A campaign trail controversy unfolds as President Joe Biden faces backlash over remarks that appeared to label Trump supporters as "garbage" during a call with Voto Latino.
According to the New York Post, the White House attempted to clarify the president's comments by editing the official transcript, adding an apostrophe to suggest Biden was referring to rhetoric rather than individuals.
The modification came as Democrats scrambled to contain potential political fallout just days before the 2024 election. The disputed comments emerged during Biden's response to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe's joke at a Trump rally in Madison Square Garden, where he referred to Puerto Rico as a "floating island of garbage." Biden's reaction sparked immediate controversy and prompted swift damage-control efforts from Democratic allies.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates issued a statement attempting to contextualize the president's words. The official transcript was modified to read with an apostrophe, suggesting Biden meant "supporter's" rather than "supporters."
Some media figures, including film executive Franklin Leonard, defended the interpretation based on Biden's known speech patterns. Leonard, who has previously donated to Harris' campaigns, cited his personal experience with stuttering to support the White House's explanation.
The clarification attempt faced significant pushback from Republican strategists and independent journalists who viewed it as potential manipulation of official records.
Vice President Kamala Harris notably distanced herself from the controversy when questioned about it. Her response reflected a careful political calculation as she prepared for a campaign event in North Carolina.
Harris explicitly stated her position on the matter, breaking from the administration's defensive stance. The vice president's polling numbers show her trailing Trump in seven key battleground states by one percentage point.
The incident adds to a series of statements from Biden targeting Trump supporters. Previous remarks included characterizations of "MAGA Republicans" as extremists and comparisons to "semi-fascism."
GOP strategist Matt Whitlock accused media outlets of "shameful gaslighting" in their coverage of the incident. His response highlighted the growing tension between political camps over media interpretation of campaign rhetoric. Independent journalists and conservative commentators questioned the White House's handling of the transcript modification, with some suggesting it could violate the Presidential Records Act.
The controversy emerges as both parties prepare for a highly competitive election. Early voting patterns suggest Republican outperformance in several key metrics.
Political analysts from both parties predict a close race, with polling data indicating tight margins in battleground states. The incident's timing, just seven days before voters head to the polls, amplifies its potential impact on campaign dynamics.
Media coverage of the incident has varied significantly across political lines, with some outlets accepting the White House's explanation while others maintain skepticism about the administration's response.
