As the 2024 campaign reaches a critical point, Joe Biden’s recent remarks are sparking fresh backlash and threatening to upend Kamala Harris’s message of “unity”. Biden stirred controversy on Tuesday night by labeling millions of Trump supporters as “garbage” during a campaign call. The comment came while Kamala Harris was giving her “closing argument” speech at the Ellipse in D.C., signaling yet another moment where Biden’s remarks overshadow Harris’s campaign efforts and threaten to alienate voters.
The incendiary remark was Biden’s reaction to a joke made at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” Biden, taking the comedian’s words as a chance to go after Trump and his base, stated, “Donald Trump has no character. He doesn’t give a d**n about the Latino community… The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.” Biden’s comment quickly sparked backlash, with critics saying he was once again dehumanizing Americans who support Trump.
BREAKING: Biden refers to millions of President Trump's supporters as "garbage."
Does Kamala disavow? pic.twitter.com/Zx4g3NOU9L
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 30, 2024
Biden’s outburst didn’t stop with his “garbage” comment. Earlier in the day, he took a swipe at the comedian, saying, “I’d like to take that guy for a swim out there,” a comment critics viewed as both an implicit threat and an escalation in rhetoric aimed at Trump’s supporters. Despite the attempt to address Trump’s perceived disrespect toward Puerto Rico, Biden’s words seemed more inflammatory than conciliatory, drawing accusations of hostility rather than understanding.
A deeply unwell, angry Biden threatens President Trump: "I'd like to take that guy for a swim out there" pic.twitter.com/ygsJze8Z6g
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 29, 2024
The Trump campaign didn’t waste any time responding. In a statement released shortly after Biden’s remarks, Trump campaign representatives condemned the language as “dehumanizing” and out of touch with the millions of Americans who support Trump. They argued that Biden’s remarks reflect a pattern of disdain toward conservatives, drawing parallels to Hillary Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” remark in 2016, which many believe hurt her standing with swing voters.
For Kamala Harris, who has attempted to present herself as a “unifier” in recent campaign appearances, Biden’s incendiary language undermines her messaging. Analysts are noting the damage such comments could do to her outreach efforts, particularly with undecided voters or moderate conservatives who may otherwise be open to her platform. CNN’s Chris Cillizza commented that Biden’s “garbage” remark is stealing the spotlight from Harris, stating, “It’s impossible for Harris to deliver a closing message of unity when Biden’s rhetoric is setting fires in the background.”
With only days until Election Day, Biden’s inflammatory remarks could have a lasting impact on the race, particularly in battleground states where Trump’s supporters may view Biden’s words as proof of the administration’s deep-seated contempt for conservative Americans. The tension highlights a divide that may be tough for Democrats to bridge as they approach the finish line.
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