New York Governor Kathy Hochul made controversial remarks referring to supporters of former President Donald Trump as “clowns,” drawing criticism from many who compare her comments to Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” statement in 2016. Hochul expressed her confidence in President Joe Biden’s electoral prospects in the Empire State during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper before Trump’s rally in the Bronx, where she made the offensive comments about Trump and his supporters.
Hochul’s comment about Trump being the “ringleader” and inviting “all his clowns” to the Bronx was seen as derogatory and disrespectful by many. Some argued that Hochul should spend more time outside of her “ivory tower in midtown Manhattan” to understand the diverse opinions and support for Trump in New York City, particularly amongst Hispanic voters who dominate the Bronx. Trump’s favorability amongst Hispanic voters was noted in a Sienna College poll, indicating that he has significant support in the state.
The backlash against Hochul’s comments was immediate, with many drawing parallels to Hillary Clinton’s remarks about Trump supporters in 2016. Clinton had referred to half of Trump’s supporters as the “basket of deplorables,” labeling them as racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, and Islamophobic. Hochul’s comment was seen as a continuation of the elitist attitude that some politicians have towards those who support Trump and his policies. The Trump campaign responded to the controversy, criticizing Hochul’s comments and alleging that Democrats are losing support due to their neglect of certain voter demographics.
Despite Biden’s victory in New York with over 60% of the vote in 2020, Hochul’s comments reflect a divisive climate in the state’s political landscape. Republicans and conservative politicians called for Hochul to apologize for her remarks, highlighting the intolerance and disdain she showed towards a significant portion of New York’s population. Representative Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican from Staten Island, criticized Hochul’s remarks and defended the attendees of Trump’s rally, stating that they support secure borders, safe streets, and oppose Democrat policies that have negatively impacted the state and nation.
The controversy surrounding Hochul’s comments underscores the ongoing political polarization and animosity between supporters of different parties in New York and across the country. The clash between Democrats and Republicans has intensified, with comments like Hochul’s further fueling the divide. While political discourse is an essential component of democracy, respectful dialogue and understanding different perspectives are crucial for fostering unity and cooperation, two aspects that seem increasingly challenging to achieve in today’s political climate. Ultimately, the fallout from Hochul’s remarks serves as a reminder of the importance of civility and empathy in political conversations.
