President Joe Biden's recent comments referring to former President Donald Trump's supporters as 'garbage' have sparked controversy and frustration within Democratic circles. While Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign publicly defended Biden's remarks, privately, many Democrats expressed concern about the impact of his words.
Senior campaign officials have been fielding messages from supporters expressing exasperation and suggesting that Biden should limit his public appearances in the final days leading up to Election Day. Some have even gone as far as to say that 'nobody wants him out there.'
Despite efforts by the Harris campaign to downplay or clarify Biden's comments, the remarks made during a virtual call with the Voto Latino group have become a significant distraction. Trump and his allies have seized on the opportunity to accuse Harris and her campaign of looking down on Americans who support the former president.
Democrats are emphasizing that Biden is not the presidential nominee and that Harris respects all voters, regardless of their political affiliations. They have also criticized what they perceive as a double standard, pointing to Trump's history of making racist, misogynistic, and offensive remarks.
While some advisers to the campaign have dismissed the impact of Biden's comments, sources have revealed growing concerns among Harris campaign aides about Biden's tendency for gaffes. The 'garbage' comments have only heightened these existing worries within the Democratic Party.