Recently, both President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump have used terms and phrases that may be harsh or offensive to influence voters’ positions or to describe their opponents in a negative way.
Each of them described supporters of the other party or certain groups with terms such as “trash” or “criminals,” sparking widespread reactions among public figures and celebrities.
Recently, during a Trump election rally, comedian Tony Hinchliffe described Puerto Rico as a “garbage island in the ocean” while attending a large Trump election rally.
Biden only responded by saying: “The people from Puerto Rico, where I live in my state of Delaware, are good and respectable people, and the only garbage I see floating there is his supporters (Trump supporters), and he continued: “His demonization of Latinos is unacceptable and un-American.”
Biden also indicated in other statements that some Trump supporters embrace “extremist ideologies” that conflict with basic democratic values in the United States.
For his part, Trump made controversial statements in his campaigns regarding immigrants and Hispanic Americans, some of whom he described in negative terms, referring to charges related to crime and non-compliance with the laws.
He also accused Haitian immigrants of practicing cultural customs that include eating pets, without any evidence to support these allegations. These statements by Trump caused a new crisis in relations between the US administration and some societal groups, and increased concern about hate speech towards immigrants.
Trump considered that the immigration policy pursued by the current US administration has turned the United States into a garbage dump for the entire world.
These statements sparked mixed reactions among the American people, as Biden’s supporters saw that his statements reflect legitimate concern about issues of extremism within some groups of Trump supporters, considering that preserving democracy requires taking a clear stance towards ideas that they consider extremist.
On the other hand, Trump’s supporters expressed their anger at these statements, considering them discriminatory and lacking respect towards a large segment of the people.
As for Latino Americans, many saw Trump’s statements as expressing marginalization and contributing to tarnishing their reputation, which affected their electoral positions and prompted many of them to rethink their support for the Republican Party.
Comments on Biden and Trump’s statements were not limited to politicians and activists only, as Hollywood artists and celebrities joined the discussion, expressing their positions rejecting this rhetorical style, especially in light of its impact on the unity of society.
This comes in light of the major role that Hollywood stars play in shaping public opinion and influencing voters. Many celebrities have millions of followers on social media, giving them a powerful platform to influence voters’ opinions.
Celebrities also encourage their followers to register to vote and participate in the elections. They are often powerful in increasing voter turnout, especially among youth and underrepresented communities in the electoral process.
Among the celebrities who commented on Trump’s statements was Jennifer Lopez, who is considered one of the most prominent Latino artists in Hollywood. She expressed her dissatisfaction with Trump’s statements and said: “There appears to be clear prejudice against Latinos, and this is unacceptable.” “We are proud of our identity and we will continue to defend it.”
As for actor Robert De Niro, known for his harsh stances toward Trump, he did not hesitate to criticize his speech, considering that it encourages social divisions. He commented, saying, “Trump’s hostile style toward some groups is an attempt to create chaos and confusion among people.” “Leaders should unite society, not divide it.”
The former Republican governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, announced his support for the Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, considering that “describing America as a garbage dump for the world is something that is so unpatriotic that it angers me.”
While Hollywood stars often show their support for the Democratic Party, some of them, despite their support for Biden, criticized his statements and considered that national unity is only achieved through mutual respect and expressing differences in constructive ways.
Mark Ruffalo, the well-known environmental activist and actor, expressed his criticism of Biden’s speech as well, and called for a tone down of the expressions, saying: “We must learn to listen to others instead of insulting them, and search for common ground instead of generalizations that increase tension.”
As for actor Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), despite his traditional Democratic support, he said that “unity does not come from describing people in negative terms just because of their political preferences.”
In turn, Matthew McConaughey, who was famous for his positions calling for moderation, said that “politicians need to reduce the intensity of rhetoric and focus on what unites and not what divides,” adding: “It is easy to fall into the trap of describing those who disagree with us with negative descriptions, but building a unified state “It requires respect for different points of view.”
Source: RT
#Trash #White #House
**Interview with Dr. Emily Hartman, Political Rhetoric Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hartman. We’ve seen some contentious rhetoric recently from both President Biden and Donald Trump. What do you think motivates politicians to use such extreme language when addressing their opponents or certain voter groups?
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me. Politicians often resort to extreme rhetoric as a strategic tool to energize their base, create a clear dichotomy between ‘us’ and ‘them’, and to draw attention in a crowded media landscape. It’s an effective way to mobilize supporters by framing opposing views as dangerous or unacceptable, which can sometimes resonate deeply with an audience seeking decisive leadership.
**Editor:** It’s interesting you mention the audience. How does this type of rhetoric impact public discourse and voter sentiment, particularly with marginalized communities?
**Dr. Hartman:** Extreme political rhetoric can deepen polarization within society. For many, it’s not just about policy differences anymore, but about identity and values. This can leave marginalized communities feeling targeted or devalued, especially in the case of Trump’s comments on immigrants. Such statements can discourage engagement from these communities or even push them to reconsider their political affiliations, as we’ve seen with some Latin American voters reevaluating their support for the Republican Party.
**Editor:** The reaction from public figures, including celebrities, seems to also play a role in these discussions. How significant do you believe the influence of Hollywood and celebrity voices is in shaping voter opinions?
**Dr. Hartman:** Celebrities have significant platforms and can reach millions of followers instantly, making them powerful advocates in political discourse. When figures like Jennifer Lopez speak out against negative rhetoric, they can humanize issues and influence public sentiment, particularly among younger demographics who might not engage with traditional political messaging. Their endorsements or criticisms can sway opinions and motivate voter registration and turnout, particularly among underrepresented communities.
**Editor:** Given the current climate of heightened rhetoric, how important is it for leaders to foster constructive and nuanced political discourse in a democracy?
**Dr. Hartman:** It’s crucial. Constructive discourse helps bridge divides and encourages collaboration across ideological lines. While it’s understandable that politicians want to rally their bases, disregarding civility ultimately weakens democratic institutions and the social fabric of the nation. Leaders should ideally promote dialogue that respects differing viewpoints and seeks common ground, which is essential for a functioning democracy.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for your insights on this pressing topic. It’s clear that navigating political rhetoric thoughtfully is important not just for politicians but for the health of our democracy.
**Dr. Hartman:** Absolutely, thank you for shedding light on this important issue.
