Multiple campaign calls that were scheduled with President Biden for Thursday were canceled, as the White House continues to address the aftermath of his recent comments about supporters of former President Trump.
Organizations that were expecting Biden's participation did not immediately confirm whether the Zoom calls proceeded as planned without the president's presence.
It is important to note that none of the calls were officially associated with the Harris-Walz campaign, and Biden currently does not have any official campaign events scheduled leading up to the election.
The controversy stemmed from Biden's remarks during a virtual call with Voto Latino, where he criticized Trump's character and his alleged disregard for the Latino community. Biden specifically referenced a joke made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Trump rally, where Puerto Rico was derogatorily referred to as a 'floating island of garbage.'
During the call, Biden stated, 'Donald Trump has no character. He doesn't care about the Latino community. He's a failed businessman who prioritizes his billionaire friends and wealth accumulation for the elite.'
He further added, 'The demonization of Latinos by Trump and his supporters is unacceptable and un-American. Such rhetoric goes against our values and principles.'
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified Biden's comments, emphasizing that he was specifically addressing Hinchcliffe's joke and not labeling Trump supporters as 'garbage.'
She stated, 'He does not view Trump supporters or anyone who supports Trump in that manner. That is not his perspective.'
The cancellation of the campaign calls underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding Biden's remarks and the need to address any potential misinterpretations or misrepresentations of his statements.
