The past few years, I’ve had the privilege of leading a bipartisan group of 30,000 Puerto Ricans advocating for statehood (). I’ve created channels to gather their views. Here’s what I’m hearing from them. It can impact the #PresidentialElection2024🧵(1/17)delegates.us
The Impact of Words
A comedian’s joke at a recent rally left Puerto Ricans across states—PA, FL, MI, AZ, NC—feeling disrespected. Puerto Ricans are the second-largest Latino group in the US, at almost 6 million. This wasn’t just any joke; it had a big impact. (2/17)
A comedian’s joke at a recent rally left Puerto Ricans across states—PA, FL, MI, AZ, NC—feeling disrespected. Puerto Ricans are the second-largest Latino group in the US, at almost 6 million. This wasn’t just any joke; it had a big impact. (2/17)
A Shift in Voter Intent
Immediately after, I asked our community how they felt. 16% shifted loyalty—about 1 in 6! That’s significant. Trump supporters thought twice about voting, while those on the fence for Harris committed to casting their vote. It was about respect and dignity. (3/17)
Immediately after, I asked our community how they felt. 16% shifted loyalty—about 1 in 6! That’s significant. Trump supporters thought twice about voting, while those on the fence for Harris committed to casting their vote. It was about respect and dignity. (3/17)
President Trump’s Response
Recently, I called on President @realDonaldTrump to make clear statements about his support for Puerto Rico (bit.ly/40vVQ8Z), similar to ones he made in the past when I was Governor and we worked on hurricane relief (see video). He responded with these statements: (bit.ly/4ekjwjU) (4/17)
Recently, I called on President @realDonaldTrump to make clear statements about his support for Puerto Rico (bit.ly/40vVQ8Z), similar to ones he made in the past when I was Governor and we worked on hurricane relief (see video). He responded with these statements: (bit.ly/4ekjwjU) (4/17)
Biden’s Response and Its Effect
Days later, President @JoeBiden called @realDonaldTrump supporters “garbage” (bit.ly/4f96Iyd ). This had another material shift in intent. That 16% swing shifted back to around 5%. This back-and-forth revealed something deeper: Puerto Ricans want to see leaders who stand with us, not against us. But what else do they want in battleground communities? (5/17)
Days later, President @JoeBiden called @realDonaldTrump supporters “garbage” (bit.ly/4f96Iyd ). This had another material shift in intent. That 16% swing shifted back to around 5%. This back-and-forth revealed something deeper: Puerto Ricans want to see leaders who stand with us, not against us. But what else do they want in battleground communities? (5/17)
Asking Why
In Pennsylvania, I created a channel with groups of Puerto Rican voters to dig deeper. Why do people stay with Trump? I heard a lot of familiar reasons—economic stability, leadership , fear of extreme left—but one stood out. I call it the “bandwidth argument.” (6/17)
In Pennsylvania, I created a channel with groups of Puerto Rican voters to dig deeper. Why do people stay with Trump? I heard a lot of familiar reasons—economic stability, leadership , fear of extreme left—but one stood out. I call it the “bandwidth argument.” (6/17)
The Bandwidth Argument
People said, “Trump isn’t alone; he has a strong team.” They see names like @elonmusk, @RobertKennedyJr, @TulsiGabbard and others backing him up; they believe this group can handle complex issues. Voters feel they’re supporting a broader coalition. (7/17)
People said, “Trump isn’t alone; he has a strong team.” They see names like @elonmusk, @RobertKennedyJr, @TulsiGabbard and others backing him up; they believe this group can handle complex issues. Voters feel they’re supporting a broader coalition. (7/17)
In my book (), I dedicated a chapter to this idea of "bandwidth." It’s simple but powerful: our capacity to reform and make a difference is directly tied to the team we build, the talent we attract. Today’s leaders need the A-players who can tackle massive challenges. (8/17)amzn.to/3UBQO7j
The Musk Effect
For example, @elonmusk—who wouldn’t want a leader who tackles the hardest problems and delivers results? Show me an executive who wouldn’t jump at the chance to have him on their team. As governor, I would have given anything to have his expertise by my side. Puerto Rico and I personally experienced his help in solving critical problems after Hurricane Maria. (9/17)
For example, @elonmusk—who wouldn’t want a leader who tackles the hardest problems and delivers results? Show me an executive who wouldn’t jump at the chance to have him on their team. As governor, I would have given anything to have his expertise by my side. Puerto Rico and I personally experienced his help in solving critical problems after Hurricane Maria. (9/17)
