The recent controversial comment made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a rally in Madison Square Garden has stirred media attention but left Donald Trump's voter support largely unaffected.

The remark likening Puerto Rico to a “floating island of garbage” received widespread media coverage, yet polling shows it has hardly influenced voters' views on Trump, as the Daily Mail reports.

Hinchcliffe's contentious joke occurred during a Sunday rally in New York City, and the comedian's words were quickly picked up by the media, sparking outrage among many.

Despite this, a poll conducted by DailyMail.com and J.L. Partners revealed that only a small fraction of the electorate, 0.7%, reported having a more negative perception of Trump as a result of the incident.

The comment was the second most-covered news item of the week, ranking just behind international headlines about Israel's attack on Iran. Voters also paid attention to issues like natural disasters, food safety recalls, celebrity scandals, the ongoing World Series, and news involving Elon Musk.

The poll, which surveyed 1,003 respondents, suggested that voters’ opinions about Trump are shaped more by broader issues than by the controversial comment. Looking at the data, negative perceptions were mainly tied to Trump's personal traits, such as his general character and concerns about his mental state or allegations of self-interest.

Minimal Impact on Trump’s Base

James Johnson from J.L. Partners emphasized the limited influence of the incident on Trump’s electoral prospects. Johnson observed that, despite the media spotlight, the electorate is largely focused on more significant issues like economic policies or campaign strategies of both Trump and his opponent, Kamala Harris.

Johnson noted a potential gap in the poll's reach, acknowledging that reactions within the Puerto Rican community, particularly in areas with significant populations like Philadelphia, might not have been fully captured. Nevertheless, he reiterated that this episode has not proven to be any significant turning point in the election race.

With over 50 million Americans having already cast their votes, the race remains tight, and both Trump and Harris face increased scrutiny as the final days of campaigning loom. Despite the allegedly offensive remark, Trump’s polling numbers appear unaltered, though some voters remain undecided.

The Role of Key Swing States

The reaction to Hinchcliffe's comments in pivotal states could still play a role, given that states like Pennsylvania have substantial Puerto Rican communities. With approximately 500,000 Puerto Ricans residing there, the state could be crucial in determining the outcome of the election.

In light of the incident, Kamala Harris and her campaign allies have pointed to the offensive remarks, possibly to sway undecided voters and highlight issues concerning sensitivity and respect toward Puerto Rican communities.

In response to the backlash, Donald Trump distanced himself from Hinchcliffe. During an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Trump claimed to have no association with the comedian, asserting, “I have no idea who he is.”

Trump's Efforts to Deflect Controversy

Trump elaborated by saying that comedians are often invited to events without extensive vetting. He downplayed the affair by suggesting that the comedian had "nothing to do" with his campaign or party and criticized the media for attempting to tie this instance to his political endeavors.

The president further defended his administration's record, proclaiming his contributions to Puerto Rico as more significant than those of any other U.S. president. By shifting focus to his policies, Trump aimed to reinforce his administration's commitment to the territory.

The dispute over Hinchcliffe's remarks invites questions about accountability in campaign events and the potential repercussions of such controversial comments. However, the electoral consequences seem minimal, as observed in the survey results.

Trump's Image and Public Perception

Ultimately, the incident has provided opponents with material to question Trump's sensitivity toward Puerto Rican issues while leaving his core electorate relatively unaffected. This suggests that swaying the general voter base based on this particular incident might be challenging.

The current political landscape is charged with issues extending beyond singular events, as campaigns reach their conclusion. Both candidates are aware that any misstep, whether perceived or real, could influence the close contest.

Overall, while Tony Hinchcliffe's remark has been highlighted extensively in media circles, it has not become a pivotal moment in the election, particularly for those focused on weightier topics.