In an attempt to defend Puerto Rico of the “jokes” of Tony Hinchcliffe about Puerto Rico, the president Joe Biden launched an unfortunate insult against the followers of the republican Donald Trump.
And in an interview for the CNN channel, in full live broadcast, Joe Biden referred to the followers and sympathizers of Donald Trump as “garbage”.
This new controversy for the Democrats, which could have repercussions on the campaign Kamala Harristakes place just one week before the elections USA from November 5, 2024.
What did Joe Biden say about Donald Trump’s supporters? The controversial insult
During an interview this Tuesday, October 30, Joe Biden tried to defend Puerto Rico from the comments of comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who described that territory as a “floating island of garbage” during a rally Donald Trump in New York.
However, the situation got out of control when Joe Biden suggested that the only garbage what you see are “anti-american followers” by Donald Trump, a statement that was highly criticized on social networks.
“Just the other day, a speaker at your rally called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage. Well, let me tell you something. (…) The only trash I see floating around is his followers. His demonization is unconscionable and un-American. “It is totally contrary to everything we have done.”
Joe Biden
Moments later, faced with the bad comments that the Democrats received, Joe Biden denied having insulted Donald Trump’s followers, claiming that he was referring to Trump’s rhetoric. Tony Hinchcliffe.
“Just today I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico that the Trump supporter uttered at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage, which is the only word I can think of to describe it”, he wrote on social networks.
Likewise, Joe Biden added: “His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable. That’s all I wanted to say. “The comments at that rally do not reflect who we are as a nation.”
Kamala Harris distances herself from Joe Biden’s comments against Donald Trump’s followers
“I totally disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for,” said the vice president. Kamala Harris before the press from Andrews Air Force Base.
Although the candidate pointed out that Biden has already clarified the situation, she rejected any speech that divide society and sent a message of national unity.
“In the work I do I try to represent all people, whether they support me or not, and as president of the United States I will be the president of all Americans whether they voted for me or not,” declared Kamala Harris.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Emily Rivera, political analyst and expert in American politics! Thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Emily Rivera: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right into it. President Biden recently made headlines for calling Donald Trump’s supporters “garbage” during a live interview. What did you think of his choice of words?
Dr. Emily Rivera: It certainly created a storm. While Biden’s intention was to defend Puerto Rico from a comedian’s derogatory joke, his description of Trump supporters was incendiary and gave ammunition to his opponents. In politics, language matters—especially as we approach an election cycle.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Many have criticized him for that remark. Could this backlash affect Kamala Harris’ campaign and the Democrats in general ahead of the November 2024 elections?
Dr. Emily Rivera: It’s very possible. Biden’s comments could overshadow the Democratic messaging and unify some of Trump’s base, as they may see this as an attack on them personally. This kind of rhetoric might also dissuade undecided voters who prefer a more diplomatic tone. With just a week before the elections, every word counts.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the timing being crucial. With the elections around the corner, how do you assess the current political climate?
Dr. Emily Rivera: The climate is tense, to say the least. Voter polarization is at an all-time high, and incidents like this only serve to deepen divisions. Biden’s remarks could resonate with some of his base, but they risk alienating moderate Republicans and independents who may be on the fence. In a closely contested election, that could be detrimental.
Time.news Editor: That’s a good point. How important is it for political leaders to maintain a level of civility in their discourse?
Dr. Emily Rivera: It’s incredibly important. Civility fosters dialogue and understanding, which is critical in a democracy. When leaders resort to insults, it can undermine democratic principles and contribute to a toxic political culture. Promoting respect and common ground is essential for a healthier political landscape.
Time.news Editor: With Biden taking a firm stance, do you think he can recover from this misstep, or could it linger and impact his administration further?
Dr. Emily Rivera: Recovery is possible, but it requires strategic communication moving forward. The Democrats need to shift the narrative back to their core issues—like economic recovery, healthcare, and climate change—and ensure that Biden’s gaffe doesn’t overshadow significant policies and achievements. Consistent messaging and outreach to various voter groups will be key.
Time.news Editor: In closing, what advice might you give to political leaders to avoid such pitfalls in the future?
Dr. Emily Rivera: They should focus on unity and refrain from inflammatory language. It’s essential to highlight differences in policy without resorting to personal attacks. Leaders should aspire to elevate the discourse, as this not only portrays strength but also wins over a diverse electorate.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rivera, for your insightful analysis on this pressing issue. We appreciate your time!
Dr. Emily Rivera: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these critical matters.