A Comparative Analysis of Racially Controversial Remarks by Donald Trump and Joe Biden (Draft)

Introduction

The issue of racial sensitivity and political rhetoric has been a focal point in American politics, particularly concerning presidential candidates. Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden have faced criticism for racially insensitive remarks and associations throughout their careers. This paper provides a comparative analysis of these incidents to assess which candidate exhibits less racial insensitivity.

Donald Trump’s Controversial Remarks

Donald Trump has a long history of remarks and policies that have been criticized as racially insensitive or outright racist:

1. Use of 'Palestinian' as a Slur (2025): Trump referred to Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer as a 'Palestinian' in an apparent attempt to question Schumer’s Jewish identity and loyalty. This remark was widely condemned by Jewish and Muslim advocacy groups as an anti-Semitic and Islamophobic insult that exploited ethnic and religious tensions. (Pengelly, 2025)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/12/trump-chuck-schumer-palestinian-slur

1. Madison Square Garden Rally Remarks (2024): During a rally at Madison Square Garden, Trump and several guest speakers used racially charged and misogynistic language. He made comments about immigration, crime, and voting patterns that many interpreted as dog whistles aimed at reinforcing racial stereotypes. The event was widely criticized for promoting divisive rhetoric. (Kurtzleben, 2024)

https://www.npr.org/2024/10/27/g-s1-30232/trump-madison-square-garden-insults

2. Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric (2024): In multiple campaign speeches, Trump described undocumented immigrants as "animals," "savages," and "predators," often in the context of discussing crime and law enforcement. Critics argued that his statements painted entire immigrant communities as inherently criminal, which contributed to xenophobic sentiments.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-rhetoric-enemy-anti-immigrant/

3. Past Comments on Minority Communities: In his 2015 campaign launch speech, Trump stated, "When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best... They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists." While he later claimed he was referring to criminal elements rather than all Mexican immigrants, the comment was widely interpreted as a broad generalization that demonized an entire group. Additionally, Trump repeatedly called for a "Muslim ban" during his presidency, arguing that people from predominantly Muslim countries posed a security threat.

Joe Biden’s Controversial Remarks

Joe Biden, while often portraying himself as a champion for racial equality, has also faced criticism for past comments and actions:

1. "You Ain’t Black" Comment (2020): During an interview on "The Breakfast Club," a radio show with a predominantly Black audience, Biden stated, "If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't Black." His comment was meant to suggest that Trump’s policies were not beneficial for Black Americans, but many found the remark patronizing and inappropriate. Biden later apologized, stating that he should not have been "so cavalier."

2. Association with Segregationists (1970s): During his early years in the Senate, Biden worked with segregationist senators such as James Eastland and Strom Thurmond to pass legislation on crime and school integration. While Biden has defended these collaborations as part of bipartisan dealmaking, critics argue that he failed to strongly oppose racist policies at the time. In a 2019 campaign speech, Biden referred to Eastland by saying, "He never called me ‘boy.’ He always called me ‘son,’" which was perceived as an insensitive remark given Eastland’s segregationist history.

3. Use of a Racial Slur in Quotation (1985): During a Senate hearing on crime legislation, Biden used the N-word multiple times while quoting a document to highlight racist attitudes in the judicial system. While his intent was to criticize racism, some have pointed to this as an example of his past willingness to use offensive language.

4. Indian American Stereotype (2006): While campaigning in 2006, Biden remarked, "In Delaware, the largest growth of population is Indian Americans... You cannot go to a 7/11 or a Dunkin’ Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent. I'm not joking." The comment was intended to highlight demographic changes, but it was widely criticized for reinforcing ethnic stereotypes.

5. "Poor Kids" Remark (2019): At a campaign event in Iowa, Biden stated, "Poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids." He quickly corrected himself, adding, "Wealthy kids, Black kids, Asian kids," but the initial phrasing implied a problematic association between poverty and race.

   
   

Analysis and Conclusion

Both candidates have made racially insensitive remarks and engaged in actions that have raised concerns about their attitudes toward race. Trump’s comments and policies have frequently been linked to explicit xenophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, and racial stereotyping. His rhetoric often involves dehumanizing language and has been associated with divisive, inflammatory statements.

Biden, while also having a problematic history, tends to make racially insensitive gaffes rather than statements rooted in deliberate xenophobia. His controversial remarks often stem from outdated perspectives or verbal missteps rather than explicit attempts to vilify minority groups.

Considering the severity and frequency of their statements, Trump’s rhetoric appears to be more consistently and overtly racist, often aligning with discriminatory policies. Biden’s remarks, while racially insensitive at times, are generally less inflammatory and not accompanied by policies that target minority groups in the same way.

Thus, based on historical patterns, Biden can be considered the least racist of the two candidates, though both have demonstrated racially problematic behaviors that merit scrutiny.