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The presidential election generated numerous high-profile political gaffes this year, including President Biden’s widely-panned debate performance and his calling Trump supporters “garbage” in the closing days of Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. Here are six of the biggest political gaffes of 2024:
Biden’s Debate Debacle: Hoarse Voice, Rambling Answers Spark Panic from Democrats
President Biden’s disastrous performance during his debate with former President Trump on June 27 appeared to be the beginning of the end for his 2024 re-election campaign. He struggled with a raspy voice and delivered rambling answers, sparking doubts about his viability at the top of the Democratic Party’s presidential ticket.
Biden Calls Trump Supporters “Garbage”
Biden appeared to galvanize Republicans when he called Trump supporters “garbage” less than a week before Election Day. Trump’s rally in Madison Square Garden in New York City on October 27 made headlines when a comedian mocked different ethnic groups, calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” Then, during a conference call with the Voto Latino group on October 30, Biden said, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.” Biden and the White House tried to clean up his words in the days afterward, but the remark was quickly likened to Hillary Clinton’s labeling of half of Trump supporters as belonging in “a basket of deplorables” in 2016.
Harris’ Blunders
Vice President Kamala Harris’ answer to a question during an October 8 appearance on “The View” may have been a turning point in the 2024 presidential election. Co-host Sunny Hostin asked Harris, “If anything, would you have done something differently than President Biden during the past four years?” Harris paused for a moment and then said, “There is not a thing that comes to mind in terms of — and I’ve been a part of most of the decisions that have had impact.” This response sparked criticism and allowed her to tie herself to an unpopular administration, which was seen as a harm to her campaign.
Walz’ School Shooting Comment
Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, raised eyebrows during the vice presidential debate with Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, on October 1, when he declared he had “become friends with school shooters.” Walz presumably meant he had become friendly with parents who lost children during horrific school shootings.
Trump’s Memory Mix-Up
President Trump appeared to confuse then-Republican presidential primary opponent Nikki Haley with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a rally in New Hampshire on January 20. Speaking in Concord, Trump said that Haley had been responsible for the collapse of Capitol Hill security during the January 6, 2021, riot.
Harris’ Confusing Statements
Harris found herself in the headlines repeatedly this year for making confusing verbal statements. Her words were criticized and ridiculed by conservatives online.
Biden’s Gaffe: Introducing President Zelenskyy as “President Putin”
President Biden mistakenly introduced Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin” during a NATO conference in Washington, D.C., in July. Biden was trying to hand over the podium to Zelenskyy, but instead identified him as the Russian leader.
