Joseph Biden actually said...

"The idea that this trade battle makes any sense, is benefiting anybody, is absolutely ludicrous."

"Look, my North Star is the middle class. When the middle class does well, everybody does well."

"Yes. I'd make it real clear. Look, you want to talk, you want to deal with us, you want sanctions lifted, show me something ahead of time."

"What are we going to do if we can't get along better? And part of it is persuasion."