Biden Faces Backlash After Calling Trump’s Rhetoric “Garbage” in Campaign Call

• Oct 30, 2024

During a campaign call on Tuesday, President Joe Biden faced criticism for comments that some interpreted as disparaging Donald Trump’s supporters. In a video call with VotoLatino, a nonprofit organization, Biden addressed a controversial comment made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Trump rally in New York. At the event on Sunday, Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage,” sparking outrage and debates on social media and among political figures.

Biden, reacting to the comedian’s remark, said, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.” Biden’s statement quickly gained attention, leading some to accuse him of insulting Trump’s base. However, the White House clarified that Biden’s words were directed toward Trump’s divisive rhetoric rather than his followers. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates explained, “The President referred to the hateful rhetoric at the Madison Square Garden rally as ‘garbage,’” emphasizing that the comment targeted the nature of the language used at the rally rather than specific individuals.

With just a week left until Election Day, the remark became a focal point in the ongoing campaign, especially as Vice President Kamala Harris remains in a close race against Trump for the presidency. Trump’s campaign seized the opportunity to respond, with Trump labeling Biden’s comments as “terrible.” Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump drew a parallel to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 remark where she described some of his supporters as “deplorables.” Trump quipped, “Garbage, I think, is worse, right?” further fueling the political discourse.

Republican figures also reacted strongly. Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, denounced Biden’s words as “disgusting” and accused the current administration of “attacking half of the country.” He argued that such statements only deepen divisions, especially in a tight electoral race.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign continued efforts to distance itself from Hinchcliffe’s remarks at the rally. On Tuesday, Trump spoke to Fox News, distancing himself from the comedian’s inflammatory comments. He stated, “I don’t know if it’s a big deal or not, but I don’t want anybody making nasty jokes or stupid jokes. Probably, he shouldn’t have been there,” attempting to mitigate the fallout from the rally.

The controversy highlights the increasing intensity and sensitivity surrounding rhetoric in the final days of the campaign. While Puerto Rican residents on the island, a U.S. territory, are not eligible to vote in federal elections, Puerto Ricans living on the mainland have the right to vote and represent a significant voter base. According to Pew Research Center, nearly six million Puerto Ricans reside in the United States, making the rhetoric surrounding the community and other ethnic groups a critical factor in the upcoming election.

As Election Day approaches, both campaigns continue to navigate these sensitive topics, each aiming to appeal to a wide range of American voters without alienating key demographic groups.