This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

That’s Garbage! Who Gets Last Laugh? Facts-No Excuses Voter Next Steps

Transcripts and videos of remarks by comic Tony Hinchcliffe, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump help sort out facts from fiction.

L. A. "Tony" Kovach's profile picture
L. A. "Tony" Kovach, Neighbor
Screen captures from X as shown. Text and collage credits by L. A. "Tony" Kovach for the Patch.
Screen captures from X as shown. Text and collage credits by L. A. "Tony" Kovach for the Patch.

Right-leaning Newsmax’s headline opens their report on the controversy with the words: “Trash Talk.” The financial and political news site ZeroHedge says “Biden Calls 80 Million Americans Human Garbage after Comedian Sparks Mass Triggering."

During a star-studded and massive 5-hour rally at Madison Square Gardens (MSG) in New York City billed by the Trump Campaign as a “love fest,” a comedian named Tony Hinchcliffe used a line that many in the audience didn’t like. It landed like a thud, the comic noticed immediately, apologized and attendees moved on. Apparent media bias is shown in this version of the incident.

A transcript of comic Hinchcliffe's remark sets the context. Some pull quotes help frame the topic.

Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Per Hinchcliffe at the MSG event: "There’s serious stuff happening people. I live in the great state of Texas now. 18 years in Ohio, 20 years in California and I got to see California turn to absolute, a horrendous, horrendous thing.

...And in Texas stuff is really, really crazy. We’re right there by a wide open border. Where are my proud Latinos at tonight? You guys see what I mean, it’s wide open. There’s so many of them. It’s absolutely incredible. Believe it or not people, I welcome migrants to the United States of America with open arms.

Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

...Free speech is under attack people...

...We’re having fun now. We’re cooking. Hillary Clinton said that this is a Nazi rally here today. Can you believe that? For the most anti-war president of my entire lifetime. And she calls him Hitler. Let me remind you, Hillary. It was your husband who shot innocent people, or as he called them, interns...

Hinchcliffe poked fun at Elon Musk and Trump himself, saying the best place to get shot is in the ear.

According to the left-leaning BBC, Hinchcliffe also said: "There’s a lot going on. I don’t know if you know this but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico." The BBC said it received a mixed response, with Republican lawmakers being among those who denounced the line.

U.S. Senator Rick Scott (FL-R) said: "The joke bombed for a reason. It's not funny and it's not true." He added that "Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans." But that still begs the question, why was Hinchcliffe referring to when he said a floating island of garbage? The screen grab below of Google headlines on the toxic trash problem in Puerto Rico helps tell the tale. It seems clear, since he said Puerto Rico, not Puerto Ricans. Toxic trash on the island of Puerto Rico is what what Hinchcliffe was obviously talking about. So, in the broader context, it was just part of a comedy routine that Trump's political opponents took out of context and twisted it into something that wasn't said nor apparently intended.

But supporters of the Kamala Harris (D) and Governor Tim Walz (MN-D) campaign made the comic’s remarks about the garbage problem in Puerto Rico into something it was never intended to be, namely a slur against people rather than an actual issue about so much trash that it was the subject of numerous mainstream news articles and governmental agency concerns.

Not only did the Harris-Walz (D) campaign seize on the comic’s problematic delivery, so too did Joe Biden (D). Only Biden’s words were aimed at people he seemingly was describing as “garbage” instead of physical trash that the comic, not Trump or his campaign, was referred to by Biden, Harris’ campaign and other Democrats.

The back and forth over what Biden said or meant about Trump supporters being “garbage” was complicated by the fact that Obama-Biden (D) era Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (D) had called Trump supporters an 'irredeemable basket of deplorables.' The prior Democratic presidential nominee Clinton said: half of Trump's supporters are in a "basket of deplorables." "Some of those folks are irredeemable," Clinton said. Her audience applauded, but Trump's audience at MSG reacted very differently - even though the comic Hinchcliffe said Puerto Rico, not Puerto Ricans.

