Former Vice President Joe Biden told a group of mostly Asian and Hispanic voters in Iowa on Wednesday that poor children are just as smart as “white kids.”
“We should challenge students in these schools and have advanced placement programs in these schools,” Biden said. “We have this notion that somehow if you’re poor, you cannot do it. Poor kids are just as bright, just as talented, as white kids.”
Perhaps realizing his gaffe, Biden added: “Wealthy kids, black kids, Asian kids, no I really mean it, but think how we think about it.”
Democratic front-runner Joe Biden raised eyebrows on the campaign trail after what appeared to be a slip of the tongue during a speech in Iowa. @MitchellReports has the latest. pic.twitter.com/rJt3gPueEo
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 9, 2019
While the remarks were seemingly a slip of the tongue, Biden’s been criticized for his record on race in recent weeks, particularly his past views on busing as a means of desegregation and his remarks about working with segregationist lawmakers in the past. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) called out Biden during the first round of Democratic presidential debates, in an exchange that went viral and boosted Harris’ polling numbers significantly.
Will there be an article for each of the countless Biden verbal stumbles that are certain to come?
He mispoke. BFD.
Freudian slip?
Addendum:
I would vote for Biden if he becomes the D nom because he is a better person than Trump to lead America.
That said, IMHO, the Ds should rethink their parameters in selecting the best D nom - and it should go beyond who can beat Trump because polls have shown that there are other people who can beat Trump. Ds should select their nominee based on who is best at representing the interests of the Ds diversity, who has a better vision going forward for the country, and who can think on their feet and make a better or best decisions as leaders.
For instance, of the front runners in the last debate, Warren, Sanders & Buttigieg (and also Klobuschar, not front runner though) has shown better judgement and ability to think on their feet compared to Biden & Harris because Warren & Sanders we’re pushed by CNN moderators to fight each other in healthcare but did not, the same goes for Sanders and Buttigieg on age and did not fight each other. In contrast, Biden & Harris knew what the format will be - moderators making them fight each other - and then they fell for the trap and had a food fight.
Just saying…
The whole clip must be played. Is this “you didn’t build that” from 2012???
That’s a tell. Grandpa Joe is not who we need right now. He’s had his turn (several times over). I’m a baby boomer but people in their 70’s & 80’s need to get off the stage and bring up the next generation of leaders.
If we are going to excoriate verbal gaffes, then I will have my own wing in the Hall of Shame. I would rather take Joe’s unintentional gaffes vs. Trump’s deliberate lies any day.