokes about rock-throwing Palestinians, Jewish people who want to keep their money, false reports that Haitians are eating cats and dogs in Ohio, or the assassination attempts Trump survived.
While the sources insist that Hinchcliffe ad-libbed his most offensive material, the sources were divided over whether the campaign knew about his joke accusing Hispanics of having unprotected sex, a double entendre about how they "come inside" the country.
Delivered to an audience of about 20,000, that line got some laughs, but not a lot.
"Republicans are the party with the good sense of humor," Hinchcliffe said after delivering the shocker. "Free speech is under attack, people. I host a show, and each week, I get updates on what words we're allowed to use and not use anymore. It's happening right now."
Indeed it was.
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Trump n Cump, knocking em dead , yet again
They are. They think Himmler was hilarious.
October Surprise Surprise Surprise! MAGA racism is no surprised...
All that "racism" is going to get Trump elected by more than ten million votes.
You might be right-- after all so many of his supporters are blatantly racist!
Your every post is insane.
We are electing a President not Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan!
Which is why Harris will win the popular vote by ten million votes...
She should given her opponent is a vindictive narcissistic traitor; but I have lost much faith in the wisdom of the US electorate.
I expect an apology on Nov 6
I don’t have a problem with insult comics in general, but there are obvious scenarios where they are a terrible idea. This scenario here is somewhere between at a funeral and at a convent.
A friend took me to an Andrew Dice Clay show.
He got up and walked out in the first minute. I followed him.
He neglected to tell me that he was paid to do it.
Shock comics have been around for a long time. Lisa Lampanelli, Sarah Silverman, etc. Every roast event has a few. The problem isn’t that they exist, it’s that there are certain obvious venues where they will not be received well. Actual leadership knows this … Trump, not so much.
The clowns haven’t figured out that it’s not joking time. We need serious people to manage real issues. It’s not a goddamned celebrity roast.
It must be. Just look at who the Democrat nominee is. That the biggest joke of all.
That’s not any funnier than the “comic.”
Kamala Harris is likely the most qualified person to ever seek the job.[✘]
Were they?
you are not suggesting that Trump, his handlers, or any other of his supporters could or would lie about something, r u ?
Ummmm.....
what ? can't commit to a stance, bout a comic known in a Vance under pants hard member soft loft, that wants to bend over for you and cough,
cause eye didn't see the joke, guess cause i'm too a woke up, fell outta bed, drageed a rake across my garden while eaton the plab]nts i smoked too plant, like a vw, but spelt differently, ya C, i need it spelled out for me to B leave, this one alone, she could tell right away, Trump wanted a dusty crusty trombone
sorry tg, wake and bake sorta workin for me, and as an employer, had to Fire
up
Oh, I'm committed. I'm writing this from my asylum
that's insane
Of course they wouldn't! Well, unless it was "ad-libbed"-- then lies would be OK.
Gonna have to sue you for humor if you keep making me laugh. You have no right to do that!
One flew East,
And one flew West.
And one flew over
The Cuckoo's Nest.
I’m surprised these Trump troll didn’t choreograph a perfectly timed mic outage during the line “Kamala Harris is a country hating fascist.”
A "fascist"-- or "a Marxist"?
(Sometimes her accusers are confused-- and have trouble making up their (tiny) little minds!)
Trump is infamous for hurling every “-ist” into his insults at once, even if they can’t coexist by definition. Deep thinker he is.
Trump called Harris a communist , fascist , and marxist in the same sentence not that long ago.
The country hating part is spot on accurate when describing Harris
Where do you find country hating in Harris?
Some of the comments from Trump supporters are so utterly outrageous ... I can only assume they are strictly intended to be obnoxious.
It's apparent to people who paid attention in high school that trmp didn't
Well her stance on the border. She supports and supported Biden's open border policy.
Where during COVID she forced Americans to get the COVID shot or lose your jobs, but the illegals streaming in were not required to get one.
THAT is American hating.
That is it?? You think the nation hates Harris because Biden did not pay sufficient attention to the border? With all the shit that Trump has done and said, you do not think the nation would hate him ... you think they would hate Harris?? More Trump land nonsense.
