As the final days before Election Day approach, President Joe Biden’s recent unscripted remarks are creating unexpected challenges for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, who has been focusing on a unifying message in her campaign. Biden, known for his frequent off-the-cuff comments, has once again sparked controversy, which has distracted from Harris’s efforts to solidify her campaign’s closing message.
On Tuesday afternoon, Biden made headlines as he paused during a speech criticizing former President Donald Trump, reminding himself to “Don’t get going, Joe. Slow up.” Yet, only hours later, he went off script during a Zoom call with a Hispanic advocacy group, a moment that soon sparked backlash. Commenting on recent derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico made by a comedian at a Trump rally, Biden remarked, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.” The comment, which many interpreted as an attack on Trump’s voter base, quickly drew criticism from Republicans who accused Biden of disparaging Trump supporters as a whole.
In an attempt to clarify, Biden posted on social media, saying his remarks were directed solely at Trump’s treatment of Latinos and his divisive rhetoric. “His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable,” Biden wrote, adding, “That’s all I meant to say.” However, the damage was already done, and Republicans capitalized on the moment to paint Biden as dismissive of opposing voices.
This incident is just the latest in a series of unscripted Biden remarks that have frustrated Harris’s campaign team. Harris, who has been striving to differentiate herself from the president to attract moderate and even Republican voters, was set to deliver a pivotal speech near the White House on Tuesday evening. Her message, aimed at bridging divides and moving beyond Trump’s brand of politics, risked being overshadowed by Biden’s remarks earlier in the day. Harris later stated that she “strongly disagreed with any criticism of people based on who they vote for,” a statement her aides hoped would ease the impact of Biden’s comments.
Biden, who stepped down from the 2024 presidential race in July following a difficult primary season and internal party unrest, has largely stayed out of the campaign spotlight since his withdrawal. However, he recently increased his political activity, a move some Democrats see as his attempt to maintain influence and shape his legacy. Despite his intentions, many in the Democratic Party have been wary of his involvement, concerned that his frequent gaffes could undermine Harris’s campaign at a crucial moment.
Tuesday’s remarks follow another recent slip-up when Biden, speaking to Democratic campaign workers in New Hampshire, said of Trump, “We got to lock him up.” Though he quickly clarified by adding, “Politically lock him up. Lock him out. That’s what we have to do,” the statement gave Republicans fresh material to accuse him of politicizing the justice system. Harris has faced “lock him up” chants at her rallies, a phrase that evokes memories of Trump’s supporters chanting “lock her up” during the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton. Harris, however, typically quiets these chants, stating, “The courts will take care of that. We’ll take care of November.”
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Biden’s missteps have extended beyond his rhetoric as well. Recently, he made a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room to address reporters just as Harris was preparing to take the stage at an event in Michigan. On another occasion, he discussed Hurricane Helene from the Oval Office at the same time Harris canceled campaign events in Las Vegas to attend a Federal Emergency Management Agency briefing. These overlapping moments have frustrated Harris’s team, as they attempt to keep the campaign focused on her message.
Adding to the confusion, Biden has even faltered on articulating Harris’s role as the nominee, recently stating, “We got a lot more work to do, Kamala and I—Kamala, Kamala does.” Comments like these have fueled questions about his understanding of the current election dynamics, providing further distractions for the Harris campaign.
On Tuesday, while speaking at an infrastructure event at the port of Baltimore, Biden once again drifted from his prepared remarks, using the opportunity to criticize Trump and address the derogatory comments about Puerto Rico. He highlighted new infrastructure funding that would support ports in 27 states and territories, including Puerto Rico, Georgia, and Michigan, perhaps attempting to refocus on policy achievements rather than divisive political jabs.
As Harris seeks to maintain her momentum in the final stretch of the election, Biden’s unscripted moments present ongoing challenges. With Election Day looming, her campaign team remains vigilant, emphasizing unity and a move toward respectful political discourse while managing the fallout from Biden’s unplanned remarks. The incident underscores the delicate balance Harris’s campaign faces as they navigate support from party leaders while trying to appeal to a broad base of voters.
