During an online speech, Joe Biden caused an uproar by calling Donald Trump’s supporters “garbage”, sparking outrage from the opposition and embarrassment within his camp. Joe Biden, visibly annoyed by the comments of a pro-Trump comedian who compared Puerto Rico to a “floating island of garbage,” responded: “the only garbage I see floating around here is his supporters. »
This statement which led to a strong reaction from Republicans and required clarification from the White House. In an attempt at appeasement, the administration clarified that Biden was not targeting Donald Trump’s voters, but only the comedian’s “abhorrent rhetoric.”
“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris hate America”
This explanation did not prevent Republicans from exploiting this “gaffe” to attack Joe Biden and, by extension, Kamala Harris. “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris hate America,” accused Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Republican candidate. Donald Trump, at a rally in Pennsylvania, deplored what he called a “terrible statement.” “We are not trash. We are patriots who love America,” added Marco Rubio, Republican senator, demanding a formal apology from Joe Biden.
For Kamala Harris, this clumsy statement from the president represents an additional challenge. The vice-president, although committed to the continuity of the Biden presidency, must manage a tarnished presidential image and reckless comments, especially since the Republicans do not hesitate to associate her own values with those of Joe Biden. Partly dissociating herself, Kamala Harris said: “I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for. »
An encore repeat of the 2016 campaign
This new hiccup reminds Democrats of the controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton’s statement in 2016, when she described some of Donald Trump’s supporters as “pitiful”. Despite his apologies, this remark had marked his campaign and remained a symbolic weapon for the Republicans, who had exploited it until the election. “It is possible that this new blunder works against Kamala Harris,” analyzes John Hansen, political scientist at the University of Chicago. It’s so tight that anything can count. »
Faced with this growing unpopularity of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris is increasingly forced to adjust her campaign to stand out and embody change, getting closer to popular figures like Beyoncé and Michelle Obama. According to political science professor Larry Sabato, “she should avoid appearing together with Joe Biden until the election is over. Joe Biden is quite unpopular, he is rusty and he has lost his touch. »