U.S. Election: Biden Implies Trump Supporters Are ‘Trash’

Biden Takes Aim at Trump Supporters Amid Controversial Rally Remarks

In a fiery response to a weekend rally held by Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, President Joe Biden didn’t hold back, criticizing the former president’s supporters and the crude rhetoric that overshadowed the event. The rally featured a comic who made a derogatory joke about Puerto Rico, calling it a "floating island of garbage," which prompted Biden to speak out during a call organized by the Hispanic advocacy group Voto Latino.

Biden’s initial comments were somewhat muddled, but he made his point clear: "Just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage. Well, let me tell you something, I don’t, I don’t know the Puerto Rican that I know, the Puerto Rico where I’m fr — in my home state of Delaware. They’re good, decent honorable people." He went on to assert that the real "garbage" was the hateful rhetoric coming from Trump’s camp, labeling it "unconscionable" and "un-American."

In a bid to clarify his remarks, Biden took to social media, stating, "Earlier today I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump’s supporter at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage — which is the only word I can think of to describe it." He emphasized that such comments do not reflect the values of the nation.

However, Biden’s choice of words sparked immediate backlash from Republicans. Trump himself seized the opportunity, with Florida Senator Marco Rubio echoing the sentiment that Biden was insulting "everyday Americans who love their country." The Trump campaign quickly capitalized on the moment, framing Biden’s comments as a direct attack on millions of Americans who support the former president.

The fallout from Biden’s remarks also drew criticism from within his own party. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro distanced himself from the president’s comments, stating he would "never insult the good people of Pennsylvania or any Americans." This echoes a similar situation from the 2016 election when Hillary Clinton referred to Trump supporters as a "basket of deplorables," a phrase that became a rallying cry for many in Trump’s base.

As the political landscape heats up with Election Day just around the corner, Biden is working hard to keep his administration’s achievements in the spotlight while also supporting Kamala Harris in her campaign against Trump. Harris, who has been critical of Trump, has taken a different approach by seeking to appeal to disaffected Republicans and emphasizing unity. "I pledge to be a president for all Americans," she stated during a speech at the Ellipse in Washington.

Meanwhile, Trump, in a Fox News interview, downplayed the controversy surrounding the comedian’s remarks, saying, "Somebody said there was a comedian that joked about Puerto Rico or something. And I have no idea who he is." He dismissed the incident as not a "big deal," while continuing to criticize Biden’s immigration policies.

As the election draws near, Biden’s comments serve as a reminder of the deep divisions in American politics. While he aims to rally support against Trump, the challenge remains to connect with voters across the spectrum, including those who may feel alienated by harsh rhetoric. With both campaigns ramping up their efforts, the coming days will be crucial in shaping the narrative leading up to the election.