Hillary Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” comment in the 2016 campaign was one of the signature moments of that entire cycle – and while not the sole definitive reason for her loss, it certainly didn’t help. In fact, it allowed President Trump and his campaign to frame her and the attitudes of her supporters in a very effective, direct and easily understood soundbite. In politics, these types of comments and moments are pure and solid gold – the basket didn’t just carry gifts…it was the gift.
And, as it often happens in America, the condescension was turned on its head and Trump supporters quickly adopted the insult as a badge, a symbol of unity among the persecuted. Merchandise with deplorable branding was quickly printed, sold and bought for millions. And now, here on the eve of Election Day, as the nation gets down to the wire on this historic campaign, we have perhaps another gift-wrapped comment – “garbage.” I wouldn’t be surprised if the “garbage” T-shirts are already selling somewhere…a ringing testament to the power of capitalism!
Of course, Vice President Harris has somewhat distanced herself from Biden’s comments – suggesting that, “I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for.” Fair enough…but let’s be honest, she had to say something like that. It would have been political malpractice for a candidate to make the mistake of missing another easy layup in a campaign that has already struggled so much in so many key areas. And, voters can take her at her word for that…or not. But as we saw in 2016, in an election season as close and as heated as this one – which has witnessed no less than two assassination attempts on President Trump (one of which was frighteningly close to killing him) – these kinds of things do count. There’s a reason why all red and purple state Democrats running for reelection have also been quick to slam Biden as well.
But more importantly, beyond the political impact, one is left wondering: is this really what they think of you…of us? Are we really deplorable garbage? Do they seriously think Jews in attendance at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally were Nazis…or perhaps “crypto-Nazis” as Gore Vidal once called William F. Buckley Jr.? Was Biden’s statement merely a slip of the tongue, a gaffe, a more artfully intended comment gone awry through a botched delivery? Regardless, the immediate backtracking and excuse-making from Camp Biden seems to suggest they understand the ramifications.
But seriously, what have you done to deserve such vitriolic animus? Why do they hate you so? Just because you vote for Donald Trump? Or Republicans generally? Is it because of who you vote for, or because your preferred candidate champions and implements policies they don’t like? If they’re truly concerned about changing policy, and hearts and minds on the policy, why even engage in hatred? If one is truly concerned about the impact of certain policies, and if it is that big of a concern to people passionate about change for what they perceive as the better, why not spend the time to convert the unconverted, to help the misguided see the error of their ways? Why not build coalitions and move the ball forward for what you see as a better path for all of America? Well, unfortunately, the simple answer is that conversion is hard…and brute force politics and hate are easy.
It is a good thing that we all have a clear-eyed sense of self, strong confidence, and are firm in our beliefs about who we are and what is right – for if we had a less resolute political and social constitution, we might start to question if we really are garbage.
In a moment of self-reflection, you might ask – are you garbage if you show up every day and work hard for your employer…but wear a MAGA hat on the weekend? Are you garbage if you’re an EMT, or a doctor, or a cop who votes for Trump…after you spent all day saving lives and responding to crime reports in your community? Are you garbage if you pay your taxes, every year…but aren’t a liberal apologist for expanded government? Are you garbage if you served your nation in the military, maybe sustaining service-related injuries after taking an oath…but vote for GOP candidates? Are you garbage if you provide for and protect your family, help your kids with homework, give to charity, hold the door open for older citizens or people with their hands full…but are politically conservative? Are you garbage if you care for an elder parent, or adopt a child who doesn’t have a home…but are a registered Republican? Are you garbage if you work the land on a farm or ranch generating America’s food, or in the oil-patch providing American energy…but vote straight ticket Republican? Are you garbage if you help your neighbors, pay your fines, play by the rules, do what civil society expects you to do…even if you believe the Democrat Party has bad policies? The list could go on.
Trump and Republican supporters across America fit into all of these categories and engage in all of these behaviors. They – you – are not garbage…far from it, indeed. You are what makes this country the wonderful and exceptional nation it is, and it wouldn’t be so if it wasn’t for you. Moreover, what ails America is not your fault, despite the left and their media allies working constantly to suggest that your existence is the reason for all of America’s problems. In the end, what will be the final imprint of Biden’s garbage comment on the voters and the election? It’s hard to say exactly. But one thing is for certain, those who are the target of the insult won’t forget it…just ask Hillary.
Martha Fain is a policy expert, strategic consultant and frequent commentator on issues of national importance. She is Chairman of Vote America First and a Principal of Victory Coalition Strategies, LLC and has a J.D. from the Antonin Scalia School of law at George Mason University.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member