President Joe Biden’s campaign stop in Scranton, Pennsylvania, took an unexpected turn when he expressed a desire to “smack” certain “macho guys,” igniting a firestorm of controversy and debate.
At a Glance
- Biden made controversial remarks about wanting to “smack” Trump supporters during a campaign stop in Scranton
- The comments drew laughter from the crowd but were another instance of Biden veering off script
- Biden’s visit to Scranton was a homecoming, as he spent his early childhood there
- Trump responded to Biden’s comments during a rally in North Carolina
- The incident highlights the ongoing partisan divide and gender issues in the campaign
Biden’s Controversial Remarks
During his final campaign stop in Scranton, Pennsylvania, President Joe Biden made a statement that quickly became the center of attention. While criticizing former President Donald Trump and his supporters, Biden veered off script with a remark that raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
“I tell you what, man, when I was in Scranton, we used to have a little trouble going down the plot once in a while. These are the kind of guys you’d like to smack in the ass,” Biden said.
So he thinks half the country is garbage, and he wants to start “smacking” them. Got it…
The comment, while drawing laughter from the crowd, represents another instance of the President’s tendency to make unscripted remarks during public appearances. This pattern has been a source of concern for his campaign team, who have been working to limit his exposure to potentially controversial situations.
Reactions and Responses
The reaction to Biden’s comments was swift and varied. While some supporters viewed the remark as a harmless jest, critics saw it as inappropriate behavior for a sitting president. The incident quickly became a talking point on social media and news outlets, sparking debates about the appropriateness of such language in political discourse.
Biden suggests he'd like to smack 'macho guys' during final campaign stop (from @AP) w/ @mrbrownsir https://t.co/hqKjWkFyTP
— Will Weissert (@apwillweissert) November 2, 2024
Former President Trump, who was holding a rally in North Carolina at the time, responded to Biden’s comments with a dismissive tone.
“I don’t even know, is he still around?” Trump said.
Good question.
