Biden's gaffe may hinder Harris in tightening election race
An unfortunate incident occurred involving the President of the USA two weeks before the decisive contest for his seat between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Joe Biden couldn't restrain his emotions and made a public statement at a meeting in New Hampshire, providing the Democrats' opponents with grounds for fierce attacks.
23 October 2024 15:01
Joe Biden made a significant gaffe during this meeting with voters in New Hampshire. He hadn't fully considered his words and disregarded all the strategic guidelines supported by Kamala Harris in the presidential race.
"We need to lock him up," he said, referring to Donald Trump, while explaining that his rival's policy was "bizarre" and dangerous.
The US elections are two weeks away. Biden's rash statements cause concern
The former prosecutor has consistently called for refraining from such impulsive assessments. She urged leaving decisions about criminal responsibility to judges, not politicians.
Kamala Harris is keen to ensure her voters do not replicate the actions of Donald Trump, who, during the 2016 election campaign, called for the imprisonment of his then-rival, Hillary Clinton. Joe Biden's remarks went against her wishes.
The president quickly realised his words were ill-considered. He attempted to clarify, stating that he meant "political closure." However, Donald Trump’s team now possesses a significant talking point.
"They don't even hide it anymore. The legal fight against my father has always been about election interference!" wrote Donald Trump Jr., the Republican's son, on social media.
Biden's words were also seized upon by Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary for Donald Trump's campaign. She emphasised that opponents are attempting to undermine her candidate using unethical methods.
"Joe Biden just admitted the truth: he and Kamala have been planning from the start to politically persecute their opponent, President Trump, because they can't defeat him honestly and fairly," she told NBC News.
Joe Biden's blunder might harm Kamala Harris at a time when her slight lead is beginning to fade. The emergence of this unwelcome topic in public discourse will likely result in limited joint appearances by Harris with the president.
