Absurdity reigns as Republicans scramble to distract from their own bigotry following President Joe Biden’s recent comments. In a desperate attempt to shift the narrative after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s revolting jokes about Puerto Ricans at a Trump rally, the GOP seized upon an awkward gaffe made by Biden. However, the two remarks are not comparable, and their exaggerated outrage only highlights their hypocrisy.
During a video call with Voto Latino, Biden condemned Hinchcliffe’s despicable joke referring to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” Biden stated, “They’re good, decent, honorable people. The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.” While Biden’s comments were indeed awkward and easily misunderstood, they were clearly unintentional.
White House press secretary Andrew Bates promptly clarified that Biden was referring to the “hateful rhetoric” at the Madison Square Garden rally as “garbage.” In a follow-up statement, Biden reiterated his point, stating, “Earlier today, I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump’s supporters as garbage—which is the only word I can think of to describe it.” He emphasized that such demonization of Latinos is “unconscionable” and un-American.
Despite this clarification, some Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, distanced themselves from Biden’s remarks, underscoring the need to avoid criticizing individuals based on their voting choices. Biden’s rhetorical style generally focuses on unity, so it is reasonable to assume he did not intend to insult Trump supporters. His history of misspeaking, often attributed to age-related decline, further supports this interpretation.
The Republicans’ response, however, has been disproportionate. They have portrayed Biden’s comments as worse than Hinchcliffe’s vile jokes. At a rally, Senator J.D. Vance defended Hinchcliffe’s comments while accusing Democrats of being overly sensitive. Yet, the following day, Vance condemned Biden’s remarks as a “disgusting” attack on half the nation, demonstrating a clear double standard.
Former President Donald Trump even suggested that Biden’s comments were “worse” than Hillary Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” remark from 2016. This comparison is unfounded. Hinchcliffe’s remarks at a rally supporting a candidate who employs white nationalist rhetoric are damning, while Biden was merely criticizing that bigotry.
Biden’s immediate clarification should be seen in good faith. He has no reason to apologize for highlighting the harmful rhetoric of Hinchcliffe and Trump. To suggest that his gaffe excuses or diminishes the offensiveness of Hinchcliffe’s comments is a blatant misdirection.
As the GOP continues to hyperventilate over Biden’s statements, they must confront the reality of their own rhetoric and the impact it has on society. Attempting to divert attention from their complicity in bigotry through a manufactured outrage over Biden’s words only serves to amplify their own absurdity.
