Biden's Comments Spark Election Controversy

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Biden's Comments Spark Election Controversycampaigns > politicsIn the final days of the 2024 presidential campaign, President Biden's remarks about Trump supporters have ignited controversy, echoing Hillary Clinton's 2016 'basket of deplorables' comment. His comments, made during a video call, were intended to criticize racist rhetoric but have led to backlash from Republicans and forced Vice President Harris to clarify her stance.

What's happened

In the final days of the 2024 presidential campaign, President Biden's remarks about Trump supporters have ignited controversy, echoing Hillary Clinton's 2016 'basket of deplorables' comment. His comments, made during a video call, were intended to criticize racist rhetoric but have led to backlash from Republicans and forced Vice President Harris to clarify her stance.

Why it matters

What the papers say

According to the New York Times, Biden's remarks were intended to criticize the hateful rhetoric from a Trump rally but instead led to accusations of denigrating Trump supporters. The article notes, 'The White House insisted that what Mr. Biden had said was “his supporter’s demonization,” referring only to the comic who initially insulted Puerto Ricans.' Meanwhile, Axios reported that Republicans quickly seized on the comments, with Senator JD Vance calling them 'disgusting' and drawing comparisons to Clinton's earlier remarks. The article emphasized that 'the fight currently being waged over the quote is a clear demonstration of why the 81-year-old president has been largely kept off the campaign trail.' This illustrates the broader implications of Biden's gaffe on the campaign dynamics as both parties prepare for the upcoming election.

How we got here

Biden's comments came as he attempted to address offensive remarks made by a speaker at a Trump rally. The incident has raised concerns about his impact on Harris's campaign, as she seeks to distance herself from the unpopular incumbent while promoting a message of unity.

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