Elections

VP Biden says Bill Clinton's conduct 'shouldn't matter' in election, slams Trump

Vice President Joe Biden at a rally in Las Vegas, October 13, 2016.
Bill Clark | CQ Roll Call | Getty Images

Vice President Joe Biden says former President Bill Clinton's past conduct is not a relevant issue in assessing the candidacy of Hillary Clinton.

"It shouldn't matter: Look, I can't make an excuse for Bill Clinton's conduct, and I wouldn't attempt to make any excuses for the conduct, but he paid a price for it," Biden said in an interview Thursday with NBC's "Meet the Press." The interview will be aired on Sunday's show. A video clip was posted online Friday.

"He paid a price, he was impeached, and he expressed his deep sorrow and acknowledged what he did," said Biden, whose comments came after Donald Trump held a photo opportunity with three women who have accused former President Clinton of sexual misconduct.

As for the GOP's Trump, Biden had a much harsher assessment.

"This guy, as I said, has acknowledged that he has been a sexual predator. He's acknowledged that he's abused his power," Biden said. "The textbook definition of what constitutes sexual assault."