Vice President Joe Biden dinged neurosurgeon-turned-GOP presidential hopeful Ben Carson's recent remarks on homosexuality Friday, mocking Carson's claim that being gay is "absolutely" a choice "because a lot of people who go into prison go into prison straight — and when they come out, they’re gay."
Speaking before the Human Rights Campaign in Washington today, Biden was in full Biden mode as he weighed in on Carson's comments, which he highlighted as an example of the gulf between the Democratic and Republican parties on gay rights.
"Eight, 10 years ago — even two years ago — homophobic statements would have been, if not embraced, not viewed as having generated any political liability. Look what's happening in the other party today," Biden said. "Seriously, don't misread the political trends in history here. Now, every ridiculous assertion — from Dr. Carson on. ... I mean Jesus, God."
"I mean — oh, God," the veep continued. "It's kind of hard to fathom, isn't it?"
Following widespread derision, Carson expressed "regret" for his claims, which he made in a Wednesday interview with CNN's Chris Cuomo. Biden said that the reaction to Carson's remarks underscored the progress the country has made on LGBT issues.
"Think about the universal ridicule. That wouldn't have happened two years ago, five years ago. It matters, it matters. It shocks the conscience that at this moment in American history, 29 states in America, people are denied basic dignity because of who they are or who they love," he said.
(h/t The Hill)
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