President Biden struggled Monday to explain his recent demand that Democrats put former President Donald Trump in the “bull’s-eye,” saying it was a mistake but also saying he could have said worse.
In a clip from an interview with NBC Mr. Biden was asked about the words he used in a phone call with campaign supporters earlier this month.
“It was a mistake to use the — I didn’t use crosshairs, I meant bull’s-eye, I meant focus on him,” Mr. Biden said.
According to the report in Politico, Mr. Biden was defending his continued campaign in the face of questions about his abilities.
“I have one job, and that’s to beat Donald Trump. I’m absolutely certain I’m the best person to be able to do that. So, we’re done talking about the debate, it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye,” Mr. Biden said.
He indicated Monday in the NBC interview that his comment was about where Democrats should have their political focus.
PHOTOS: Biden says it was a 'mistake' to say he wanted to put a 'bull's-eye' on Trump
The issue of overheated political rhetoric has soared into the fore after an assassination attempt on Mr. Trump this weekend.
Mr. Biden has pleaded for all sides to “cool” their words.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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