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Iana Murray
Oct 23, 2020
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In case you haven’t already checked the headlines that are everywhere, the final presidential debate was last night.
As both candidates berated each other over various issues including the pandemic, the economy and immigration, one throwaway line struck a nerve with New Yorkers.
Apparently criticising restrictions to combat the coronavirus, Trump called New York City a “ghost town” and derided measures like installing Plexiglass in restaurants:
“Take a look at New York and what’s happened to my wonderful city,” he said. “For so many years, I loved it, it was vibrant. It’s dying, everyone’s leaving New York.”
New Yorkers quickly took offence to Trump’s comments and argued that the city is, in fact, not a ghost town. Come on, even with the pandemic this is still New York City, after all. Even the city's favourite ghost-fighting crew came to help out.
New Yorkers took to Twitter to prove that the city is clearly as busy as ever.
Trump: NYC is "ghost town" that's "totally shut down" Manhattan tonight: https://t.co/zVb5Gi8fC7— Mark D. Levine (@Mark D. Levine) 1603416437
@ProjectLincoln He said new york is a "ghost town" Meanwhile in NY: https://t.co/214dpV2Sez— Eddy F. Plaza 🏳️🌈👬🇺🇲 (@Eddy F. Plaza 🏳️🌈👬🇺🇲) 1603416229
"new york is a ghost town" the people dining outside: https://t.co/MWfQdBfG0j— maggie (@maggie) 1603416773
And that’s because New Yorkers are staying safe.
New York is not a ghost town. New York flattened the curve. New York follows science and public health recommen… https://t.co/vYmx8oEHrx— Dr. Syra Madad (@Dr. Syra Madad) 1603416689
New York is not a ghost town; New York is not dying; New York is actually quite nice, nearly everyone wears mask, a… https://t.co/ndwZOaDwz6— Amanda Litman (@Amanda Litman) 1603416182
While defending their home, residents also turned it into a meme, naturally.
There were some niche jokes. If you know, you know.
everytime trump says new york is a ghost town 1,000 personal essays are born— Astead (@Astead) 1603416348
“new york is a ghost town” but i roasted cashews 5 ways in brooklyn yesterday 🤔 https://t.co/AflZlX1eZD— Ms. Grace Kuhlenschmidt (@Ms. Grace Kuhlenschmidt) 1603416448
Others embraced their haunted side.
New York is a ghost town and I am dressed as the Devil himself https://t.co/K9sn0imQbn— JANuary Sport (@JANuary Sport) 1603417606
In the end, so what if New York is a ghost town? They know who to call.
damn right new york is a ghost town https://t.co/fgpowNdeg7— Matt Binder (@Matt Binder) 1603416513
New York is a ghost town? Who you gonna call? https://t.co/wyuV2Vrp2B— Yuri Victor 🖤 (@Yuri Victor 🖤) 1603416481
It might be close to Halloween, but New York is no ghost town.