Pelosi on Biden: ‘I have no criticism of what he believes is his story to tell’ | TheHill – The Hill

Several of Biden’s fellow White House hopefuls, including Sens. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerBooker hits Biden’s defense of remarks about segregationist senators: ‘He’s better than this’ Booker hits Biden’s defense of remarks about segregationist senators: ‘He’s better than this’ Biden defends remarks about segregationist senators: ‘Apologize for what?’ MORE (D-N.J.) and Bernie SandersBernie SandersSanders denies tweet about corporate Democrats was dig at Warren Sanders denies tweet about corporate Democrats was dig at Warren Democrats asked to create ideal candidate to beat Trump pick white man: poll MORE (I-Vt.), demanded Biden apologize for the comment. 

“You don’t joke about calling black men ‘boys,’” Booker, who is black, said in a statement. “Men like James O. Eastland used words like that, and the racist policies that accompanied them, to perpetuate white supremacy and strip black Americans of our very humanity.”

Other Democratic leaders, including House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.), defended Biden’s comments.

Biden rejected calls to apologize Thursday night, saying he doesn’t have “a racist bone” in his body.

His campaign has pushed back fiercely against the criticism he’s received over the comments. 

“[Biden] did not praise a segregationist. That is a disingenuous take. He basically said sometimes in Congress, one has to work with terrible or down right racist folks to get things done. And then went on to say when you can’t work with them, work around them,” Symone Sanders, a senior adviser for the Biden campaign, tweeted.