Biden’s Off-Script “Garbage” Comment Could Potentially Derail Harris’ Final Push
Harris moves to damage control
With Election Day fast approaching, President Joe Biden’s recent unscripted comments have ignited a new controversy, diverting attention from Vice President Kamala Harris’s final push on the campaign trail.
During a Zoom call intended to energize Democratic supporters, Biden veered from his prepared remarks, referring to some of former President Donald Trump’s supporters as “garbage.”
The comment quickly gained traction, sparking backlash from Republicans and creating an additional challenge for Harris, who has been leading the Democratic charge in swing states as the face of the party’s campaign.
Biden’s Off-Script Remark Triggers Swift Republican Response.
This may not be the first time Biden’s off-script remarks have created challenges for the Democratic party. But, with the 2024 election just days away, this latest “garbage” incident could be potentially damaging to Harris’ final push.
It was perceived as divisive just as Harris was trying to deliver a high-profile “closing argument’ for her campaign emphasizing the need to unify the country after Trump’s divisiveness.
On Tuesday night, just before Harris was about to speak at a massive rally not far from the White House, Biden received a call from the Hispanic advocacy group asking him to comment on recent insults at a Trump rally, where comedian and podcaster Tony Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”
Biden responded by saying:
“The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”
The president quickly sent out a social media post seeking to clarify his remarks about Trump. “His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable,” Biden said. “That’s all I meant to say.”
But his sharp words were quickly seized on by Republicans who said he was denigrating Trump supporters.
And, the backlash was immediate.
GOP leaders condemned the comment, framing it as an attack on American voters. And, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy shared on “X”,
“Joe Biden’s contempt for everyday Americans is on full display.”
Conservative media outlets have also amplified the incident, further escalating the controversy and painting it as an example of Biden’s perceived disconnect from middle America.
Biden’s unscripted moments have been a recurring issue throughout his presidency, occasionally veering into gaffes that create distractions for his administration. While the remark may have been intended as a criticism of Trump’s policies or rhetoric, the language has shifted focus away from the Democratic campaign’s key messages on unity, economic progress, and healthcare access — issues on which Harris has concentrated her outreach efforts.
Harris Distances Herself from Biden’s “Garbage” Comments.
As the face of the campaign in its final stretch, Harris moved quickly to address Biden’s comments. In a statement to the press, she emphasized the need for unity and avoided any endorsement of Biden’s language.
“This election is about coming together as a country…We need to respect every American’s voice and work to unite our communities.”
Her efforts to distance herself from Biden’s words underscore the campaign’s strategy to appeal to moderates and independents who may be put off by divisive rhetoric. Harris has walked a fine line between supporting Biden’s agenda and establishing herself as a figure committed to healing divisions within the country. With several high-profile events scheduled in battleground states, Harris is striving to keep the campaign’s focus on issues that resonate with undecided voters, rather than addressing the latest controversy.
Biden’s Role in the 2024 Campaign.
Biden has played a relatively subdued role in this campaign, making few public appearances and staying largely behind the scenes. Some political analysts suggest that his low profile is a strategic move, aimed at avoiding further gaffes that could overshadow Harris’s efforts. Others argue that Biden’s limited presence underscores concerns about his age and ability to connect with voters.
His comments on the Zoom call, however, suggest he is still invested in the campaign’s outcome and wants to influence the narrative. Yet, his remark risks becoming a last-minute distraction, potentially shifting the media narrative in ways that could benefit Republican candidates. Given Biden’s previous missteps, some Democratic insiders are concerned about his impact on the campaign’s messaging as it heads into the final days before the election.
The Stakes for Harris and the Democratic Party.
For Harris, the timing of this controversy couldn’t be more challenging. She is working to maintain momentum in key swing states, and Biden’s remark has introduced a complicating factor. Harris has consistently promoted messages of inclusivity and collaboration, often drawing contrasts with Trump’s divisive rhetoric. Now, she faces the dual challenge of defending the administration’s record while navigating Biden’s latest slip-up.
As Harris campaigns across the country, Democratic strategists are doubling down on efforts to recenter the conversation around core issues like healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. With Republican opponents now using Biden’s words to rally their own base, Harris’s path to swaying undecided voters has become more complex.
Final thoughts.
In the final stretch of the 2024 campaign, both Biden’s and Harris’s choices will be critical in shaping the election’s outcome. As the campaign works to redirect focus back to policy and away from controversy, Harris’s response to Biden’s unscripted remark may prove pivotal in the days leading up to Election Day.
Click here to have stories just like it sent directly to you. 💌
