Ohio Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, struck back at President Biden’s recent remarks, where Biden seemed to imply that some of former President Trump’s supporters were “garbage.” At a campaign rally in Atlanta on Monday, Vance directed his criticism at Vice President Kamala Harris, stating, “The trash’s name is Kamala Harris.”
“Our message to Kamala Harris is very simple,” Vance said. “The citizens of this country are not garbage for thinking you’re doing a bad job.”
He defended Americans concerned with issues like border security and rising living costs, which he argued were the results of current Democratic policies. “In two days, we are going to take out the trash in Washington, D.C., and the trash’s name is Kamala Harris,” Vance concluded, rallying his supporters.
Vance’s comments came shortly after Biden faced backlash over remarks made in a conversation with Voto Latino, a prominent Latino advocacy group. Biden was addressing a racist joke about Puerto Rico made at a recent Trump rally when he described it as “garbage” and condemned what he called “demonization” of Latinos.
“The only garbage I see floating out there,” Biden said, “is his [Trump’s] demonization of Latinos, which is un-American.”
Reports later indicated that the White House edited Biden’s transcript, clarifying that he referred specifically to “supporters’ demonization,” not “supporters” themselves. But Vance saw an opportunity, accusing Biden of disrespecting the millions who support Trump, not just a few individuals.
“The people who support Trump aren’t garbage,” Vance asserted, underscoring his belief that Biden’s administration has dismissed the genuine concerns of many Americans.
Harris attempted to ease the tension by saying Biden had “clarified” his words and adding that she “strongly opposes any criticism of people based on who they vote for.” However, her response did little to quiet Vance’s critique or the concerns he voiced.
This exchange comes as both the Harris and Trump campaigns battle in critical swing states. The Biden-Harris team has invested considerable time and resources in appealing to minority groups, particularly the Latino community, while Republicans argue that their positions on economic and immigration policies benefit all Americans, including minorities. Trump’s focus on border security and inflation has resonated with segments of these groups, challenging the Democratic narrative.
With Election Day approaching, Vance and Republicans are framing their campaign as a movement for working Americans who feel overlooked. By focusing on border control and the rising cost of living, they hope to strike a chord with voters who feel economic pressures.
In these final days, both campaigns are mobilizing intensely, especially in battleground states where every vote could tip the balance. The race remains heated, and the outcome could set the tone for U.S. policies on immigration, the economy, and more for years to come.
