Joe Biden faced criticism Friday on social media after an interview with Charlamagne Tha God that ended with Biden telling the radio host if you support President Trump, “then you ain’t black.”
Hours later, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said, “I shouldn’t have been so cavalier.”
The trouble started when Biden sat down for an interview on The Breakfast Club morning show. Charlamagne began by admitting he’s been critical of the former VP’s record on race and said, “I’m going to talk to you about mostly black stuff.”
After discussing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the black community, Charlamagne brought up Biden’s voting record as a U.S. senator and pressed him on criminal justice reform.
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The radio personality later mentioned reports that Biden is considering Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is white, as his running mate instead of a black woman. Charlamagne reminded Biden that black voters “saved your political life in the primaries,” when he was down in the polls and political analysts had written him off.
“I’m not acknowledging anybody who is being considered,” Biden responded. “But I guarantee you there are multiple black women being considered. Multiple.”
A Biden staffer cut in and said it was time to end the interview. Charlamagne shot back, “You can’t do that to black media.”
Biden said jokingly, “I do that to black media and white media,” adding that his wife needed to use their at-home studio.
Charlamagne asked Biden to come back on the program again. “It’s a long way to November. We’ve got more questions,” he said.
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Biden agreed to return, but responded, “I tell you, if you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.”
Charlamagne said it wasn’t about Trump, but Biden’s commitment to the black community. Biden then cited the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
“Take a look at my record man. I extended the Voting Rights Act,” he replied. “I have a record that is second to none. The NAACP has endorsed me every time I’ve run. Come on, take a look at my record.”
Some Trump supporters and social media users were furious, prompting Biden to later back track. In a call with the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce, he said he would never “take the African American community for granted.”
“I shouldn’t have been such a wise guy,” Biden said. “No one should have to vote for any party based on their race or religion or background.”
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