Struggling presidential candidate Robert Francis "Beto" O'Rourke told a group of immigrants that America was founded on white supremacy at a campaign event on Monday.
"This country was founded on white supremacy. And every single institution and structure that we have in the country still reflects the legacy of slavery and segregation and Jim Crow and suppression even in our democracy," the former Texas congressman and failed Senate candidate said.
Democrat presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke: 'This country was founded on white supremacy and every single institution and structure that we have in this country still reflects the legacy of slavery and segregation and Jim Crow and suppression even in our democracy" pic.twitter.com/84RqYqu6i0
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) July 10, 2019
O'Rourke made the remarks during an appearance in Tennessee where he talked with a group of immigrants and refugees. He was asked how he would combat white supremacy as president, which led him to condemn America's founding.
He is currently struggling in the race for the Democratic nomination. Despite a strong start with excellent fundraising numbers, a weak performance in the first debate has led to low poll numbers. Politico reported he is currently polling at around two percent support nationally, and just one percent in Iowa.
Other Democratic candidates went after O'Rourke during the first debate, blasting him over his opposition to decriminalizing illegal border crossings. O'Rourke has resisted shifting his position on the issue so far.