Harris Disagrees with Criticism of People Based on Who They Vote for
JOINT BASE ANDREWS: Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris sought to distance herself from comments by US President Joe Biden, who appeared to refer to Republican Donald Trump’s supporters as "garbage". Biden made the remarks in a campaign call yesterday, sparking a firestorm as he addressed a row that erupted after one of Trump’s warm-up speakers at a New York rally referred to Puerto Rico as a "floating island of garbage".
Harris’ Reaction
When asked about Biden’s words, Vice-President Harris told reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, "Listen, I think that first of all, he clarified his comments. But let me be clear, I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for."
clampdown on Divisive Politics
As she headed back on the campaign trail, Harris, 60, insisted she would be a "president for all Americans, whether you vote for me or not". Her message focused on unity, rather than division, and a call for an end to "chaos" under Trump. However, the row over Biden’s remarks threatened to overshadow her major election speech outside the White House yesterday.
Biden’s Remarks
Biden’s comments were made in a video call with the nonprofit VotoLatino and went viral shortly afterwards. He said, "The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His, his, his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable and it’s un-American." Biden later clarified his remarks on social media, stating that he had referred to the "hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump’s supporter".
Row Over Context
The White House later released a transcript of Biden’s comments, adding a single apostrophe to his statement, claiming that he said "supporter’s" instead of "supporters", in an effort to back up his assertion that he was referring to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comments at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally.
Electoral Impact
The row over Biden’s remarks has underscored his growing marginalization from the Harris campaign, with US media reporting that Harris aides had feared Biden is an electoral liability and rejected his suggestions to make joint appearances on the campaign trail.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Biden’s comments highlights the delicate balance between criticizing political opponents and promoting unity. Harris’ insistence that she would be a "president for all Americans, whether you vote for me or not" suggests a commitment to inclusivity and understanding. As the election season unfolds, it will be crucial for Harris and her campaign to navigate this complex landscape effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What did Joe Biden say in his video call with VotoLatino?
A: Biden appeared to refer to Republican Donald Trump’s supporters as "garbage".
Q: What did Kamala Harris say in response to Biden’s comments?
A: Harris disagreed with criticism of people based on who they vote for and emphasized her commitment to unity and inclusivity.
Q: Why did Biden clarify his remarks?
A: Biden claimed he was referring to the "hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump’s supporter", not his supporters.