President Joe Biden sparked controversy when he condemned racist jokes made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Donald Trump rally, referring to the Puerto Rican community as “good, decent, honorable people” and criticizing Trump’s demonization of Latinos. The White House clarified that Biden was not calling Trump’s supporters “garbage,” but meant to condemn Hinchcliffe’s remarks specifically. However, Republicans seized on Biden’s comments to undermine the message of unity Vice President Kamala Harris was delivering in her speech. Trump campaign officials and supporters criticized Biden’s remarks and accused him and Harris of attacking half of the country. Trump compared Biden’s comment to Hillary Clinton’s characterization of some of his supporters as a “basket of deplorables.” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro disapproved of Biden’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the contrast between Harris and Trump rather than attacking their supporters. While Harris denied ever calling Trump supporters “stupid” in a previous interview, her campaign did not immediately respond to Biden’s comments. Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis criticized the negative rhetoric coming from both campaigns, saying they are both on a path to self-sabotage.
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