Joe Biden sat down for a brief interview with Charlamagne tha God on The Breakfast Club on Friday, and he signed off with a comment that has provoked some reactions. During the 18-minute interview, Biden discussed the possibility of a black woman as his running mate, Democrats taking black voters for granted, and the legalization of marijuana. He also suggested that voters "ain't black" if they have trouble deciding whether to vote for him or Donald Trump.
Closer to the end of the interview, someone from Biden's team can be heard suggesting that they wrap up the interview on multiple occasions. Charlamagne responds to the final request to bring the interview to an end, joking that "you can't do that to black media." Biden replied, "I can't do that to black media and white media because my wife has to go on at six o'clock." Checking his watch, he added, "Uh-oh, I'm in trouble... If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black."
Charlamagne clarified it wasn't about Trump, but whether Biden would benefit his community. "Take a look at my record, man," Biden replied. "I have a record that is second to none. The NAACP's endorsed me every time I've run. I mean, come on. Take a look at the record."
Shortly after the interview ended, Charlamagne released a statement on Biden's comments. "We have been loyal to Democrats for a long time, black people have invested a lot into that party and the return on investment has not been great,” Charlamagne said in a statement to Mediaite. "As Biden said in our brief interview when I asked him if Dems owe the black community ABSOLUTELY was his answer. So let’s see what you got!!! Votes are Quid Pro Quo. You can’t possibly want me to Fear Trump MORE than I want something for my people."
Symone D. Sanders, a senior adviser on Biden's campaign, also addressed the comments on Twitter. "The comments made at the end of the Breakfast Club interview were in jest, but let’s be clear about what the VP was saying: he was making the distinction that he would put his record with the African American community up against Trump’s any day. Period," Sanders wrote.
The comments made at the end of the Breakfast Club interview were in jest, but let’s be clear about what the VP was saying: he was making the distinction that he would put his record with the African American community up against Trump’s any day. Period.
Biden himself later walked back the comments while speaking with the Black Chamber of Commerce, saying, "I shouldn't have been so cavalier." He continued, "I've never, never, ever taken the African-American community for granted. I shouldn't have been such a wise guy."
Needless to say, how Biden chose to wrap up the interview has garnered a lot of attention on Twitter. Many have accused Biden of racism, and once again indicating that Democrats often take the black vote for granted. Reactions from both sides of the political spectrum have been negative.
See what Twitter had to say about Biden's comments below.