I’ll never forget when @elonmusk called me after Hurricane Maria. He asked, “What’s the biggest problem you’re facing?” and “What do you need?” Days later, @Tesla teams were on the ground, bringing power to children’s hospitals and communities. That’s the kind of action people remember. (10/17)
Why RFK Jr. Matters to Puerto Rico
@RobertKennedyJr isn’t just a recognizable name. He’s been a friend to Puerto Rico for decades (cbsn.ws/40vEGZe). I personally value his focus on health, something Puerto Rico has yearned for, with critical disparities at the federal level. When he supports Trump, the group felt it brought a new level of trust to the Trump brand. (11/17)
@RobertKennedyJr isn’t just a recognizable name. He’s been a friend to Puerto Rico for decades (cbsn.ws/40vEGZe). I personally value his focus on health, something Puerto Rico has yearned for, with critical disparities at the federal level. When he supports Trump, the group felt it brought a new level of trust to the Trump brand. (11/17)
@VivekGRamaswamy and @TulsiGabbard also came up in discussions as positive assets. People noted Ramaswamy immediately denounced the “garbage” joke (). (12/17)newsweek.com/trump-rally-pu…
Why Harris
“I’ve always fought for the people of Puerto Rico.” After Hurricane Maria, I saw @VP’s prosecutor spirit firsthand. She was focused, determined, and ready to help with Puerto Rico’s energy needs. Harris supporters in our group pointed to her debate performance as a key differentiator with Trump. (13/17)
“I’ve always fought for the people of Puerto Rico.” After Hurricane Maria, I saw @VP’s prosecutor spirit firsthand. She was focused, determined, and ready to help with Puerto Rico’s energy needs. Harris supporters in our group pointed to her debate performance as a key differentiator with Trump. (13/17)
Where Harris Stands
Harris has a solid stance on Puerto Rico, and the group I spoke with respects that (). But when asked what she stands for, some Puerto Ricans hesitate. “Who is on her team?” they ask. Strong leaders surround themselves with allies—and allies make a difference in who shows up to vote. (14/17)bit.ly/4f9kQap
Harris has a solid stance on Puerto Rico, and the group I spoke with respects that (). But when asked what she stands for, some Puerto Ricans hesitate. “Who is on her team?” they ask. Strong leaders surround themselves with allies—and allies make a difference in who shows up to vote. (14/17)bit.ly/4f9kQap
Shapiro’s Influence in Pennsylvania
Interestingly, when I brought up @JoshShapiroPA, responses were overwhelming. 78% of Puerto Ricans in our PA group have a positive view of him. They ask, “Why wasn’t he chosen as VP?” Shapiro is well-liked across party lines, a trusted leader. People like him represent hope for unity in leadership. For @KamalaHarris, a stronger finish with Shapiro could imply a new source of support and strength in the structure of his healthy GOTV. (15/17)
Interestingly, when I brought up @JoshShapiroPA, responses were overwhelming. 78% of Puerto Ricans in our PA group have a positive view of him. They ask, “Why wasn’t he chosen as VP?” Shapiro is well-liked across party lines, a trusted leader. People like him represent hope for unity in leadership. For @KamalaHarris, a stronger finish with Shapiro could imply a new source of support and strength in the structure of his healthy GOTV. (15/17)
A Call to Leaders
This election shows the power of words. One joke made 1 in 6 Puerto Rican voters from our group reconsider. One response turned many of them back. But it also shows the strength of the Puerto Rican community and their potential impact on deciding this race. Puerto Ricans, are not looking for handouts; we’re looking for equality and opportunity. (16/17)
This election shows the power of words. One joke made 1 in 6 Puerto Rican voters from our group reconsider. One response turned many of them back. But it also shows the strength of the Puerto Rican community and their potential impact on deciding this race. Puerto Ricans, are not looking for handouts; we’re looking for equality and opportunity. (16/17)
I stand with Puerto Ricans and US citizens for Statehood. We have assembled over 30,000 strong — representing 6 million Puerto Ricans in the United States and 800,000 in the key swing states. Please vote for Unity and the Future of the great state of Puerto Rico. Share this to get out the vote. (17/17)
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