The number of illegal immigrants in this nation has remained stable between 10.5 and 12 million since Bush 43. What happened during Biden was a massive increase in encounters. This was a worldwide phenomenon, not just the USA.
While Biden clearly did not pay sufficient attention to the border and criticism is valid, the actual criticism is hyped up nonsense. If you believe what Trump says about illegal immigrants then you believe a ridiculously exaggerated fantasy.
Harris has stated that she will push and sign the bipartisan border bill that Trump killed. That will bring more resources to the border at a level that only Congress can authorize. Given the importance of immigration to the nation, I expect that she will do just that if elected.
If there was any objective reasoning in Trump land, they would be pissed at Trump for killing the border bill so that he could use it as a political issue.
You think taking aggressive action to ensure people are vaccinated to mitigate infecting the workforce is America hating? What a twisted view ... trying to control a pandemic is America hating.
During the pandemic the government mandated vaccines for federal employees and health-care workers, foreign travelers, visitors and legal immigrants.
Illegal immigrants were subject to Title 42 under both the Trump and Biden administrations. The focus for illegals was containment, not vaccination ... because they were illegal. Vaccinations, however, were made available to any illegal immigrant (were not denied). And any illegal working for a US company would have been subjected to the same rules for vaccination through the employer.
Well she is a "big City Girl" (San Francisco), but actually IIRC she also likes to vacation in the country.
Doesn't hate the countryside at all!
(Get smarter here!!!
)
TODAY -
Did he forget to mention that "It was the greatest love fest ever)
???
If you bring in a shock comedian for a closing rally, you ensure he (like every other speaker) contributes to the message and especially that he do no harm. This is an easy thing to control if one is competent.
Worse, if a speaker is found to make what would be a terrible message for the campaign, you spend extra time to ensure the balance of the speech is proper. Either that or bump the speaker.
The Trump campaign is stuck with this. It is one of many horrible messages that the people should be aware of, but we take what we can get.
You believe people that have not already made their minds up are going to give this a second thought?
I am hopeful that the appropriate outrage of the Puerto Rico communities translates into votes against Trump in a close election in swing states.
I think there is a good chance that this will be the case.
I am hopeful that the appropriate outrage of the Christian communities translates into votes against Harris in a close election in swing states.
Hey this is fun! difference is Harris told Christians who shouted "Jesus is lord" they were at the wrong rally. trump didn't say anything about Puerto Rico.
Or maybe we can go with the person who shouted at the Harris Rally that Israel is committing Genocide and have killed 19,000 children and Harris response is
Maybe we can blame trump for something Guiliani said to cover for Harris's obvious distain for Israels righ to protect itself.
And some of us take seriously the prospect of a vindictive narcissist with the power of the presidency.
So no comment about what Harris actually said just more confirmation bias about trump.
More like inappropriate overreactive faux poutrage.
It was a joke, not a good one but a joke none the less. If the people were concerned about their delicate sensibilities being bruised they could have always not watched something they knew would have that type of comedian.
Of course they may have wanted to be outraged so they could throw out a few more names.
More than likely, very few, if any, liberals even knew about the joke until they heard it on Morning idiot on MSDNC.
There they were told to be poutraged, and here we are today.
It is useful to think things through. Harris is a Christian (Baptist) who has spoken about her faith in her rallies. So why would she turn away fellow Christians?
Stop leaping on every chickenshit partisan lie, twist, and exaggeration.
The Puerto Rican communities do not seem to be amused. I hope they are as outraged as they seem to be and express same with their votes.
Are you claiming she didn't tell Christians who shouted "Jesus is Lord" that they were at the wrong Rally and should be a the small one down the street? "trumps rally"
Sounds about right.
I was not there and the reports are conflicting and thus lead us nowhere.
What I wrote was pretty self explanatory. In effect the allegation makes no sense. Why would a Christian send religious people to a Trump rally?
Sometimes a little common sense helps.
Some will, some won't. (Everyone doesn't think exactly the same).
