Biden: Trump is 'sexual predator' but Bill Clinton conduct 'shouldn't matter'

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Vice President Biden claimed in an interview with NBC News that Bill Clinton’s sexual misconduct “shouldn’t matter” because he’s already “paid a price” – though he hammered Donald Trump as a “sexual predator.”

The vice president tried to draw a distinction between the similar allegations against Clinton and Trump that have dominated the campaign in recent days. Trump at the last debate invoked the claims of women who have accused Bill Clinton of sexual assault, but within days was battling new allegations from women who accused him of groping and forcing himself on them.

Biden, speaking with “Meet the Press,” was asked whether the former president’s conduct matters.

“No, it shouldn't matter,” Biden said. “Look, I can't make any excuse for Bill Clinton's conduct. I wouldn't attempt to make any excuses for the conduct. But he paid a price for it. He paid a price. He was impeached. And he … expressed his deep sorrow and acknowledged what he did.”

Biden then made a sharp turn to discuss the Republican presidential nominee.

“This guy, as I said, has acknowledged that he has been a sexual predator. He's acknowledged that he's abused his power. And … as I said, the textbook definition of what constitutes sexual assault,” he said.

Trump has denied the allegations against him. In a blistering speech in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Thursday, he said the campaign has “substantial evidence” to dispute the latest “orchestrated” allegations and will release them at the appropriate time.

“These vicious claims about me of inappropriate conduct with women are totally and absolutely false.  These claims are all fiction, entirely fabricated and are outright lies,” he said.

He singled out the accusers as “horrible, horrible liars.”