Quick Hit:

New York Governor Kathy Hochul disparaged Trump supporters as "clowns" during a CNN interview Thursday, sparking comparisons to Hillary Clinton's "basket of deplorables" remark. The Trump campaign responded by accusing Hochul of intolerance and divisiveness.

Key Details:

• Governor Hochul made the remarks during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
• Hochul asserted that New York would not support Trump, emphasizing loyalty to Biden.
• The Trump campaign accused Hochul of alienating New Yorkers and using offensive rhetoric.

Diving Deeper:

New York Governor Kathy Hochul stirred controversy on Thursday by labeling Trump supporters as "clowns" during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper. This comment came ahead of former President Donald Trump's rally in the Bronx, marking a significant escalation in political rhetoric.

"Well, I’ll tell you what won’t make a difference at all, Jake, and that’s for Donald Trump to be a ringleader and invite all his clowns to a place like the Bronx," Hochul remarked. She added that New York would solidly back President Joe Biden, dismissing Trump's efforts to galvanize support in the state. "New York will never, ever support Donald Trump for president. We know him better than anyone and that means we understand what he’s all about. He’s just for himself."

In a swift response, the Trump campaign criticized Hochul's remarks. "Kathy Hochul is just upset that President Trump is pulling crowds in her state that she could only dream of," a campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital. They further accused Democrats of failing Americans, highlighting increasing support for Trump among minority communities.

The incident echoes Hillary Clinton's infamous "basket of deplorables" comment during the 2016 election, where she broadly characterized Trump supporters as holding various prejudiced views. Hochul's rhetoric also follows previous controversial statements, including telling GOP candidates to "get out of town" and head to Florida.

David Laska, director of communications for the New York GOP, condemned Hochul's comments, urging her to apologize for alienating New Yorkers. "Kathy Hochul has once again revealed her true colors, disparaging millions of New Yorkers," Laska said, calling for leadership that respects diverse viewpoints.

A recent Siena College poll showed Biden with a shrinking lead over Trump in New York, a state that hasn't voted Republican since 1984. With Trump actively campaigning and addressing issues such as illegal immigration and economic policy, the political landscape in New York remains dynamic and contentious.