Biden originally responded by saying if black voters can't decide between voting for him or President Trump than they "ain't black."
According to CBS's Ed O'Keefe, Biden had a call with black business leaders and he apologized by saying, “I should not have been so cavalier. I've never, never, ever taken the African American community for granted."
"I shouldn't have been such a wise guy ... I shouldn't have been so cavalier ... No one should have to vote for any party based on their race, their religion, their background."
Biden caused controversy and was roundly mocked for his comments earlier today. Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television & RLJ Companies responded to Biden's quip by saying:
“VP Biden’s statement today represents the, arrogant and out-of-touch attitude of a paternalistic white candidate who has the audacity to tell Black people, the descendants of slaves that they are not Black unless they vote for him. This proves unequivocally that the Democratic nominee believes that Black people owe him their vote without question; even though, we as Black people know it is exactly the opposite. He should spend the rest of his campaign apologizing to every Black person he meets.”
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.