In a call organized by Hispanic advocacy group Voto Latino on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden responded to a comedian calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” at a Donald Trump rally. Biden said, “The Puerto Ricans I know in Delaware are honorable people. The real ‘trash’ is among the people who call Puerto Rico a ‘trash island’.”
Biden took umbrage at Trump’s supporters in his remarks, comparing them to ‘garbage’. He also called Trump’s slurs and hatred towards the Hispanic community inhumane and anti- national. The statement drew immediate backlash from Trump’s supporters. Trump supporters protest, calling Biden ‘insulting ordinary Americans’ said.
Kamala Harris’ message of unity:-
After Biden’s remarks, his colleague and Vice President Kamala Harris promised to unite all citizens of America. “I pledge to be president for all Americans,” Harris said in a speech from the Ellipse in Washington.
Minnesota Governor and Harris colleague Tim Walz also clarified Biden’s remarks, saying, “The president’s warning was only about hate speech.” However, some Republican leaders took advantage of Biden’s statement to intensify the opposition.
The Republican reaction and Trump’s reaction:-
In response to Biden’s remarks, Trump called Florida Senator Marco Rubio on stage to honor Trump supporters. “Joe Biden called our supporters trash,” Rubio said. Trump’s campaign office also slammed Biden’s remarks, writing in a campaign text, “Joe Biden despises you, but Trump thinks you’re unique!” Said that.
Democrats’ strategy and Clinton’s memory:-
Some Democratic leaders are also distancing themselves from Biden’s remarks. “I will never insult the American people,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. The statement is reminiscent of Hillary Clinton calling Trump supporters “deplorables” during the 2016 election.
Harris had a different strategy:-
Kamala Harris has campaigned with leaders such as former Republican Party leader Liz Cheney to support Democrats, aiming to attract Republican voters. Also, Harris’s ads show the story of ordinary citizens abandoning their support for Trump and coming with him.
Biden finally accused Trump, saying, “Trump has no concern for the Hispanic community.”