On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre found herself in the hot seat over comments from President Biden that seemed to target Trump supporters.
As reported by Townhall, Biden had recently referred to certain rhetoric associated with Trump’s movement as “garbage,” sparking backlash and questions on whether he harbors disdain for Americans who support the former president.
Obama called us clingers.
Hillary called us deplorables.
Kamala calls us fascists.
And Biden just called us garbage.They don’t respect us & don’t want unity.
But we do.
We want to Make America Great Again.
Our coalition is for ALL AMERICANS.
And in 7 days, we will UNITE… pic.twitter.com/WYZePbYOyK— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) October 30, 2024
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Jean-Pierre was quick to clarify, insisting the President’s words were taken out of context and claiming Biden was addressing what he deemed “hateful rhetoric” rather than labeling Trump supporters as a whole.
Reporters pressed Jean-Pierre to explain Biden’s exact meaning. “To be clear,” she emphasized, “he was not calling Trump supporters ‘garbage.’”
Karine Jean-Pierre is pressed on Biden’s “garbage” comment:
“Does [Biden] think less of Americans who support Trump than he does who do not? Why is he using that kind of rhetoric? How is that presidential?” pic.twitter.com/knVsbEKepg
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 30, 2024
She added that Biden had issued a follow-up statement, aiming to clear up any misunderstandings. According to Jean-Pierre, Biden’s aim was to hold accountable the hateful rhetoric he perceives in certain political circles, a stance he has purportedly upheld throughout his time in office.
“He is a president for all Americans, regardless of who they voted for,” she affirmed. Yet her statements left some wondering if the administration fully understands the gravity of its language.
In a bold moment, another journalist brought up Hillary Clinton’s infamous “deplorables” comment from her 2016 campaign, which many see as a memorable example of similar rhetoric. Clinton’s disparaging term has haunted the left and often resurfaces in discussions of Democrats’ views on conservative Americans.
REPORTER: Is this Biden’s “basket of deplorables” moment?
KJP: He wasn’t speaking about Trump supporters! pic.twitter.com/ReDA0Vfc8R
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 30, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris also weighed in, seemingly distancing herself from Biden’s remarks. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews, Harris acknowledged Biden’s clarification but was resolute in her stance, declaring, “I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for.”
Kamala Harris: “I strongly disagree” with Biden calling Trump supporters “garbage.” pic.twitter.com/yTsK0Ob3NS
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 30, 2024
Harris’s words sought to emphasize her commitment to serving all Americans, regardless of political affiliation—a stark contrast to Biden’s recent tone.
As the 2024 election cycle heats up, the White House is facing increased scrutiny over its messaging, particularly regarding conservative Americans.
Biden’s “garbage” remark adds fuel to ongoing concerns about his administration’s tone, raising questions about his commitment to uniting a deeply divided nation.
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