In Private Meeting, Joe Biden Said Part of Education Problem in Black Communities is that 'Parents Can't Read or Write Themselves'

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Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has repeatedly touted his support from black voters as a sign of his electability in the general election, but he reportedly caused frustration during a meeting last year when he said black "parents can't read."

Biden's remarks, which were first reported by The New York Times on Thursday, came during a private gathering with prominent black mayors from Georgia. Three people with direct knowledge of the meeting confirmed the account to the newspaper, noting that Biden had said that black communities face a problem because "parents can't read or write themselves." Many of the attendees were reportedly "shocked" and "frustrated" by the former vice president's comment.