It finally happened. Joe Biden had his “deplorables” moment this week, and he didn’t hold back. On a call with the Hispanic activist group Voto Latino, Biden took aim at Trump’s supporters, calling them “the only garbage” he saw out there, in response to a comedian’s joke about Puerto Rico. This wasn’t just a passing jab — it was a flat-out dismissal of millions of Americans who dare to vote for Trump in this election.
For anyone who remembers 2016, it’s hard not to see the parallels with Hillary Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” comment. Many say that slip-up was a major factor in her downfall. Now, Biden’s echoing that sentiment with a similar disdain that’s unlikely to go unnoticed. And even Biden’s own camp is starting to show cracks, with former staffers speaking out.
From Fox News: Michael LaRosa, Jill Biden’s former press secretary, openly criticized the White House for attempting to downplay Biden’s comment. He pointed out a hasty, and flawed, transcript correction where “supporters” was clumsily turned into “supporter’s” in a move he called “boneheaded.” LaRosa wasn’t alone in his criticism; others are wondering why Biden is shocked when Trump supporters feel the same animosity toward him.
Trump himself couldn’t resist responding. Calling Biden’s “garbage” comment “worse” than Clinton’s “deplorables,” Trump added a jab of his own, suggesting that Biden “really doesn’t know” what he’s saying, even adding, “You have to please forgive him.”
And if that wasn’t enough, Kamala Harris is making sure the fallout doesn’t stick to her. She issued a public statement condemning Biden’s attack on Trump supporters. “I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for,” she said, aiming to paint herself as a unifier — or at least as someone distancing herself from Biden’s tone.
It’s clear the damage is done, though. Even with Harris trying to put a professional spin on it, Biden’s remark exposed the left’s simmering disdain for Trump’s base. Now, Harris is blocking Biden from campaigning with her, showing just how toxic his “off-script” moments have become. And Democrats know it. Biden’s gaffes aren’t just slip-ups — they’re revealing moments where he accidentally says what the left really thinks.
One thing is certain: Jill Biden’s former staffer has made it clear that some cracks are impossible to paper over. As for the First Lady herself? She might want to start packing — the Bidens may have to clear out of the White House sooner than they’d like.