In a stunning display of divisive rhetoric, President Joe Biden recently labeled millions of Trump supporters as “garbage.” For a sitting president to make such an inflammatory comment about a significant portion of Americans is, frankly, shocking. These aren’t extremists—these are working folks, veterans, parents, and young adults who deserve respect for their political choices, not insults.
The backlash was immediate, with critics slamming Biden for his tone, timing, and poor judgment, especially as threats against Donald Trump continue to escalate. At a time when the country is already on edge, Biden’s words feel not only insensitive but irresponsible.
What about Kamala Harris? Biden’s comments put her in a tight spot. He’s endorsed her as his successor, yet now she’s tied to his divisive remark—a statement that could easily alienate essential voter groups.
Her silence on Biden’s insult speaks volumes. But all eyes turned to Trump’s reaction, and, as always, he had a strong response.
According to the Daily Wire: “That’s terrible,” Trump remarked to a cheering crowd. “Remember Hillary? She called us ‘deplorables’ and even ‘irredeemable.’ That didn’t end so well for her.” Then, with his trademark humor, he added, “Garbage might be worse, don’t you think? But Biden, he doesn’t know, so please forgive him. Forgive him, he doesn’t know what he’s saying. Deep down, I bet he even likes me better than Kamala.”
Trump’s Response: “It’s Worse Than Deplorable”
In a quick rebuttal, Trump reminded supporters of Hillary Clinton’s infamous “deplorables” comment from 2016. “Remember? ‘Deplorable,’ then ‘irredeemable.’ We saw how that turned out,” he said, smiling. Trump didn’t stop there, though. “Garbage is a whole new level,” he added, underscoring Biden’s seeming disconnection with the impact of his own words.
Trump’s comeback wasn’t just a response to an insult. It was a broader critique of the dangerous direction he believes Biden and Harris are leading the nation. In a follow-up, Trump’s campaign issued a scathing statement, slamming Biden and Harris for referring to Trump’s supporters as “fascists, Nazis, and now garbage.”
The statement further declared, “Biden and Harris don’t just despise President Trump; they hold disdain for the tens of millions of Americans who support him.” Trump’s final message? As president, he would govern “for ALL Americans”—a direct counter to Biden’s divisive language.
Ramping Up the Rhetoric in the Final Stretch
Biden’s remark was made during a campaign call as Harris was giving her final pitch to voters. Shortly after criticizing Trump’s “lack of character” and alleged disdain for Latino Americans, Biden threw out an outrageous reference to Puerto Rico, calling it a “floating island of garbage.” While Biden’s comment referenced a comedian at a recent Trump rally, he left no ambiguity about his own position: “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”
As Biden’s remarks reverberate through the media, his rhetoric raises questions about the message he’s pushing in these crucial final days. While Harris has tried to craft an image of “joy” and “turning the page,” Biden’s words undermine her message, fueling anger and division instead of unity.
Instead of bolstering his support, Biden’s rhetoric risks alienating moderates and independents. In contrast, Trump’s response has positioned him as the more balanced, even-tempered candidate in this race.
When Reckless Words Have Real-World Consequences
Let’s not overlook the seriousness of this situation: Biden’s remark comes on the heels of two recent assassination attempts targeting Trump. In these high-stakes times, a president’s words carry enormous weight. Instead of leading with caution, Biden’s rhetoric could fuel extremist reactions, adding fuel to an already intense climate.
What Does This Mean for Harris’s 2024 Chances?
Now, with Biden’s inflammatory attack looming over her, Harris is stuck in a difficult position. As his designated successor, she’s now defending remarks that could tarnish her reputation with the very voters she hopes to sway.
But Harris’s silence speaks volumes. By not addressing Biden’s comment, she risks further alienating independents and moderate Democrats who may see his rhetoric as out of line.
Harris has already faced scrutiny for her campaign’s aggressive tone, and Biden’s latest comment only intensifies the perception that the Democrats are out of touch. Biden’s words may resonate with far-left voters, but they could spell trouble for Harris’s bid to win over the broader electorate.
Trump’s Final Message: A President for All
Trump’s campaign lost no time framing Biden’s insult as part of the Democrats’ broader disdain for ordinary Americans. His message? Biden and Harris aren’t just targeting Trump—they’re dismissing the people who support him.
In contrast, Trump has vowed to be a president for everyone, regardless of party lines. It’s a message that could resonate with the many Americans who feel disrespected and ignored by Biden’s comments.
By highlighting Biden’s words, Trump is transforming a gaffe into a rallying cry, appealing to millions of voters who feel sidelined and belittled. And with Election Day fast approaching, this latest misstep by Biden could be all it takes to tip the scales in Trump’s favor.
