Biden’s ‘garbage’ remarks give Trump and GOP new fodder on the trail

Shortly before Vice President Harris took the stage to deliver the closing argument for her campaign, promising to turn the page on division in the country, President Biden undermined that sentiment with a remark in a video call with a Latino voting group.

In Biden’s remarks, it sounded like he was calling supporters of former President Donald Trump “garbage.” Republicans have latched on to those comments, saying Biden had called half the country “garbage,” and making the gaffe a rallying cry — much like Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” quip at a 2016 fundraiser.

Biden and the White House quickly moved to clarify his comment. But it gave Republicans an opening to sidestep the controversy unleashed by a disparaging and politically toxic joke about Puerto Rico made by a comedian on Sunday at a Madison Square Garden rally for Trump.

That joke has roiled the presidential campaign in its waning days as Puerto Ricans are a significant presence in places like Pennsylvania, which both the Trump and Harris campaigns see as a must-win state.

What Biden said

At issue is the placement of an apostrophe. In a video call Tuesday with Voto Latino, Biden sounded like he was calling Trump supporters “garbage.”

The White House quickly issued a transcript to put Biden’s comment in a broader context, insisting that Biden had said “supporter’s,” to refer to the comedian’s quote and not “supporters.”

“And just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a ‘floating island of garbage.’ Well, let me tell you something. I don’t — I — I don’t know the Puerto Rican that — that I know — or a Puerto Rico, where I’m fr- — in my home state of Delaware, they’re good, decent, honorable people. The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s — his — his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American.”

Later, Biden attempted to clean up his remarks on x.com, saying that he was referring to the comedian’s joke at the rally.

What Biden’s gaffe means for Harris

Biden, who has a life-long history of gaffes, has kept a low profile since he dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris.

Last week at a rare campaign event, he attracted attention when he said of Trump “we got to lock him up,” before quickly adding “politically.”

Conservatives have long complained that Democrats have used disparaging labels to describe their supporters. They point to then candidate Barack Obama’s remarks about “bitter” working-class voters who “cling to guns or religion” and former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton who described Trump’s supporters as “deplorables.”

Biden’s remark landed as Trump was onstage at a rally in Allentown, Pa., where Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla, went on stage to demand an apology from Biden.

“We are not garbage: we are patriots who love America,” Rubio said.

The Trump campaign said it was an example of name-calling by the Harris campaign.

“President Trump is backed by Latinos, Black voters, union workers, angel moms, law enforcement officers, border patrol agents, and Americans of all faiths — and Harris, Walz, and Biden have labeled these great Americans as fascists, Nazis, and now, garbage,” Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s campaign spokesperson said in a statement.

 

Poll: In tight race, voters split on whether Harris intends to carry out her promises

What the latest numbers say and what to look for as the election comes to a close.

Birmingham’s newest voters: how the latest generation is approaching politics

While Alabama is not a swing state, these students represent an up and coming generation whose voices have not yet been heard in the political world. And this demographic of voters has already proven that they can make an impact. 

It’s the last day of the 2024 campaign. Here’s where Harris and Trump are going

Vice President Harris ends her day with a concert on the "Rocky Steps" in Philadelphia. Former President Trump will wrap up in Grand Rapids, Mich. — where he also closed out his 2016 and 2020 races.

Moldova’s pro-Western president wins vote overshadowed by Russian meddling claims

Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference.

Meet the conservative women who are keeping their votes for Kamala Harris a secret

Polls show a historic gender gap in the 2024 election. Democrats are reminding conservative women: votes are a secret and they can vote for who they want, including Vice President Harris.

Anxious at the Portland airport? Beni the Llama is here for you, spreading joy

The gentle animals are part of Portland International Airport's effort to counter travel stress with soothing elements from nature.

More Front Page Coverage