In a surprising twist on the political stage, Puerto Rican music sensation Bad Bunny, known for his global hits, has thrown his weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris. The move follows a particularly offensive remark made at a Trump rally, igniting a firestorm of controversy.
On a Sunday filled with political fervor, Bad Bunny took to Instagram, where he boasts over 45 million followers, to share a video clip of Harris discussing her plans for Puerto Rico. This came right after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a derogatory comment about Puerto Rico at Donald Trump’s rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden, referring to the island as “literally a floating island of garbage.”
The video Bad Bunny shared highlighted Harris’s critique of Trump’s response to the devastating hurricanes that hit Puerto Rico, focusing on his perceived inaction and the infamous paper towel incident. “I will never forget what Donald Trump did and what he did not do when Puerto Rico needed a caring and competent leader,” Harris stated in the clip.
This isn’t just about throwing paper towels or trading barbs. Both Harris and Trump have been keenly aware of the Puerto Rican vote, especially in swing states like Pennsylvania, home to a significant Puerto Rican population. Harris, during a visit to a Puerto Rican restaurant in Philadelphia, outlined her plans for an “opportunity economy task force” aimed at boosting the island’s economy and improving its electrical grid.
Bad Bunny’s post, while not an official endorsement, marks a significant gesture of support. His representative clarified to CNN that while it wasn’t an outright endorsement, Bad Bunny is “supporting” Harris, emphasizing his political focus on Puerto Rico’s interests.
The timing couldn’t be more pivotal. With Trump’s campaign also reaching out to Latino communities, the support from a figure like Bad Bunny, whose influence among young Latino voters is immense, could sway opinions. This was underscored by Harris’s campaign, which has been eyeing Bad Bunny’s endorsement, seeing it as a gateway to connect with younger, male Latino voters who have shown an inclination towards Trump.
Moreover, other Puerto Rican music stars like Luis Fonsi have also voiced their disapproval of the remarks at Trump’s rally, with Fonsi questioning the direction of such humor and publicly leaning towards Harris.
This political alignment by Bad Bunny, amidst a backdrop of celebrity endorsements and political rallies, adds a new layer to the 2024 election narrative, spotlighting not just policy but also respect and recognition for Puerto Rico on the national stage. As the election inches closer, every celebrity nod could tip the scales in what’s shaping up to be a fiercely contested battleground.
