Biden Responds to Ben Carson Comments: 'Oh, God'

Vice President Joe Biden said Friday that the “universal ridicule” potential GOP presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson received for saying homosexuality is a choice is a sign of the progress the gay rights movement has made in recent years.

Carson told CNN on Wednesday: "A lot of people who go into prison go into prison straight — and when they come out, they're gay. So, did something happen while they were in there? Ask yourself that question.”

The normally verbose vice president, who is also considering a presidential run, had trouble putting his reaction into words.

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“Look what’s happening in even in quote ‘the other party today,’” Biden said during a speech at the Human Rights Campaign. “Seriously, don’t misread the political trends in history. Now, every ridiculous assertion from Dr. Carson on -- I mean Jesus, God.”

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“Oh God. I mean it’s kind of hard to fathom, isn’t it?” Biden went on. “But think about the universal ridicule that wouldn’t have happened two years, five years ago.”

Carson later apologized for the comments, writing on Facebook: "I realized that my choice of language does not reflect fully my heart on gay issues."

IN-DEPTH

• Dr. Ben Carson Apologizes For Saying Being Gay Is a Choice
• Dr. Ben Carson Argues Being Gay Is 'Absolutely' a Choice

-- Andrew Rafferty