Former President Barack Obama (D), during a pre-election event, himself had a problematic episode when he called those who opposed him bitter clingers to their religion and guns. Per the Guardian: "presidential hopeful [Obama] said: "They get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

The comments were seized on by his rival for the Democratic party candidacy, Hillary Clinton, who saw in them the hope of reviving her flagging campaign by turning voters in the important Pennsylvania primary on April 22 against what she classed as Obama's revealed "elitism".
"I was taken aback by the demeaning remarks Senator Obama made about people in small-town America," she said on Saturday. "His [Obama's] remarks are elitist and out of touch," per the Guardian and others in media.

Kamala Harris herself said [see quote below] that she opposes any remarks that diminish a person based on who they are voting for in an election. That may seem to indicate that she and her team were concerned that the Biden “garbage” remarks were a problem for her.

One of Kamala Harris’ billionaire donors, Vinod Khosla, may have made her campaign’s job tougher still. Because Khosla tweeted (X-posted) said he too thinks Trump supporters are garbage. Instead of a clean up among Democrats and their wealthy donors, matters were getting worse for Kamala and company.

The Independent said: "Frank Luntz has warned that President Joe Biden’s “garbage” comment could have potentially cost Kamala Harris the election."

  • Luntz said that Biden’s gaffe is likely to do more damage to Harris because he is “not some comedian saying something stupid and offensive.”
  • “This is the president of the United States endorsing his vice president saying something – and I know that there’s different interpretations about what he said – but it’s still inappropriate. He still shouldn’t be doing it,” Luntz said, likening the gaffe to when Hillary Clinton referred to Trump supporters as a “basket of deplorables” in 2016.
  • “I can promise you, this is going to drive Trump turnout,” Luntz told CNN.
  • “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters, his, his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable and it’s un-American,” Biden said [but again, for emphasis, neither Trump nor the comic every slurred Latinos].
  • Meanwhile, Harris distanced herself from the [Joe Biden] remarks. “I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for,” she told reporters.
  • Jake Rosen of CBS News asked the former president if he owed Puerto Rico an apology, to which he replied: “I love Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico loves me.”

Trump himself dramatically and humorously weighed in on the issue by arriving in the battleground state of Wisconsin in a seemingly new, white garbage truck with a Trump 2024 campaign message on its side. Trump wore the kind of orange and yellow vest garbage collectors of all ethnic and other groups may wear while doing their obviously important jobs.


On MHProNews a video was posted of liberal and typically pro-Democrat documentary filmmaker Michael Moore. Moore was explaining to a large audience that many people he met and knew would be voting for Trump. He said they were tired of seeing their higher paying factory jobs going overseas. Trump had stood up and fought for them when a major automaker announced they would close their American factory and make those cars in Mexico. Trump told that automaker that if they did that he would heavily tariff their cars so that they could effectively not be shipped back to the U.S.A. from Mexico to be sold to Americans. Moore predicted those forgotten men and women who would come out and vote for Trump would make him the next president.

This controversy of Biden's and billionaire Kamala donor Khosla calling Trump supporters garbage follows on the heels of an apparently successful McDonald Trump event.

https://patch.com/florida/lake...

Kamala Harris (D) recently insulted hundreds of millions of Christians with her remarks at a campaign event.

https://patch.com/florida/lake...

With these insults from Democrats toward everyday Americans in mind, the still relevant and insightful Michael Moore video mentioned above is posted here. The video can’t be posted on the Patch due to Moore’s use of profanity, which violates Patch community guidelines.

The mask of Joe Biden has slipped off several times over the years, not just earlier this week about the out-of-context garbage remarks quickly addressed by a comic, who didn’t speak for the Trump campaign and which the Trump campaign said did not represent their views. If it isn’t clear enough for some, a senator from Puerto Rico came out and endorsed Trump after the incident. "Puerto Rico's Republican Shadow United States Senator Zoraida Buxó gave her presidential endorsement days after a controversial comment," said iHeartRadio.

There are many reasons why EVERYONE who is eligible to vote SHOULD vote in 2024. Recall that in 2000, only 537 votes was the margin of victory in the key swing state of Florida in the Bush-Cheney (R) vs. Gore-Lieberman (D) election. Florida has 67 counties. So, just over 8 people per county who voted made the difference in the election that year. There are routinely dozens of voting precincts per county. So, less than one voter per precinct made the difference. Does your vote matter? It absolutely can and does.

