The Biden campaign tried to walk back remarks given by Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden during the debate on Thursday night only to have Biden appear to again make more confusing remarks.
“I would transition from the oil industry, yes,” Biden said. “It’s a big statement because the oil industry pollutes significantly. … It has to be replaced by renewable energy over time.”
When President @realDonaldTrump asks Joe Biden if he would close down the oil industry, Biden responds, “yes”https://t.co/WJrgQBxIi6 pic.twitter.com/EwZJlmTAWP
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 23, 2020
Following the debate, Biden Deputy Campaign Manager and Communications Director Kate Bedingfield tried to “clarify” Biden’s remarks, according to Washington Post reporter Annie Linskey.
Linskey tweeted: “Biden’s team seeks to clarify Biden’s remarks on the oil industry, with @KBeds saying that Biden was referring to ending oil subsidies.”
Bloomberg reporter Ari Natter tweeted out post-debate remarks from Biden on the issue, which appeared to again add confusion to the matter.
“They’re not going to lose their jobs. A lot more jobs are going to be created in other industries,” Biden said. “Eventually we’re going to have to go to all — we’re not going to be able to get rid of fossil fuels, getting rid of the subsidies for fossil fuels. But we’re not going to get rid of fossil fuels for a long time.”
More post-debate remarks from Biden on his comments on oil:
“Eventually we’re going to have to go to all — we’re not going to be able to get rid of fossil fuels, getting rid of the subsidies for fossil fuels.
"But we’re not going to get rid of fossil fuels for a long time.”
— Ari Natter (@AriNatter) October 23, 2020
Biden also got slammed by the president over his past comments on fracking during the debate.
“We’re going to have the greatest economy in the world,” Trump said. “But if you want to kill the economy, get rid of your oil industry. And what about fracking? Now we have to ask him about fracking.”
“I have never said I oppose fracking,” Biden claimed.
“You said it on tape,” Trump fired back.
“I—show the tape, put it on your website,” Biden yelled. “The fact of the matter is he’s flat lying.”
Within a matter of moments, Trump’s team tweeted out a video from Trump’s personal Twitter account of Biden making the remarks.
WATCH:
Here you go @JoeBiden! pic.twitter.com/UBqPJT85Pt
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 23, 2020
Transcript from the video that Trump tweeted out showing Biden’s past remarks on fracking:
DANA BASH, CNN HOST: Would there be any place for fossil fuels, including coal and fracking, in a Biden administration?
BIDEN: No, we would work it out. We would make sure it’s eliminated and no more subsidies for either one of those.
…
BIDEN TALKING TO YOUNG PERSON: I guarantee you, we’re going to end fossil fuel.
…
BIDEN AT MSNBC DEMOCRATIC DEBATE: No more, no new fracking.
…
BIDEN DURING CNBC INTERIVIEW: I’d gradually move away from fracking.
…
KAMALA HARRIS, DEMOCRATIC VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, AT CNN TOWN HALL: And I think it’s critically important on day one that we end any fossil fuel leases on public lands.
…
VOTER: But, like, what about, say, stopping fracking and stopping pipeline and structure…
BIDEN TALKING TO VOTER: Yes. Yes. No pipeline, exactly.
…
BIDEN AT RALLY: They want to do the same thing I want to do, they want to phase out fossil fuels and we’re going to phase out fossil fuels,
…
HARRIS AT CNN TOWN HALL: There’s no question I’m in favor of banning fracking.
This report has been updated to include additional information.