IMO they should be outraged at their government since the joke had some truth to it and not so much about a joke about it from some obscure comedian. The joke will come and go, getting rid of the garbage will be around alot longer and have a greater impact on their lives. Of course many of the partisans on the left will try and manufacture outrage over the joke and not really care about the actual problem regarding trash in Puerto Rico
Given Trump manufactures bullshit daily, I certainly hope the Puerto Rican community remains outraged by this and votes against Trump ... especially in PA.
Too many people already are voting for this scoundrel based upon a distorted view of reality that comes from believing the utter bullshit that Trump spews and ignoring all the actual negatives of this vindictive narcissist demagogue. It would be nice if something actually stuck to Trump.
So once again ignoring the comment and going on a mini Trump rant. Doesn't matter that in this case it is a chicken shit complaint, as is Bidens comment about Trump supporters. Too many feel anything goes for their candidate to win, including losing all credibility and objective thinking.
here you go.
NPR interviewed one who was outraged and one who wasn't. A reminder to all of us here that no group of people is monolithic.
I have to wonder if the outrage coincides with who they will vote for.
Ask her I guess............They yelled "God is King, Christ is Lord"
Another comment that invents a bullshit claim rather than put forth an actual rebuttal.
Trump is a traitor, vindictive narcissist, and scoundrel. Priority one for any rational thought process is to ensure he never gains the power of the presidency.
I doubt that is what she heard. Use a little common sense. She is on a stage being interrupted by hecklers from a crowd. The idea of being heckled by "Jesus is Lord" makes absolutely no sense since she was saying nothing about Jesus or even religion. It is very likely she interpreted the heckling noise to be from Trump supporters and thus gave her standard line.
Common sense helps.
see @11.1.27
Trump apologists continue to zero in on any little crack they can while ignoring the daily piles of bullshit from Trump. Just incredible.
Of course they are not monolithic. A group never agrees 100%. But this clearly has raised the ire of the community and I hope it translates into votes against Trump.
Likely................pffft
Condescension duly noted.........
Yeah, likely. Again, just use basic common sense. If Harris thought they were saying "Jesus is Lord" or equivalent why would she tell them to go to a Trump rally?
Harris is a Christian with a message of inclusion. Hello?
Now that's funny.
I read a wrong article. I stand corrected.
What is funny about Harris being a Christian and noting that her message is undeniably one of inclusion?
It is very difficult to make out the noise. So my response gives the benefit of the doubt and explains why Harris would say they are at the wrong rally.
It makes no sense for Harris to suggest people go to a Trump rally if she thought they simply shouted “Jesus is Lord”.
Can you hear me now?
Lots of different comments reported. Perhaps I can share this with you...............
Read the rest of the article. There were more than a couple of hecklers FFS. All of the heckling took part at the same time so all of the above are applicable. And he is right, peace for Gaza was also one of them.
No, but she said something about the stacked SCOTUS. That's what set the hecklers off
Men just need to shut the hell up about abortion. They will never get pregnant and know what it's like
Again, they were all at the same time..........................
Try again, that is some weak sauce. How about responding to my original post without the diversion attempt.
Who knows, maybe, maybe not. What I find funny is giving the benefit of the doubt to Kamalas actual words telling people to go to another rally while holding Trump accountable for words a a comic said at his rally.
So does objectivity
Obviously for some. For others the cost of personal integrity, objectivity, actual rationality and truthfulness is too high to make sure Trump is not in office.
What a bizarre, distortion of reality to pen that it is a violation of integrity, etc. to NOT keep Trump out of office.
The constant deference to Trump in your comments has not gone unnoticed.
Your deflecting away from the comment by attempting to make it about me is obvious and noted.
Keep Trump out of office, nothing else matters is the mantra of some. That includes personal integrity, objectivity, actual rationality and truthfulness. And it is getting worse the more worried some get.
This is very easy to understand:
Priority One ☞ Do not yield the powers of the US presidency to a traitor, vindictive narcissist, loose-cannon scoundrel who has demonstrated that he will violate the CotUS and disenfranchise voters merely to spare himself the embarrassment of losing a presidential election.
Yes and nothing else nothing else like personal integrity, objectivity, actual rationality and truthfulness matter
Well, I just checked-- so far this post has 121 comments!
