Biden's Statement Triggers Immediate Backlash

The backlash was swift, with both political allies and adversaries criticizing Biden's choice of words. The White House swiftly intervened, stating that Biden was actually condemning the harsh language used by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, not broadly painting all Trump supporters.

That same night, during a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump seized the moment to bolster his campaign, drawing a parallel between Biden's remarks and Clinton's "deplorables" comment, which famously backfired on her 2016 campaign.

Political Reactions and Public Fallout

At Trump's rally, Senator Marco Rubio informed him of Biden's remarks, after which Trump addressed his supporters, emphasizing that they were not "garbage" but patriots. The statement was met with strong approval from the crowd.

Biden issued a follow-up statement, clarifying that his "garbage" comment was targeted at the specific rhetoric concerning Puerto Rico at the Madison Square Garden rally, not the supporters themselves. Despite this clarification, the remark continued to stir discussions and criticisms across the political spectrum.

Impact on the Harris Campaign

As the fallout from Biden's comment continued, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a rally at the White House. She criticized Trump's past actions and leadership but did not directly address Biden's controversial statement.

Political analysts noted that the incident had thrown the Democratic campaign off course, coming just as polls showed a tightening race between Harris and Trump a week before Election Day.

Responses Across the Media and Polls

Media reaction varied, with some commentators criticizing Biden for not steering clear of controversial remarks during a sensitive time in the campaign. Others, like John Harwood, dismissed the uproar over Biden's comments as "phony outrage."

Political analysts like Nate Silver commented on Biden's frequent controversial remarks, suggesting they did not help the perception of his suitability for presidential duties.

Continued Debate and Election Ramifications

The controversy surrounding Biden's "garbage" comment highlights the challenges his party faces as they approach Election Day. The incident has not only reinvigorated Trump's base but also sparked a broader debate about political discourse and the polarization within U.S. politics.

As the election nears, both camps continue to navigate the fallout, each attempting to use the incident to their advantage while managing the delicate balance of political sensitivity and campaigning aggression.