Politics & Government
NYC To Trump After ‘Ghost Town’ Diss At Presidential Debate: Boo
"If New York is a ghost town why can't I find a f---ing parking spot," one New Yorker tweeted.
NEW YORK CITY — Halloween came early for snarky New Yorkers after President Donald Trump offered a spooky vision of their city.
Trump, during Thursday night’s presidential debate, said New York City is “dying” under coronavirus restrictions.
“If you go and look at what has happened to New York, it’s a ghost town,” Trump said.
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The “ghost town” remark quickly drew boos from New Yorkers who suffered through the pandemic’s early peak and gradually fought back to some semblance of normalcy over recent months.
They responded online with “Ghostbusters” memes and only-in-New York experiences.
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“If New York is a ghost town why can’t I find a f---ing parking spot,” tweeted Joel Pavelski, a writer with GQ.
New York Times reporter Liam Stack offered a noisy observation.
“Fact check: there is literally a brass band playing on the sidewalk outside my apartment right now,” he tweeted.
President Trump: “If you go and look at what happened to New York, it is a ghost town. It is a ghost town.” Fact check: there is literally a brass band playing on the sidewalk outside my apartment right now. #Debate2020
— Liam Stack (@liamstack) October 23, 2020
It wasn’t just bemused reporters living New York City who responded to Trump’s ghostly characterization. Celebrities like Andy Cohen and Padma Lakshmi offered their perspectives.
New York isn't a ghost town, you clown And it's not your city
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) October 23, 2020
City politicians and political groups also piled on.
“New York isn't a ghost town! Those are just the Halloween decorations,” tweeted the NY Working Families Party.
“The only ‘ghost town’ will be Mar-a-Lago after you’re forced into retirement on Election Day,” Mayor Bill de Blasio shot back.
Trump’s detractors largely glossed over the fact that New York City businesses, particularly restaurants, have suffered in the coronavirus pandemic. Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly defended Trump’s lament over plexiglass barriers in restaurants and more.
DT: “NY is a ghost town... putting up plexiglass is not the answer. NY is dying.” DEPRESSING & SAD, BUT TRUE.
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) October 23, 2020
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