Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden made a comment about gay waiters at a fundraiser event in Seattle over the weekend that not only fell completely flat, but caused pushback from the wealthy donors in the crowd.
In trying to demonstrate how far public opinion in the U.S. has evolved on the treatment of the gay community, the former vice president claimed that just five years ago it would have been socially acceptable for a businessman to “make fun of a gay waiter."
“Not in Seattle,” some in the crowd shouted back.
Biden said if that happened today the person would not be welcome back.
“The American people are so far ahead of their leaders on this issue,” he said.
Some pointed out that the city had a gay mayor five years ago.
FYI Seattle had a GAY MAYOR 5 years ago and now has a LESBIAN MAYOR in office. @joebiden fumbles again. Folksy is becoming foolhardy. Think he needs a time out to regroup. Biden's 'gay waiter' comment on LGBTQ rights falls flat in Seattle @CNNPolitics https://t.co/5LYFW8ev8I
— Aisha C Moodie-Mills (@AishaMoodMills) July 1, 2019
Biden — speaking at fundraiser hosted by Seattle gay-rights leader — suggests that mocking “a gay waiter” was seen as OK just five years ago, leading to crowd objections, per pool report. pic.twitter.com/eu02HpAlq4
— Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) June 30, 2019
The fundraising event took place at the home of Roger Nyhus, a public relations executive and gay rights activist.
This isn't the first time in recent weeks that he's been in some hot water over statements he's made at fundraising events. Last month, Biden made the comment about working with segregationist senators at a fundraising event in New York, which have been the subject of much criticism, including from fellow Democratic presidential challengers Sens. Kamala Harris (Calif.) and Cory Booker (NJ).