Staff Reports
Democrat Senate candidates are in full retreat mode, attempting to distance themselves from President Joe Biden after he made derogatory comments about supporters of former President Donald Trump. With elections looming, candidates like Arizona’s Ruben Gallego seem less than enthusiastic about standing by the leader of their party, particularly when he labeled Trump’s supporters “garbage,” a descriptor that could signal political suicide in battleground states.
Arizona’s Rep. Gallego, who is vying for a Senate seat, did an impressive job of avoiding answering whether he agrees with Biden’s trash talk about Trump supporters. His answer was a classic political play—declaring he is “running to represent all Arizonans, regardless of who they vote for.” Of course, what he really seemed to be doing was running from answering the tough questions, particularly after being called out for previously stating that Trump supporters were “the worst people in the world.” It appears Gallego has opted for a technique akin to the old “look over there!” strategy, hoping voters will forget his previous statements as he ducks scrutiny.
Following Biden’s incendiary comments during a video call with Voto Latino, which rapidly went viral, the Vice President’s attempts to wrap up her campaign with a solid speech were overshadowed. Meanwhile, Republican Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake fired back at Gallego, bringing up his past remarks to highlight the absurdity of his current attempt at neutrality. In Lake’s opinion, anyone who openly hates a significant portion of their constituency shouldn’t hold public office—a sentiment likely echoed by many Arizonans who are tired of divisive rhetoric.
Biden’s ‘Garbage’ Smear Endangers Vulnerable Senate Democrats, Forces Them to Scramble to Distance
👇https://t.co/sE6NTGZ3bu— Stoned Ranger (@Stoned_Ranger_) October 31, 2024
The trend continued as other vulnerable Democrats, like Pennsylvania’s Senator Bob Casey and Wisconsin’s Senator Tammy Baldwin, also sidestepped questions about Biden’s disparagement of Trump supporters. The evasive responses only served to illustrate a party that is clearly worried about losing touch with everyday Americans. Casey’s staff trotted out a generic statement asserting that he respects all constituents, regardless of their voting preferences, reminiscent of a tired PR line desperately trying to avoid controversy while simultaneously doing damage control.
Meanwhile, Captain Sam Brown, a Republican candidate challenging Senator Jacky Rosen, outlined the absurdity of Biden’s comments, emphasizing that half the country shouldn’t be relegated to the garbage bin simply for their political beliefs. Brown was not alone. Other GOP candidates quickly jumped on the bandwagon, emphasizing how the elitist attitude emanating from the Biden administration is precisely why voters are seeking alternatives. It’s clear that disdainful labeling from Democrats isn’t just a gaffe but a glimpse into how they really feel about working-class Americans who prioritize issues like border security and affordable living.
As Democrats scramble to defend themselves against their own party’s rhetoric, it’s increasingly evident that they are caught between a rock and a hard place. With the potential to alienate voters who feel directly attacked by Biden’s remarks, these candidates might discover that distancing themselves from the increasingly unpopular president is more necessary than they thought, especially as they head into the tough electoral season ahead.
