President Joe Biden’s remark labeling Trump supporters as “garbage” has sparked intense backlash from Republicans and forced a round of damage control from Democrats. In a campaign interview on Tuesday, Biden took aim at former President Donald Trump’s base, saying, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters,” in reference to Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden. The statement immediately drew comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s infamous “deplorables” comment from the 2016 election, a gaffe that many believe cost her politically.
Trump on Biden’s garbage comment:
“Please forgive him, for he not knoweth what he said”
This man is so funny 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/SmpRTWw4X2
— Ashley St. Clair (@stclairashley) October 30, 2024
Key Democrats quickly distanced themselves from Biden’s words. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was among the first to react, appearing on CNN shortly after the comment aired. “I would never insult the good people of Pennsylvania or any Americans even if they chose to support a candidate who I didn’t support,” Shapiro said, underscoring a stark contrast to Biden’s tone. Other prominent Democrats, including Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York and Sen. John Tester of Montana, also voiced their disagreement, signaling unease within the party about the divisive rhetoric.
On CNN now… Harris on Biden comments from last night, notes POTUS clarified but adds: “I strongly disagree with any criticism of anybody based on who they vote for.”
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) October 30, 2024
Republicans and Trump allies, meanwhile, seized on Biden’s remark as a political misstep. National Republican Congressional Committee communications director Jack Pandol framed Biden’s comment as emblematic of the Democrats’ disdain for mainstream America, saying, “This is Joe Biden’s ‘deplorables’ moment… Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and House Democrats look down their nose at anyone who wants affordability, safe streets, and a secure border.” Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida echoed the sentiment, recalling previous instances of disparagement, such as Obama’s “clingers” remark and Harris’s “fascists” label. “They don’t respect us & don’t want unity,” Donalds said, positioning Trump’s base as a coalition for “ALL AMERICANS.”
Kamala Harris: “I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for.” pic.twitter.com/zlKAhl4ZAx
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 30, 2024
Trump himself responded to the news of Biden’s comment with his characteristic flair. Informed of the gaffe by Sen. Marco Rubio during a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump appeared briefly surprised before quipping, “Please forgive him, for he not knoweth what he said,” suggesting Biden may not have full control over his words. He added with a laugh, “I’m convinced he likes me more than he likes Kamala,” a jab at the reportedly uneasy partnership between Biden and Harris.
As a Jew, nothing is more offensive to me than hearing Kamala Harris compare her political opponent to Hitler simply because she disagrees with him. Hitler was responsible for the murder of six million Jews, whereas Trump has done everything to make Jews in America safer. The… pic.twitter.com/GyidDA4dYu
— Awesome Jew (@JewsAreTheGOAT) October 23, 2024
In an attempt to walk back the comment, Biden later clarified on social media, claiming that he was only referring to the “hateful rhetoric” voiced by a specific Trump supporter at the rally. The White House followed up with a statement from spokesperson Andrew Bates, who insisted Biden’s remark targeted the language of one speaker, not all Trump supporters. A carefully edited transcript was released, altering the phrasing to suggest Biden’s criticism was directed solely at the comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, whose controversial joke about Puerto Rico was the catalyst for Biden’s comment.
