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In the midst of a closely contested election, Vice President Kamala Harris is striving to differentiate herself from President Joe Biden's recent verbal misstep. The White House is emphasizing the importance of context, insisting that Biden's words were misconstrued.

During a campaign Zoom call, President Biden commented on derogatory statements made about Puerto Rico by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at an October 27 event. Reflecting on Hinchcliffe's remarks that called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage," Biden responded by labeling the comedian's supporters as "the only garbage I see floating out there," while defending the Puerto Rican community as "good, decent, honorable people."

Following the backlash, the White House issued a clarification. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that President Biden was not targeting Trump supporters as a whole. Instead, the administration released a transcript modifying Biden's comment to "supporter's," underscoring a singular reference to Hinchcliffe.

Vice President Harris responded swiftly, underscoring her disagreement with any criticism of individuals based on their political choices. Her remarks, made during a campaign stop and in an interview with ABC News, highlighted the necessity of respectful political discourse.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump leveraged the incident at a North Carolina rally, attacking both Biden and Harris. Labeling Harris with derogatory remarks and mispronouncing her name, Trump continued to sow division among the electorate, despite his own controversial track record.

Throughout Wednesday, the White House remained in damage control mode, with Jean-Pierre stressing the significance of respecting all Americans while calling out harmful rhetoric. Despite Biden's attempt to clarify his statements, the controversy cast a shadow over his campaign efforts in the crucial days leading up to the election.

As Republicans seized upon Biden's comments, the debate illuminated the broader issue of deteriorating political discourse in America. Observers noted the irony, given former President Trump's history of derogatory language towards his political opponents.

The unfolding situation underscores the high stakes and heightened sensitivities in the final days of the election campaign, with both sides eager to sway undecided voters and solidify their support base.