Trump and His Allies Link Biden’s ‘Garbage’ Comment to 2016 ‘Deplorables’ Remark
Within minutes of the clip of President Biden’s remarks going viral, the Trump campaign and others were using it to attack Kamala Harris and Democrats.
Within minutes of the clip of President Biden’s remarks going viral, the Trump campaign and others were using it to attack Kamala Harris and Democrats.
www.nytimes.com
“…On Tuesday, it was President Biden who provided the ammunition, appearing to call Trump supporters “garbage” while talking to Latino allies by video.
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Mr. Rubio added, as the crowd booed and Mr. Trump shook his head: “He’s talking about the Border Patrol. He’s talking about nurses. He’s talking about teachers. He’s talking about everyday Americans who love their country and want to dream big again and support you, Mr. President.”
Mr. Trump’s team saw the moment from Mr. Biden as similar to the occasion when Mrs. Clinton, speaking at a fund-raiser in late summer during the 2016 campaign, condemned half of Mr. Trump’s supporters as belonging in “what I call the basket of deplorables.” She had added, “The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic — you name it. And unfortunately there are people like that. And he has lifted them up.”
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“That’s terrible,” Mr. Trump said from the stage at his rally. “So you have — remember Hillary, she said ‘Deplorable.’” He added of Mr. Biden, “I’m convinced that he likes me more than he likes Kamala.”
Mr. Trump has repeatedly demonized Democrats, using terms that have included “the enemy within,” “communists,” “Marxists” and “vermin.” He has attacked his critics and threatened some with prosecution if he becomes president again.
… By Tuesday night, the Trump campaign was using the Biden comments to appeal to his supporters. Mr. Trump sent a fund-raising email with the subject line: “You are not garbage! I love you! You are the best our nation has to offer.”
Mr. Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, who has been the former president’s most aggressive defender, posted on X about the remark, writing: “This is disgusting. Kamala Harris and her boss Joe Biden are attacking half of the country. There’s no excuse for this. I hope Americans reject it.” …”