Kamala Harris unity/ Biden Trump supporters garbage/ Harris inclusive message/ Biden Harris 2024/ GOP response to Biden comment/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Kamala Harris pledged to represent “all Americans,” distancing herself from President Biden’s recent comment about Trump supporters. Biden’s remark, made in response to rhetoric at Trump’s New York rally, sparked backlash, echoing past campaign controversies. With less than a week before the election, Harris reaffirmed her commitment to unity.
Harris on Unity Amid Biden’s Comment Controversy: Quick Looks
- Harris’ response: Harris distanced herself from Biden’s comment, pledging inclusivity as a unifying president.
- Biden’s comment: Biden called rhetoric at a Trump rally “garbage,” sparking comparisons to Clinton’s “deplorables” remark.
- Republican response: GOP seized on Biden’s words, accusing Democrats of dismissing Trump’s base.
- Trump’s rhetoric: Trump has similarly used harsh language against political opponents, including Harris.
- Walz’s clarification: Harris’ running mate defended Biden’s intent, emphasizing Democrats’ inclusive message.
Harris Responds to Biden’s ‘Garbage’ Remark with Unity Message
Deep Look
In response to President Joe Biden’s recent comments about Donald Trump’s supporters, Kamala Harris has sought to shift the conversation back to unity, assuring voters that she would represent all Americans as president. Her statements, made just days before the election, aim to temper the controversy sparked by Biden’s remarks, underscoring her commitment to bridging divides.
Biden’s “Garbage” Comment and Its Fallout
The controversy began when Biden, speaking on a campaign call organized by Hispanic advocacy group Voto Latino, criticized the rhetoric from Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden. During the rally, a comedian insulted Puerto Rico, calling it an “island of garbage.” Biden reacted strongly, stating, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.” He condemned what he called Trump’s “demonization of Latinos,” calling it “un-American.”
Following the comment, Biden and White House officials clarified that he was referring to the rhetoric on stage rather than Trump’s supporters themselves. Despite this, the GOP quickly equated Biden’s remarks with Hillary Clinton’s 2016 “basket of deplorables” comment, which labeled half of Trump’s supporters as holding objectionable views. Clinton’s remark galvanized many Trump supporters, who embraced the “deplorable” label, turning it into a point of pride.
Harris Emphasizes Her Inclusive Message
Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, sought to distance herself from the controversy while reinforcing her unifying stance. “I will represent all Americans, including those who don’t vote for me,” Harris said, speaking to reporters on Wednesday. Her comments were intended to address voters across the political spectrum, many of whom feel alienated by divisive campaign rhetoric.
As Harris prepares to campaign in several key swing states, her message of inclusion aligns with her longstanding emphasis on bridging political divides. “I disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for,” she affirmed, reiterating her commitment to serve all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations.
Republican Reaction and Trump’s Own Rhetoric
Republicans swiftly condemned Biden’s comment, using it to claim that Democrats hold contempt for Trump’s supporters. At his rally, Trump referenced the incident indirectly, saying, “Somebody said some bad things about Puerto Rico, but I can’t imagine it’s a big deal.” Trump himself has often used sharp language to describe political opponents, labeling the United States a “garbage can” under current immigration policies and calling Harris “lazy” and “stupid.”
Republicans also circulated past statements from Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, who described Democrats in 2021 as “childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives.” Vance’s words have resurfaced in recent weeks, sparking a wave of social media pride from Harris supporters who have embraced the “cat lady” label.
Running Mate Tim Walz’s Defense
Harris’ vice-presidential running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, addressed Biden’s comment in media appearances, insisting that Biden was referring only to the rally rhetoric and not to Trump’s voter base. Walz reinforced Harris’ message of inclusivity, emphasizing on CBS and ABC morning shows that “the vice president and I have made it absolutely clear that we want everyone as a part of this.” Walz pointed to Trump’s history of divisive rhetoric as a counterpoint, calling it “what needs to end” in American politics.
Unity and Inclusion as Campaign Goals
With Election Day fast approaching, Harris’ campaign continues to focus on fostering unity, contrasting her approach with Trump’s polarizing remarks. Harris has repeatedly stressed her intention to govern inclusively, a message her campaign hopes will resonate across a divided electorate. By distancing herself from Biden’s comments and focusing on her own goals, Harris seeks to remind voters that her presidency would aim to represent Americans of all political backgrounds, even in contentious times.
