President Biden’s comments about Trump supporters stirred reactions soon after his statement during a Voto Latino teleconference. On Tuesday evening, Biden criticised Donald Trump, questioning his character and concern for the Latino community. He referenced a derogatory remark made at a Trump rally, saying, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters,” in relation to the comedian’s insult towards Puerto Rico.
Media figures and White House representatives quickly responded. Jonathan Lemire, a Politico White House bureau chief, highlighted Biden’s rebuke of Trump supporters’ “hatred” towards Puerto Rico. NBC’s Gabe Gutierrez tweeted similarly, clarifying that Biden referred to the comedian who insulted Puerto Rico. Lemire and Gutierrez further shared that a White House spokesperson explained Biden’s comment targeted the comedian’s remarks.
Lemire provided a transcript of the Zoom call, indicating Biden’s words were misinterpreted. The transcript showed Biden saying, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s — his — his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American.” This suggested Biden addressed a specific supporter before criticising Trump. White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates and Gutierrez posted the same transcript, emphasising the apostrophe placement in “supporter’s.”
Incase you missed this
CBS: Biden appears to call Trump supporters “garbage”“This was certainly not the distraction the Harris campaign needed.”
BRUTAL! https://t.co/OUVgcZ8RDO pic.twitter.com/em0n7vQ8Ag
— 🇹🇭🩸🅃🄷🄴 🅃🄱🄹 ♥️🇺🇸 (@beerburp23) October 30, 2024
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, on CNN, stated he would not insult Americans, including those supporting a candidate he doesn’t favour. Biden addressed the incident on social media, describing the rhetoric as “garbage,” reaffirming his stance against Trump’s demonisation of Latinos.
The White House released an official transcript echoing Biden’s statement. Franklin Leonard, during a CNN panel, dismissed the remark as trivial, attributing Biden’s speech pattern to his past stutter. Republican Scott Jennings countered, suggesting Biden and the Democrats view many Americans with disdain.
On Wednesday, Lemire discussed the fallout on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” noting how some critics interpreted Biden’s words as an attack on all Trump supporters. Host Joe Scarborough argued that Biden’s intention was not to alienate half the country.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CBS News reports on Biden’s reaction to a ‘garbage’ joke about Puerto Rico, highlighting his exasperation and the GOP’s criticism of his comments, emphasizing the controversy over Trump rally remarks.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Biden say about Trump supporters?
Biden criticized Trump supporters, referencing a comedian’s insult and calling their demonization of Latinos ‘garbage.’
How did the White House respond to Biden’s comments?
The White House clarified Biden’s comments targeted the comedian’s remarks, not all Trump supporters.
Did Biden really insult all Trump supporters?
No, Biden’s remark was misinterpreted; he criticized a specific supporter and Trump’s demonization of Latinos.
What was the public reaction to Biden’s statement?
Media figures and politicians reacted, with some viewing it as an attack on all Trump supporters, while others dismissed it.
How did Biden address the controversy afterward?
Biden reaffirmed his stance against Trump’s rhetoric, calling it ‘garbage,’ and focused on defending the Latino community.