You think this is a valid sample of the rest of the country
It all matters but when priority one is violated in a big way, the other factors do not make up for it.
You have never been able to make a persuasive argument as to why someone should vote for a traitor, vindictive narcissist, loose-cannon scoundrel who has demonstrated that he will violate the CotUS and disenfranchise voters merely to spare himself the embarrassment of losing a presidential election.
Until you can show why we should overlook those overwhelming negatives and the summary conclusion that Trump is wholly unfit, you have made no case to vote for Trump.
His statement was specifically about your comment, and not about you.
Yes, it’s very important. Have you thought about why that is? Or do you just assume it’s some kind of psychosis?
That is what I said. When push comes to shove things like personal integrity, objectivity, actual rationality and truthfulness take a back seat. I strongly disagree with that type of thinking. IMO those are the things that define a person and should never take a back seat.
That makes sense because I have never tried. What I have been saying is I don't buy into the anti Trump hysteria which includes bullying, name calling calls of being irrational, unpatriotic ....etc. I would like that everyone make their own decision about how important each issue/trait is for a candidate and come to their own RATIONAL conclusion about what they want. And they should not have to defend it to anyone, especially to anyone that is so consumed with Trump hatred they sound like they should up their meds.
Why would I? I have never said overlook, I have always said keep them in whatever perspective you see fit. If you actually paid attention I have always said I would not be voting for Trump and now that I have voted I can say I did not vote for Trump.
Of course different people have different views about how bad and how important Trumps actions have been. They can all determine how serious it is without the noise of the Trump haters in their ears. But now that you bring up psychosis.....................
Then why are your comments petty attacks on Harris while giving Trump a pass at every turn?
Again: why do people oppose Trump? You seem to be aware that there are legitimate reasons to not want him to be president, but you then dismiss them with words like “mantra” and “hate” as if there were only irrational emotion in the opposition to him.
I have already answered those incorrect accusations in the past.
It is a matter of degree. Some are legitimate reasons and some are based in irrational fear and hate of the man. I dismiss those.
All sorts of reasons that are personal to each person.
They've been saying it for nine years. Its too late to stop now.
Hmm, lets see:
You were asked why people oppose Trump.
Your reply says absolutely nothing.
Why do people eat chicken? Lots of reasons, some like the taste, others like the convenience, others like the versatility, others care more about the lower cost of chicken, some just eat chicken out of habit.
Pointless platitudes offer nothing of value. What is obvious is not valuable or needed.
Why do people oppose Trump?
And yet another non-answer that is obvious and offers absolutely no value.
What are some of those reasons? Offer something thoughtful.
Shocked. But but but Trump
Those are all obvious. Neither valuable or needed
Exactly my point! So you recognize an example of obvious, non-valuable language. Your comments follow that pattern.
Then by all means, don't value it. Or better yet just ignore it.
Just insert one of your soliloquies here
Thanks you for the review. I will give it all the careful consideration it deserves
No, not personal. I can give you a couple dozen reasons that are factual, just off the top of my head. In any other candidate, at any other time in our history - and even for Kamala Harris - they would be considered disqualifying by almost everyone who votes.
Sadly, the reasons that many are excited to vote for him, are the exact reasons the rest of us - including his own former staff and political allies - know he’s more than just a bad choice. He’s dangerous.
When is the last time a president ran for a second term and dozens of his own staff, and members of his own party endorsed the opposing candidate? I can’t think of a single time.
Here is a complete list of all the Obama and Biden administration officials who pledged their success to Donald Trump!
Oops! So Sorry! But, there are not any...
Which has the left and news media been bothered more by and paid more attention to, the assassination attempts against Trump or an insult comic?
the trump assassinations
Lol. How many seeds on a comedian's joke now?
Depends.
You may or may not want to consider this-- "the left"-- and the "leftist media"-- don't always post exactly the same things as each other!
Some may more attention to one, some more attention to the other.
(And guess what? On occasion they pay equal attention to both!)
Although its possible you may not be aware of that fact, because you probably don't spend much time looking at Leftist Media", eh?
actor John Leguizamo says vote Harris
video
Well, no one has ever accused him of being intelligent
Not true-- I have actually known some who have!