Washington
CNN
—
In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric, Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday deftly sidestepped the controversy ignited by President Joe Biden’s remarks, which appeared to label Donald Trump’s supporters as “garbage,” igniting a political tempest just one week before the pivotal Election Day.
With reporters on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, Harris firmly asserted her distaste for disparaging individuals based on their voting choices. When queried about her conversation with Biden regarding his remarks, she revealed that he had indeed reached out the previous evening, yet the contentious comments were conspicuously absent from their discussion.
“First and foremost, I believe he clarified his statements. However, let me unequivocally state my position: I oppose any critique aimed at voters based solely on their electoral choices. You’ve heard the sentiments I expressed last night; my lifelong work has been dedicated to representing everyone, regardless of their support for me,” Harris articulated.
Persisting in her theme, Harris reiterated her commitment to inclusivity, affirming that if she were to be elected, she would steadfastly represent all Americans.
“I speak from the heart: Should I ascend to the presidency, every American will have a voice. This includes those who might not cast their vote in my favor—their needs and aspirations will not be overlooked,” she assured.
Biden inadvertently fueled the flames of discord during his remarks, wherein he aimed to critique Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden. In an offhand manner, he referenced Puerto Rico, alluding to a comedian’s derisive description of it as a “floating island of garbage.”
Subsequently, Biden remarked in a virtual get-out-the-vote event for Voto Latino, “Just the other day, a speaker at his rally referred to Puerto Rico in the most offensive way. Yet, I can assure you, the Puerto Ricans I know are nothing but honorable, decent folks,” he proclaimed, firmly pushing back against Trump’s divisive narrative.
Angering critics and supporters alike, Biden remarked, “The garbage I perceive floating out there is found in the very attitudes of his supporters. The demonization of Latinos is utterly unforgivable and distinctly un-American.”
In an attempt to mitigate the fallout, Biden clarified on social media, stating, “Earlier today, I spoke out about the vile rhetoric regarding Puerto Rico unleashed by those rallying for Trump. ‘Garbage’ was merely the only term that encapsulated my distaste for it. His continued vilification of Latinos is inexcusable. That’s all I intended to convey; such comments do not reflect the essence of our nation.”
In response to requests for clarity regarding the president’s verbiage, a White House spokesman maintained that Biden had referred to a singular supportive individual rather than a collective, insisting that he actually meant, “The only garbage I perceive is that of his supporter—and his portrayal of Latinos remains unconscionable and decidedly un-American.”
“The President aptly identified the hateful dialogue permeating the Madison Square Garden rally as garbage,” added White House representative Andrew Bates.
Meanwhile, Harris’ campaign rushed to defend or rationalize the remarks publicly, yet internal discussions among Democratic operatives revealed a growing frustration and worry over the implications of Biden’s statements.
Sources revealed that senior campaign advisors were inundated with messages from concerned supporters, some vehemently suggesting that perhaps Biden should retreat from public view altogether in these critical final days leading up to the election.
“Biden’s gaffe yesterday was utterly maddening,” lamented one former official. “There’s a prevailing sense that we don’t want him around at this juncture.”
– Source:
CNN
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Updated
4:27 PM EDT, Wed October 30, 2024
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The fallout from Biden’s remarks has burgeoned into an unwanted distraction. Trump and his allies wasted no time leveraging these comments to accuse Harris, by extension, of harboring disdain for Americans who choose to align with the former president.
In response, Democrats vehemently emphasize that Biden is not the nominee while firmly asserting that Harris regards every voter with respect, irrespective of their political preference. They also raised eyebrows at what they view as a striking double standard, considering Trump’s historically bigoted, sexist, and inflammatory comments.
“Not a single voter will abandon us due to this,” one campaign advisor dismissed concerns, downplaying the gravity of Biden’s comments.
As previously reported, growing unease among Harris campaign aides regarding Biden’s penchant for gaffes loomed large as they braced against any unnecessary political gambles. Tuesday night’s “garbage” remarks only served to intensify those pre-existing anxieties for many Democrats.
In a further interview, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who shares the ticket with Harris, suggested that Biden’s comments stemmed from genuine “frustration with Trump’s divisive rhetoric” and countered narratives suggesting that these statements jeopardized Harris’s unifying message.
“The frustration witnessed since January 6, along with the anger generated by Trump’s speech provoking division, ignites people’s passions. Indeed, President Biden clearly articulated his issues with the rhetoric that we hear at Trump gatherings. This doesn’t detract from our message,” Walz noted.
In an ABC News discussion, Walz championed Harris’s Tuesday remarks in Washington, urging voters to concentrate on her message, emphasizing that she stands as the Democratic ticket’s focal point, not Biden.
“The President has clarified his statements, but let’s be abundantly clear. The Vice President and I aim to unite everyone in this mission. The divisive rhetoric from Donald Trump must cease. He has labeled our country as ‘garbage’ and continuously speaks of ‘the enemy within.’ What you witnessed from Vice President Harris is a sincere acknowledgment of inclusion for all, underscoring the potential for unity inherent in our nation,” he concluded.
