President Joe Biden sparked controversy and Republican backlash when he condemned racist jokes made at a Donald Trump rally by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at Madison Square Garden. During a video call for Latino voter outreach, Biden defended the Puerto Rican community and criticized either Trump supporters or Hinchcliffe for their offensive remarks. The White House clarified that Biden referred to the hateful rhetoric at the rally as garbage and not Trump supporters. Despite attempts at damage control, the controversy overshadowed Vice President Kamala Harris’ major speech, focusing attention instead on Biden’s remarks.
Republicans used Biden’s comments to undermine the message of unity that Harris was delivering in her speech. Trump’s co-campaign manager and running mate, along with Sen. Marco Rubio and others, denounced Biden’s remarks as disrespectful and divisive. Trump himself compared Biden’s comments to Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” gaffe, suggesting it was worse. This controversy distracted from the final days of campaigning, with Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis criticizing both campaigns for engaging in negative rhetoric.
Biden later clarified his remarks on social media, emphasizing that he was condemning the hateful rhetoric and not all Trump supporters. Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro expressed disappointment in Biden’s comments, suggesting that attacking supporters of either candidate was not productive. The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to the situation. The exchange highlighted the contentious nature of the election and the divisive rhetoric used by both sides.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com