With racist rallies, Trump and his allies are proving the Democrats' point of view

Madison Square Garden in New York City is commonly known as an entertainment and arts venue, but it has also been known to occasionally host political events. In 1939, for example, Nazis held a rally at MSG that was billed at the time as a “mass demonstration for true Americanism.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned last week that Donald Trump was “re-enacting” the event in virtually the same arena, adding: “I don't think we can ignore it.”

The former Republican president apparently learned of his former rival's comments and fought back at an event on Friday. “She said it was just like the 1930s,” Trump said, referring to Clinton. “No it's not.”

Two days later, Trump and a parade of right-wing allies appeared at Madison Square Garden, whereupon his denials were exposed as ridiculous. NBC News reported:

Of course, the Republican candidate's comments weren't exactly harmless. Trump, among other things, condemned Americans with whom he disagrees as “the enemy from within” while calling the media the “enemy of the people” – a phrase echoed by Joseph Stalin, among others.

Trump also lied uncontrollably, calling the United States an “occupied” country, spreading well-known grievances and conspiracy theories, and presenting voters with a closing argument that reflected his radicalism.

But before the Republican candidate even took the stage, the audience was treated to an avalanche of racist and misogynistic comments. One speaker joined a rally attendee in calling Harris “the devil” and “the Antichrist.” Right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson joked that the Democratic vice president, who is of black and Indian descent, would be “the first low-IQ Samoan Malaysian and former California prosecutor ever elected president.”

A man named Tony Hinchcliffe, a self-described comedian, told those in attendance that Latinos “love having babies” because “there's no way out.” They don't do that. They are coming in, just like they did in our country.”

He also took aim at Puerto Rico, describing it as “a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean.” Hinchcliffe went on to refer to a black friend with whom he “carved watermelons.”

A handful of Republicans in Congress condemned the attempts at humor but continued to focus on Hinchcliffe and not the other speakers.

When Harris planned an event in Houston, it didn't happen because she seriously expected to compete for Texas' 40 electoral votes. Rather, the Democratic campaign hoped to make the nation more aware of the real consequences of the Republican Party's radical agenda.

Even when Trump scheduled an event at Madison Square Garden two days later, it was not because the Empire State's votes were at issue in his election campaign. This was because the GOP candidate also hoped to deliver a message to American voters far outside the five boroughs.

In every sense of the word, Trump and his fickle friends succeeded — although not in the way they intended.

The Republican's event at Madison Square Garden was ugly. It was insulting. It was vulgar. It was hateful. Obvious parallels were drawn with the 1939 event. The New York Times described the rally as “a release of anger” and “a vivid and at times racist display of the dark energy that animates the MAGA movement.”

However, it wasn't surprising. Trump, whose entire political personality is rooted in racism, represents an authoritarian platform. Ten days before election day, he held a right-wing rally full of angry and bigoted messages?

Well, yes. Of course he did it. This is the Republican Party and its candidate for the highest office in the land in 2024.

A Politico report called the event a “political fiasco” for the Trump campaign at a critical time. We'll soon find out if it pays its price.