Former President Barack Obama nearly lost his temper on Monday after former President Donald Trump’s successful rally at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The rally sparked backlash from some on the left, particularly over a joke by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who insulted Puerto Rico by calling it a “floating island of garbage.” Obama, siding with the critics, condemned the remarks.
At a speech in Philadelphia for Vice President Kamala Harris, Obama attacked Trump for dividing the country, saying Trump’s strategy of pitting “real Americans” against “enemies within” would help him win the election, even though it was harmful to the nation. Obama criticized Trump’s rally, calling out the racist and bigoted remarks made by Trump’s supporters, including the Puerto Rico joke.
He argued that this election shouldn’t be close, urging voters to reject leaders who don’t respect everyone’s rights and opportunities. Obama framed Trump’s rhetoric as part of a dangerous politics of hate and division.
Meanwhile, during her speech at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Kamala Harris also used divisive language, claiming that Trump would use the military against American citizens who disagreed with him, a statement that was not true.
