Staff Reports
Hillary Clinton recently took to the airwaves to stir up controversy while promoting her latest book. As usual, she found a way to link former President Donald Trump to nefarious events of the past, specifically a historical rally at Madison Square Garden in 1939 that was notorious for its Nazi connections. The irony of Clinton’s comparisons is hard to ignore; it’s almost as if she’s trying to jumpstart her book sales by playing the old “guilt by association” card. While she was busy painting Trump as a fascist, her critics were quick to point out that linking every event to a neo-Nazi rally is a slippery slope.
Clinton’s comments come as Trump prepares for his rally at Madison Square Garden, which has hosted countless concerts, sporting events, and, more recently, political speeches. It’s hard to imagine that a modern-day rally could resemble the old, grim gatherings of the 1930s. After all, in today’s world, audiences often come together to cheer on their favorite stars or sports teams—not to attend a rally draped in hatred. The suggestion that Trump’s rally would mimic a fascist rally from over eighty years ago simply raises eyebrows and gets people chuckling.
The discussion didn’t stop with Clinton’s statements. A piece in the Washington Examiner took the opportunity to recap the history of calling Republican candidates “Hitler” over the decades. It highlighted Barry Goldwater’s 1964 campaign, which drew parallels to Hitler as if predicting the rise of a great evil. The waves of finger-pointing have washed ashore during every Republican campaign since Nixon and Ronald Reagan met similar fates. It seems like every new Republican candidate is somehow linked back to Nazi Germany. It’s become a tired cliché to some, while to others, it seems like a desperate attempt to undermine their political opponents.
While Clinton seems undeterred by criticisms, her past—particularly as a former New York senator—raises questions about her understanding of the current political landscape. New York, once a bastion of Democratic voters, is seeing surprising support for Trump. As various issues burden the state, many voters reevaluate whom they support at the ballot box. After all, it seems people are keenly aware of their day-to-day lives, including how policies affect their homes and families.
The banter surrounding this latest political debate is humorous, reminiscent of late-night shows where comedians throw shade at public figures. Whether it’s jokes about the absurdity of reverting to fascist comparisons or suggesting that one should feel guilty for purchasing Clinton’s book, it provides a lighthearted approach to a serious discussion. The political arena might be serious business, but as these exchanges reveal, there’s always room for laughter amidst the chaos.
