Biden slammed for saying 'America was an idea' that 'we've never lived up to'

Joe Biden proclaimed that the United States of America "was an idea" that "we've never lived up to." The statement by the Democratic presidential nominee was quickly lambasted by many.

Biden made the controversial statement on Wednesday during an interview on the "Unlocking Us with Brené Brown" podcast in the midst of a discussion about the legacy of slavery in the United States.

"America was an idea, an idea. 'We hold these truths to be self-evident,'" Biden said, quoting the Declaration of Independence. "We've never lived up to it, but we've never walked away from it before. And I just think we have to be more honest. Let our kids know, as we raise them, what actually did happen. Acknowledge our mistakes so we don't repeat them."
 

America was an idea. We've never lived up to it but we've never walked away from it before.https://t.co/VRCnKI0rfQ pic.twitter.com/xLuhhGyJVp

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 22, 2020

The Trump campaign responded to Biden's statement that America was an idea.

"Running for President, Joe Biden's closing argument is that America has always been a disappointment," said Tim Murtaugh, director of communications for the Trump campaign. "You know he's blaming this on you. And after 47 years as a failed DC politician, he wants you to believe that NOW he'll get it right."