Biden regrets making race remark

ATLANTA — Joe Biden said he “should not have been so cavalier” in comments earlier Friday in which he suggested African Americans who back President Trump “ain’t black.“

Biden addressed the controversy during a conference call with the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce. His earlier remarks during an interview with a prominent black radio host stirred an uproar over whether he was being condescending to African American voters who could decide whether he wins the White House.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee had appeared on the Breakfast Club, a radio program that is widely regarded in the black community. The host, Charlamagne Tha God, pressed Biden on reports that he is considering Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is white, to be vice president and told him black voters “saved your political life in the primaries” and “have things they want from you.”

“I’m not acknowledging anybody who is being considered,” Biden said. “But I guarantee you there are multiple black women being considered.”

He added: “If you’ve got a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or for Trump, then you ain’t black.”

Both Trump allies and liberal activists criticized Biden’s comments.

“He truly believes that he, a 77yearold white man, should dictate how black people should behave,” said Katrina Pierson, a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign.

The president has a history of incendiary rhetoric related to race.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, a Trump supporter and the Senate’s sole black Republican, said he was “shocked and surprised” by Biden’s remark.

“I was struck by the condescension and the arrogance in his comments,” Scott said.