There is a difference between Democrats, Republicans and their leaders. Democratic leaders, as well as numbers of Republican leaders, are there for the interests of their donors. Democrats have become the party of the donor class. The article linked below documents numerous sources, including from the left, that makes it clear that Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton, a former Democratic presidential hopeful, had an important point.

The right track-wrong track numbers cut against Kamala Harris and Democrats running for Congress, the Senate or state or local elections. Most Americans feel they are worse off under Harris and Democrats. Those are reasons to vote for Trump and MAGA Republicans.

The genuine insults by Democrats and their donors against the mass of Americans of all backgrounds is hard to ignore. That's what this "garbage," "deplorables," and other remarks by Harris and her party is a problem. Trump, by contrast, has embraced the working class, seniors, and the middle class as what the new Republican Party represents.

For those who are still not convinced, there are more reports packed with evidence. But for many, Frank Luntz said this garbage episode will help them decide that they are voting for Trump and Republicans. The answer for those who have not yet voted should be simple. Vote for your own interests. Vote against those who insult you and most Americans. Share this with your friends who are on the fence. VOTE early, or VOTE on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), but VOTE.

> FEAR – False Evidence Appears Real – Faux vs Authentic Reason for FEAR

> Life Boils Down to Time, Risks, Rewards, Opportunities and Choices

> István Dobozi on Tariffs-Yea or Nay? Tariffs-U.S. Employees+Small Biz

> Top 10 States for Homelessness & Top Cities for Crime=Shocking Lessons

> McDonald Trump and MAGA GOP vs. Kamala Harris, Joe Biden & Democrats

> First Liberty Voter Guide & Polk County FL Sample Ballot w/Suggestions

---

> Hawkins-Kamala VP Hopeful Gov Tim Walz (MN-D) Says Harris Gun Agenda

> Actor-Author-Believer Chuck Norris – ‘Calling All Gun Owners to Vote!’

> Why do Liars Lie? Why do those Engaged in Paltering and Spin Palter?

> WashPost-American Dream Fades But Assoc CEO Mark Weiss Shows Solution

> ‘Supersized Lies with Order of Fries’ McDonalds Campaign Controversy

---

> Kamala Harris Reveals Her Stance Toward Catholics and Other Christians

> How do Hurricanes Helene and Milton Rank in Inflation Adjusted Cost$?

> Controversy-Manufactured Housing Institute-Lesli Gooch-Mark Bowersox

> 34,758 Votes May Decide ‘24 Election & Dr. George Barna@ACU Research

> Other Countries Homeownership Rates vs. U.S. – Fix Affordable Housing

---

> Visual Capitalist Shows Top 15 Artificial Intelligence-AI-Online Tools

> Burning Bush Cove, Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and Where Is God?

> Lila Rose Open Letter and Other Pro-Lifers not Planning to Vote Trump

> Afghan Released by Biden-Harris Admin Arrested for Terror Attack Plot

> How do Hurricanes Helene and Milton Rank in Inflation Adjusted Cost$?

---

> Controversy-Manufactured Housing Institute-Lesli Gooch-Mark Bowersox

> 34,758 Votes May Decide ‘24 Election & Dr. George Barna@ACU Research

> Other Countries Homeownership Rates vs. U.S. – Fix Affordable Housing

> Visual Capitalist Shows Top 15 Artificial Intelligence-AI-Online Tools

> Burning Bush Cove, Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and Where Is God?

---

> WND Exclusive-KAMALA'S AMERICA-World Net Daily 88 Page Special Report

> Afghan Released by Biden-Harris Admin Arrested for Terror Attack Plot

> Ashville, NC Video and Photos-Untold Thousands Need Prayers & Support

> Fact Check-There is No Truth in Advertising Law Governing Politicians

> Gulf Between Ruling Elites Average Americans is Wide+Deep, per Survey

---

> Lila Rose Open Letter and Other Pro-Lifers not Planning to Vote Trump

> Daniel McCarthy Explains How Donald Trump can Win the Popular Vote

> Why Did Costs-Crime-Conflicts Soar After Trump left the White House?

