In remarks at an off-camera campaign fundraiser in Washington, D.C., Biden said touted the nation’s economy, while citing immigration as a key contributor to growth.
“The reason — look, think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants,” he said.
“Immigrants are what makes us strong. Not a joke; that’s not hyperbole. Because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and want to contribute,” he added, according to a pool report.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden was trying to make a broader point when pressed on his comments.
“The broader case that he was trying to make, which I think most leaders and allies across the globe understands, he was saying that… we are a nation of immigrants, that is in our DNA,” she said.
She added, “as it relates to our relationship with our allies, that continues. Obviously we have a strong relationship with India, with Japan.”
In including India and Japan alongside with China and Russia, Biden lumped in two counties considered key allies, particularly when it comes to combating China.
The Hill’s Alex Gangitano has more here.
