Press Secretary Jay Carney to Governer Wilder – You’re Wrong

Joe Biden’s “Chains” remark has drawn sharp criticism from many, including former Virgina Governer Douglas Wilder, the first African American governor since Reconstruction:

“Well, first of all it is divisive and certainly uncalled for,” Wilder said. “I don’t think the Obama administration needs that at this time. And, as you know, I have not been the most strong supporter of Joe Biden. And yet, we all know he’s gaffe-prone. But when you make a statement that says ‘They are going to put y’all back in chains,’ which means ‘I’m OK — not going to happen to me.’”

Today, White House Press Secretary responded snidely, in an attempt to brush the issue under the rug:

He continued to say the criticism was “weightless.”

Jake Tapper offered this:

“I think personally, when you use the word “chains” in a crowd with many African-Americans, you better be careful with what you’re talking about.”