> Protecting "Government Of By and For the People" in 2024 and Beyond

> Small Businesses tell Congress to Stop Tax Hikes – Wall St vs. Main St

---

> AI Backed Hit-Analysis on Big Manufactured Housing Industry Operations

> The Rigged System-Who Rigged the System and How to Fix a Rigged System

> Gallup Says-'2024 Election Environment Favorable to GOP'-Election Time

> Confidence Plummets in Sept-Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index

> Fannie Mae-Existing Home Sales Near 30-Year Low Despite Lower Rates

---

> Knight-‘Govt Exists to Promote and Protect Ordinary Happiness in Life’

> Doublespeak Doublethink and Insightful Orwellian Lessons from the Left

> Manufactured Housing Institute & Next Great Affordable Housing Debate?

> American Leviathan-Ned Ryun-CEO of American Majority and Voter Gravity

> Former Famed Tampa Bay Bucs & Colts Coach Tony Dungy to Kamala Harris

---

> TARK-Drill Down on Tyranny vs. Faith; Freedom and Upcoming Election

--

> Kamala to Oprah-If Somebody Breaks Into My House They're Getting Shot

> NAR-Existing Home Avg $416700 Aug-2024 Interest Rates Slide-Sales Dip

> Deception & Misdirection-3 Tricks-Paltering, Posturing and Projecting

> Caution! Equity LifeStyle Properties Dweller-Investor-Biz-Legal Alerts

> Herland: ‘Aldous Huxley Interview-Tech, Big Gov, Big Biz=Grave Danger’

--

> U.S. Health-Dr. Marty Makary–‘Broke Medicine’ Blind Spots-Price We Pay

> 12 Examples of Public Calls for Violence Against Trump-More Ryan Routh

> Lessons of Bernie Madoff-Enron-WorldCom-2008 Housing-Financial Crisis

> Gunman Ryan Wesley Routh Insights from CNN-Daily Signal-Patch and X

> What Pastors, Priests, Religious Leaders and People Must Do - or Else

--

> “TANSTAAFL”–What Does It Mean and Why Does It Matter to You and Yours?

> HUD Admits Decades of Delay-Finally OK Multi-Family Manufactured Homes

> ‘Mobile Home Values Rising Faster Than Single-Family’ House-Wow Fact$

> Realtor-What Is a Manufactured Home? The Next Step Beyond Mobile Homes

> The Two Groups that Should See New Movie Reagan (2024) with Trailer

--

> Magyar Szabadság Kör – Cultural-Culinary Experience in Plant City, FL

> Realtor? Journalist? Affordable Manufactured Home Production Jumps

> Orlando RE Agent Smith-Younger Adults Will Need $8500 Monthly for Rent

> Blankley-Goodbye American Dream? Only 10% Polled Can Buy a House; But

> A Brief History of Labor Day and Modern Insights for Employees and Pay

--

> Waiting for Fed Rate Cut Before Buying a Home? Experts Say Think Twice

> Frank Rolfe-Special Interests ‘Don’t Want to Solve Affordable Housing'

> TARK-‘I’m a Teen and Know the Solution to Affordable Housing Crisis’

> Renting? Rent too High? Odds Are DOJ Suit vs RealPage Matters to You

> New-Certified “Half Price Homes” - Affordable Housing Solution Redux

--

> Solution: “Would-Be Homebuyers Need 80% More Income Than 4 Years Ago”

L. A. “Tony” Kovach and his family live in a manufactured home on private property in Winter Haven, FL. He is the co-founder of ManufacturedHomeLivingNews.com (MHLivingNews.com)

and ManufacturedHomeProNews.com (MHProNews.com), trade publications serving segments of the manufactured home industry. Having worked in several segments of the manufactured home industry for over 3 decades, Kovach is a widely acknowledged and often praised expert on manufactured housing. Kovach has earned multiple awards in history.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Lakeland