Harris says Trump is “stirring up the fuel of hatred and division” after the Madison Square Garden rally

CNN
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Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday condemned the tone of former President Donald Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden the night before, arguing that it underscored her campaign's case against him.

“I think Donald Trump's event last night at Madison Square Garden really highlighted a point that I've been making throughout the campaign,” Harris told reporters before leaving for Michigan. “He is focused and indeed fixated on his grievances, on himself and on the division in our country.”

The former president largely stuck to familiar lines at Sunday's event in New York City, but the inaugural event sparked racist and vulgar attacks on Harris, Democrats, immigrants and even Puerto Rico – prompting angry rebukes from Democrats and some Republicans .

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe's comments about Puerto Rico sparked the most backlash.

“There's a lot going on, I don't know if you know this, but right now there's literally a floating island of trash in the middle of the ocean,” he said.

“I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” the comedian and podcast host said in the city, which is home to the largest Puerto Rican population in the U.S. mainland.

The phrase was well received by Trump supporters who filled the historic arena in midtown Manhattan, but the Trump campaign sought to distance itself from Hinchcliffe, who like the other speakers was an invited guest.

“This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” Trump campaign spokeswoman Danielle Alvarez said in a statement to CNN on Sunday evening.

Harris, who visited a Puerto Rican restaurant in North Philadelphia on Sunday, said Monday she would make the island a priority.

“I also announced my plan, which is broadly about my opportunity economy but a specific goal that will include a task force focused on the needs of Puerto Rico,” she said.

The vice president also said she is “very proud” that celebrities like Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny are supporting her. He signaled his support for Harris on Sunday evening by posting a clip on social media about the vice president's plans for the island shortly after Hinchcliffe's appearance at Trump's rally.

Despite Republican backlash against Hinchcliffe, Harris said Trump's message Sunday night was not new.

“What he did last night is not a discovery. It’s just more of the same and maybe more vibrant than usual,” Harris said. “Donald Trump spends all his time trying to get Americans to point fingers at each other, stoking the fuel for hatred and division. And that’s why people are exhausted by him.”

President Joe Biden — after voting in Delaware on Monday — also condemned Trump's Sunday event, calling it “embarrassing” and “below any president.”

“It’s unbecoming of any president, but we’re getting used to it. That’s why this election is so important.”

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNN's Greg Krieg contributed to this report.