If on Tuesday Donald Trump defies the odds and defeats Kamala Harris to win the US elections, put it down to garbage.
As in love, all’s fair in politics, and sinking down to the gutter – for Trump, that is – is par for the course in this battle for the White House to become the 47th Potus (President of the United States).
True to form, it was Trump who strayed into filthy territory. The 45th President – whom his diehard supporters insist on calling President Trump – has no qualms about tossing profanities when denigrating his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.
Interestingly, political commentator and ignoramus-in-chief Tucker Carlson described her as ‘Samoan-Malaysian’ in one of his pro-GOP (Grand Old Party, as the Republicans are widely known) rants on the Fox television channel.
Carlson’s poor grasp of geography naturally invited derision from a Malaysian parliamentarian.
First, Trump decried the presence of immigrants, whom he famously describes as coming from “sh**hole” countries, egged on by what he calls the lenient immigration policies of the Democrats.
On the campaign trail, he described the United States as being like garbage due to its supposedly porous border with Mexico, blaming the Democrats for being too welcoming to immigrants. He employs scare-mongering tactics, claiming countries south of the border deliberately empty their jails to send across undesirable criminal elements he describes as rapists and murderers to flood the United States.
Then, a few days later, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe shared the stage with Trump during a rally at Madison Square Garden, where he described Puerto Rico as garbage floating in the sea.
There is little love lost between Puerto Rico and Trump and his band of MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters, who regard the island and its Hispanic population with a certain amount of racist labelling.
They view Puerto Rico (which is merely an unincorporated territory, hence not the 51st state of the United States) as a burden on the US. Citizens living on the island (which translates from the Spanish as Rich Port) cannot vote, but the Latin/Hispanic diaspora living in the United States – numbering 35 million – can.
The backlash was immediate. Latin and Hispanic entertainers, led by Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin, promptly endorsed Kamala Harris, though Trump remained unmoved.
As the US elections draw near, the political landscape has become a battleground of contrasts. On one side is Trump, whose campaign stunts and inflammatory rhetoric have stirred controversy and confusion. His garbage truck stunt – an attempt to frame the opposition as wasteful – seems to symbolise his approach: a mix of spectacle and half-truths.
In stark contrast, Vice President Harris has been drawing immense crowds, buoyed by the support of political heavyweights and stars from the entertainment world, reflecting a campaign grounded in unity and hope.
Trump’s reliance on sensationalism often overshadows substantive policy discussions. His frequent assertions, laden with what critics have dubbed “filthy lies,” attempt to create a narrative that resonates with his base but alienates moderate voters.
Meanwhile, Harris’s campaign stands as a beacon of resilience and inclusivity. The presence of celebrities and influential figures lends an air of vibrancy, transforming her events into celebrations of community and progress.
This starkly contrasts with Trump’s increasingly insular gatherings, where the atmosphere feels more like a survivalist rally than a genuine call to action. Harris’s appeal lies not only in her policies but also in her ability to connect with voters on a personal level.
Her ability to rally support from various communities, particularly among Puerto Ricans, showcases her commitment to addressing their concerns and aspirations.
For the Puerto Rican community, Trump’s garbage gaffe has proven a tipping point. Once viewed as a potential ally, his dismissal of their struggles has led to a significant shift in support. In contrast, Harris’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by Puerto Ricans – whether through economic support or disaster recovery initiatives – has garnered her significant goodwill. As a result, the narrative surrounding the elections is not just about policies but about who can genuinely connect with the electorate in meaningful ways.
In this charged atmosphere, as the nation gears up for the crucial day of decision-making, the choices presented are stark. Voters are faced with a choice between the spectacle of Trump’s chaotic campaign, filled with irony and disillusionment, and the hope embodied by Harris’s inclusive approach. The irony of the current political climate serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and connection in leadership.
As Nov 5 approaches, it is clear that the stakes are high, and the implications of this election will resonate long after the final votes are cast.
Should the ‘Samoan-Malaysian’ become the 47th Potus, she will be welcome to visit our fair country and be introduced to the culinary delights of Nasi Goreng USA!
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer’s and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
