The Most Polarizing Statements Both Candidates Have Said So Far: He Said, He Said
To congratulate myself for being so unbiased for the past two articles, I’m going to be completely biased during this article. I wanted to take a step back from national politics this week and focus on “Who said the more offensive thing so far in his political career.” Disclaimer: my thoughts and beliefs are not representative of the Clocktower or of Union College as a whole.
Biden, August 2019 - “Poor kids are just as bright as white kids.”
Back in 2019 during the Democratic primaries, Biden made this fun little aside. Poor kids can be smart. He quickly backtracked after he said it, including other ethnicities, but the damage was already done.
Biden, February 2007 - “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy.”
In 2007 during former President Barack Obama’s campaign run, Joe Biden decided this was the best way to describe Obama. I don’t think I need to explain why this is bad, so I won’t. That’s a no from me, Joe.
Biden, May 2020 - “If you don’t vote for me then you ain’t black.”
During an interview with Charlemagne tha God, Joe Biden made this remark that revokes a person's skin color based on their vote. Biden did apologize for this statement later, saying he “shouldn’t have been such a wise guy” when talking about the future of America. Overall, I’m unimpressed with Joe Biden, and this statement only furthers my opinion.
Trump, July 2017 - “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
This little racist comment by Trump during his presidential campaign struck a chord with a majority of his support base. Referencing immigrants from Mexico, he chose to portray America as for Americans, not immigrants. Which is ironic, as America was built by immigrants. I stand unimpressed and disappointed.
Trump, October 2016 - “Grab them by the p***y.”
Who could forget one of President Trump's most memorable sayings, referencing what he does to women and how he feels about the idea of consent. Believe it or not, he still stands by this saying, having never produced an explanation or apology for this. Disgusting.
Trump, July 2017 - “I like people who weren't captured.”
During this interview, he was referencing war heroes and returning soldiers. With recent conflict surrounding his alleged comment on how fallen troops are “losers,” I thought it only fitting to show a pattern on this subject. There really doesn't seem to have been any growth.
My final opinion on this matter is that, honestly, I don’t like either of these candidates. Neither has what it takes to unify this country or to handle it in a time of crisis or pandemic. There is no good option here...really.
Alexander Nesmith is a Junior
Communication Major from
Calhoun, Georgia