Biden’s Controversial Comments Spark Backlash as Harris Calls for Unity

AFP

Washington: In a recent development, Vice President Kamala Harris distanced herself from President Joe Biden’s controversial remarks referring to Republican Donald Trump’s supporters as “garbage.” 

The comments emerged during a campaign call where Biden addressed a backlash following disparaging remarks about Puerto Rico made by one of Trump’s rally speakers.

When asked about Biden’s comments, Harris emphasized her disagreement with any criticism based on voting preferences, stating, “I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for.” She reiterated her commitment to being a president for all Americans, regardless of their political affiliation.

Republicans swiftly criticized Biden’s remarks, fearing they could overshadow Harris’s significant speech advocating for unity over the perceived chaos and division under Trump. 

This incident highlights Biden’s diminishing influence within the Harris campaign, with reports suggesting that Harris’s aides view him as a potential electoral liability, leading to a reluctance to appear together on the campaign trail.

During the call with VotoLatino, Biden claimed that the “only garbage” he sees comes from Trump’s supporters, accusing Trump of “demonizing Latinos” in a way he deemed “unconscionable” and “un-American.” 

In an attempt to clarify, Biden later stated on social media that he was specifically addressing the hateful rhetoric surrounding Puerto Rico, indicating that his comments were not intended as a broad criticism of Trump’s base. 

The White House subsequently adjusted the transcript to support this clarification.