Vice President Kamala Harris has recently gained a high-profile endorsement from one of the most influential Latin artists of our time: Bad Bunny. Known globally for his powerful music and outspoken personality, Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is using his platform to speak out in support of Harris, amplifying her message to a massive Latin and Puerto Rican audience.
The artist’s endorsement came shortly after a controversial Trump rally where comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made crude comments about Puerto Ricans, calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”
Such remarks have sparked outrage within the Latin community, prompting celebrities and political figures to voice their opposition and solidarity with Puerto Rican voters.
Bad Bunny’s endorsement of Harris follows his trend of political involvement and is a significant gesture that highlights the concerns of Puerto Rican communities in the current election landscape.
Bad Bunny’s Political Impact and Influence on Puerto Rican Voters
Bad Bunny has become a cultural icon with an unprecedented influence across the globe. His music, personality, and political activism resonate deeply, particularly with Puerto Rican and Latinx communities, as he often incorporates socio-political themes into his work.
From protesting the struggles of Puerto Rico’s failing electrical infrastructure to raising awareness about the government’s handling of Hurricane Maria, Bad Bunny consistently highlights the challenges his homeland faces.
His song “El Apagon” directly calls out Luma Energy, the company managing the island’s power grid, underscoring the frequent and severe power outages that Puerto Ricans endure.
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In his 2022 hit “Una Velita,” Bad Bunny reflects on the government’s insufficient response to Hurricane Maria, one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the island, leaving nearly 3,000 dead.
Bad Bunny’s endorsement comes at a critical time for Harris as she seeks to solidify support from Latinx voters, especially in swing states like Pennsylvania, where Puerto Rican voters make up a substantial portion of the electorate.
As a Puerto Rican icon, Bad Bunny’s influence may prove to be invaluable to Harris’ campaign, as he not only brings a strong following of millions but also echoes the sentiments of many Puerto Ricans and Latinos who have felt marginalized by Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
In 2020, Bad Bunny allowed his hit “Pero Ya No” to be featured in a Biden campaign advertisement, setting a precedent for his current involvement and endorsement.
Trump Rally Sparks Backlash Over Insensitive Comments on Puerto Rico
The recent Trump rally at Madison Square Garden where comedian Tony Hinchcliffe mocked Puerto Rico and its people incited a wave of outrage within the Latin community.
Hinchcliffe’s remarks, describing Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage,” were seen as degrading and disrespectful, particularly given the hardships that the territory has faced since Hurricane Maria in 2017.
This storm devastated Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, leaving thousands dead and causing a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Since then, the island has struggled with frequent power outages and inadequate recovery assistance, issues that have left many Puerto Ricans feeling abandoned by the U.S. government.
The Harris campaign quickly condemned these remarks, emphasizing their disconnect with the values of inclusion and respect. Angel Cintron, head of the GOP in Puerto Rico, along with Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar, who has supported Trump in past events, joined in the criticism, disapproving of Hinchcliffe’s language and standing up for Puerto Rican dignity.
These reactions highlight the bipartisan offense taken to these comments, reflecting a broader sensitivity and frustration among Latin communities regarding derogatory stereotypes and rhetoric.
Harris’ response included a promise to support Puerto Rico by implementing initiatives that address longstanding infrastructure issues on the island, proposing a task force to promote economic investment and revitalize the power grid.
The Impact of Bad Bunny’s Endorsement on the 2024 Election
Bad Bunny’s public support of Harris underscores the potential influence of celebrity endorsements on voter engagement, particularly in Latinx communities.
The singer’s decision to back Harris, amplified by his sharing of her Puerto Rico-centered message on Instagram, introduces her stance to his 45 million followers, most of whom are within his fan base that spans Puerto Rico, Latin America, and the U.S.
The artist’s reach could mobilize many young Latinx voters who might feel apathetic about traditional political campaigns but connect with Bad Bunny’s bold, unapologetic personality and advocacy for his people.
Harris’ message in the video shared by Bad Bunny stressed her commitment to Puerto Rico and its future, criticizing Trump’s approach to aid during crises on the island, particularly during Hurricane Maria. Trump’s initial response to the hurricane, including tossing paper towels to Puerto Ricans, is still a sore point for many.
His administration’s delayed release of $13 billion in federal aid, which occurred only weeks before the 2020 election, further contributed to feelings of neglect among Puerto Ricans.
Bad Bunny’s endorsement could particularly resonate in states like Pennsylvania, where Puerto Rican voters could sway election outcomes. The singer’s choice to support Harris also signifies the increasing role of Latinx public figures in shaping the political landscape, as they leverage their platforms to spotlight issues that directly affect their communities.
Alongside artists like Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Marc Anthony, who have previously expressed support for Harris, Bad Bunny’s backing signifies a growing trend of prominent Puerto Rican artists rallying behind candidates who champion their causes.
In contrast, Trump has also gained backing from notable Latin stars like Anuel AA and Nicky Jam, showing that the Latinx vote is far from monolithic.
As Harris seeks to galvanize support among Latinx voters, particularly those from Puerto Rican backgrounds, Bad Bunny’s endorsement could contribute to bridging the gap between political messaging and cultural resonance.
His support underscores a larger movement of artists and influencers stepping into political discussions, aiming to create a more inclusive environment that addresses the real-life struggles of Puerto Ricans and Latinx communities.
This level of engagement, especially in an election where both parties are fiercely competing for Latinx votes, highlights the importance of cultural figures in translating political narratives into actionable voter support.