Trump Allies React to Biden’s “Garbage” Remark, Drawing Parallels to Clinton’s “Deplorables” Comment
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Washington — Former President Donald Trump and his allies are evoking memories of a significant 2016 campaign moment when Hillary Clinton referred to many Trump supporters as a “basket of deplorables.”
On October 29, President Joe Biden made a comment that Trump’s supporters quickly seized upon. In a video address to Latino supporters, Biden appeared to call Trump supporters “garbage.” He referenced a speaker at a recent Trump rally who had described Puerto Rico disparagingly, saying, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters – his demonisation of Latinos is unconscionable and un-American.”
The White House later clarified that Biden was referring specifically to the divisive rhetoric of the rally speaker, not directly calling Trump’s base “garbage.”
However, Trump’s team quickly amplified the comments. That evening, Senator Marco Rubio informed the crowd at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, saying, “Just moments ago, Joe Biden stated that our supporters are garbage.” Rubio added that Biden’s remark showed disregard for ordinary Americans, including Border Patrol agents, teachers, and nurses.
The Trump campaign saw similarities between Biden’s comments and Clinton’s 2016 remarks, which included her description of some Trump supporters as “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic.” Clinton’s labeling proved to be a rallying cry, as Trump’s supporters took on the “deplorables” label.
Following Biden’s comments, Trump’s 2024 campaign saw an opportunity to portray Biden as disconnected from ordinary Americans, while also linking Biden’s remarks to Vice President Kamala Harris as his running mate. Onstage, Trump referenced Clinton’s remarks, saying, “Remember Hillary? She said ‘deplorable.’” He added, “I’m convinced that he [Biden] likes me more than he likes Kamala.”
Trump continued to criticize Biden the next day on social media, saying, “You can’t lead America if you don’t love the American People.” Over recent months, Trump has intensified his criticism of Democrats, using terms like “the enemy within,” “communists,” and “vermin,” and has suggested he would pursue prosecution of his critics if re-elected.
The controversial comment at Trump’s rally on October 27 was made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” Hinchcliffe’s remark drew backlash, including from Puerto Rican Republicans, and the Trump campaign later distanced itself from his joke. Trump’s Pennsylvania rallies on October 28 featured Puerto Rican women who spoke in support of Trump’s record with Puerto Rico.
On October 28, the Trump campaign used Biden’s comments to appeal directly to his base, with Trump sending an email titled, “You are not garbage! I love you!” expressing his support. Trump’s running mate, Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, also condemned Biden’s comment on social media, stating, “Kamala Harris and her boss Joe Biden are attacking half of the country.”