Harris distances himself from Biden’s “rubbish” comment

Biden‘s statement came in a conference call Tuesday, where he addressed the row after a comedian warming up for Donald Trump referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”

– The only garbage I see floating out there are his supporters, said Biden. He later said that he meant the negative mention of Puerto Rico from the specific comedian.

– I think he has clarified his statement, Harris told reporters at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington on Wednesday.

– But let me make it absolutely clear: I am strongly against criticizing people based on who they vote for, said the presidential candidate, who insists that she will be “a president for all Americans, whether you vote for me or not”.

Republicans immediately pounced on Biden’s statement, which threatened to overshadow a speech Harris gave outside the White House in which she emphasized unity over what she described as chaos and division under Trump.

The uproar surrounding Biden’s statement also shows that the 81-year-old president ends up increasingly on the sidelines in the election campaign. According to American media, Harris advisers fear that Biden could become a burden on the election campaign and have rejected proposals for joint appearances with Harris.

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**Interview with Political Analyst Jane Thompson**

**Interviewer:** Jane, Biden’s recent remarks about ​Puerto Rico and Trump’s supporters have stirred quite the controversy. What do you make of his statement ⁢and the subsequent reactions ⁢from both ‍parties?

**Jane Thompson:** It’s ⁤certainly ‌a complex situation. Biden’s comments, while aimed at a specific comedian, could be perceived as broader criticisms of Trump supporters. This risks alienating a segment of the electorate that Democrats need to appeal ‍to ⁣if they want to win in 2024.

**Interviewer:** ‍Vice President Harris attempted ​to clarify the issue by emphasizing unity​ and ‌distancing herself from Biden’s comments. How effective do you think her approach will be​ in mitigating the fallout‌ from‌ this situation?

**Jane Thompson:** Harris’s strategy to promote unity⁤ is essential, especially in ⁤a highly charged political environment. However, the effectiveness really depends on how the public perceives Biden’s comments⁢ as a reflection of his candidacy. If voters see this⁤ as divisive, it could backfire on ⁢the campaign.

**Interviewer:** Republicans have jumped on this ⁣opportunity to criticize Biden, framing it as ⁣a sign that⁣ he’s losing touch with ​the​ American people. Do you believe this ⁤could significantly impact the Democrats’ chances in the upcoming election?

**Jane Thompson:** It certainly adds fuel to the Republican ​narrative of chaos within the Democratic camp. If Biden’s gaffes continue and Harris⁤ is seen as having to​ constantly distance herself from ‌him, it could​ lead to questions ‌about their unity and effectiveness as a team, which might sway undecided voters.

**Interviewer:** Given all of this, how do you think voters are⁣ responding to the idea of presidential​ candidates criticizing each other based on their supporters’ ‌identities?

**Jane Thompson:** That’s where the debate gets really interesting. On one hand, many voters might appreciate directness and honesty, but others might find such comments inappropriate and divisive. It prompts the question: should candidates focus solely⁤ on policy and vision for the nation, or ​do personal attacks and characterizations have a place in political discourse? What do you think?