Just days after referring to Trump supporters as “garbage,” Joe Biden is again drawing criticism for comments aimed at “MAGA Republicans” during a campaign stop in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
In remarks that quickly circulated on social media, Biden said, “But I’m serious, these are the kinds of guys you’d like to smack in the a**,” referring to Trump supporters.
He called me “gay” and now he wants to touch my ass 🤣🤣🥲🥲 https://t.co/qH2wigqd32
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2024
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The latest comment follows Biden’s previous remarks made during an interview with CNN, in which he referred to Trump supporters as “garbage.”
Obama called us clingers.
Hillary called us deplorables.
Kamala calls us fascists.
And Biden just called us garbage.They don’t respect us & don’t want unity.
But we do.
We want to Make America Great Again.
Our coalition is for ALL AMERICANS.
And in 7 days, we will UNITE… pic.twitter.com/WYZePbYOyK— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) October 30, 2024
The statement drew widespread backlash, with some conservatives calling it divisive and inflammatory.
As criticism mounted, Biden attempted to clarify his statement in a post on X, writing, “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. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable. That’s all I meant to say.”
This is a lie. WATCH this transcribed and slowed-down version of Joe Biden’s comments.
Joe Biden clearly called 100 million Americans “garbage” and is now lying about it.
This is what they think of you: pic.twitter.com/kn2ps9HkeY
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 30, 2024
The White House further responded by stating Biden’s “garbage” comment was directed at comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who made a joke about Puerto Rico at Trump’s recent rally.
To support this interpretation, the White House edited the official transcript to add an apostrophe, implying the remark was singularly aimed at Hinchcliffe rather than all Trump supporters.
Harris-Biden staffers intentionally altered the official transcript of Biden calling Trump supporters “garbage” — ignoring objections from career government stenographers in a bid to cover for Kamala’s campaign.
“This is a MASSIVE scandal.” @StephenM pic.twitter.com/5Eljs0JOgD
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 1, 2024
This move, however, was met with objections from the White House stenographer’s office, sparking additional controversy over the handling of official records.
Biden’s remarks have stirred conversation across the political landscape, with some suggesting they have overshadowed Kamala Harris’ efforts to present her closing message before the election.
At her rally in Washington, D.C., Harris emphasized her commitment to unity and reducing national division, portraying herself as a candidate of “change.”
She also labeled Trump a “petty tyrant” and a “wannabe dictator.”
ABC: How can Kamala find “common ground” with President Trump’s supporters when she’s simultaneously smearing them and insulting him?
WALZ: “The vice president’s rhetoric is the rhetoric that a president of the United States gives.”
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 30, 2024
CNN analyst Chris Cillizza commented on the impact of Biden’s remarks on Harris’ campaign, stating in a post on X, “Biden’s verbal gaffe (if that’s what it was) is an absolute nightmare for the Harris campaign. This is getting more attention than Harris’ closing argument speech.”
Biden’s verbal gaffe (if that’s what it was) is an absolute nightmare for Harris campaign.
This is getting more attention than Harris’ closing argument speech. https://t.co/WKYnn5HHMB
— Chris Cillizza (@ChrisCillizza) October 30, 2024
As Election Day approaches, Biden’s comments have added new challenges for the Harris-Walz campaign, which has been working to highlight issues of unity and stability amid rising voter concerns about political divisions.
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Can’t wait to see this Despicable goat gone
This 80 yr. old punk couldn’t punch his way out of a wet paper bag. He’s a wannabe tough guy and not very impressive.
The idiot needs to be in a cage(or cell) before he hurts someone. His “garbage” comment and threat about kicking someone’s ass are crazy talk for a president Presidential words matter and this idiot doesn’t know how unstable these comments make him(and us) appear.