Kamala Harris Seeks Distance from Controversy Over Biden’s ‘Garbage’ Remark

With the White House election six days away, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has sought to distance herself from controversy ignited by President Joe Biden’s apparent characterization of Donald Trump’s supporters as “garbage.” The vice president, responding to reporters’ inquiries regarding her superior’s comment from Tuesday, stated that she would “strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for.” Following the negative reaction to his statement, Mr. Biden clarified on X, previously known as Twitter, that his remark was aimed at a comedian who delivered a contentious joke at a Donald Trump rally, rather than at millions of American citizens. Republican candidate Donald Trump capitalized on the outcry, appearing in a garbage truck during his campaign stop in Wisconsin and declaring: “Biden should be ashamed of himself.” On Tuesday evening, during a fundraising Zoom call with a Latino voters’ organization, President Biden was initially reported to have said: “The only garbage I see floating out there is his [Trump’s] supporters.” The White House subsequently issued a transcript, asserting that the president’s comment pertained solely to a single supporter—a stand-up comedian who, during a performance at a Trump rally in New York City on Sunday, described Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage.” When questioned about President Biden’s statements prior to her departure from the vicinity of Washington DC for campaigning in swing states, Ms. Harris pointed out that Mr. Biden had already attempted to “clarify his comments.” She further emphasized, “But let me be clear,” adding, “I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for.” Addressing a query from the BBC, she affirmed that should she win the election next Tuesday, she would serve as “a president for all Americans, including those that don’t vote for me.” Ms. Harris endeavored to redirect attention toward her opponent, Mr. Trump, stating that American voters face a decision on whether to “attempt to unify and break through this era of divisiveness.” The dispute surrounding Mr. Biden’s comments garnered significant media attention, creating an unwelcome diversion for the Harris campaign as she presented her concluding appeal to voters in Washington DC. From the location where Mr. Trump addressed supporters shortly before the riot at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, she implored Americans on Tuesday night to “turn the page on the drama and the conflict” prevalent in US politics. Meanwhile, at the White House on Wednesday, aides continued efforts to conclude the “garbage” controversy. During the daily news conference, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre informed reporters: “He [Biden] does not view Trump supporters or anybody who supports Trump, as garbage. That is not what he views.” Supporters of Mr. Trump have highlighted Mr. Biden’s comments, drawing parallels to a contentious statement made by Hillary Clinton in 2016 during Mr. Trump’s initial presidential campaign, when she characterized half of his supporters as “deplorables.” At his rally held in North Carolina on Wednesday, Mr. Trump asserted that Mr. Biden’s remarks were “worse” than those made by Ms. Clinton. He conveyed to the assembled crowd: “Joe Biden finally said what he and Kamala really think of our supporters. He called them ‘garbage.’ And they mean it.” Subsequently, he traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he entered a bin lorry adorned with a Trump campaign sticker. “How do you like my garbage truck?” Mr. Trump inquired of reporters. Anne Driessen, who was present in line for the Green Bay rally, carried a black bin bag, referencing Mr. Biden’s comment. She informed the BBC: “We’re accustomed to this from the other side. He’s [Trump has] been called Stalin, Hitler, and Mussolini – why don’t they just call him Satan?” She added, “They lump us all together too.” Supporters of Ms. Harris present at her rally in Madison, Wisconsin, expressed to the BBC their continued displeasure regarding the comedian’s comment about Puerto Rico. Mallory Malvitz stated: “As a Latina, it’s disgusting.” She continued, “It’s hateful that that’s what people think about people like me.” Ms. Malvitz further mentioned that she does not regard individuals with differing opinions as “garbage,” noting that some members of her family support Mr. Trump. Throughout his campaign, Mr. Trump has faced criticism for his own remarks, including labeling the United States a “garbage can for the world” and characterizing political adversaries as “the enemy within.” Although Mr. Trump conceded that “somebody said some bad things” at his New York City rally on Sunday, he also indicated that he did not perceive the comedian’s joke as “a big deal.” He described the Madison Square Garden event as a “lovefest.” In Philadelphia, located within the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, members of the substantial 90,000-strong Puerto Rican population informed the BBC that they would remember the joke. While residents of Puerto Rico, a US island territory situated in the Caribbean, are ineligible to vote in presidential elections, the considerable diaspora residing in the US is able to participate.