Joe Biden's chief of staff personally apologizes to Asa Hutchinson for DNC statement mocking him

WASHINGTON ― The White House personally apologized Wednesday to Asa Hutchinson after the Democratic National Committee's released a widely criticized statement mocking the former Arkansas governor after he dropped out of the Republican presidential primary.

Jeff Zients, White House chief of staff, called Hutchinson Wednesday morning on behalf of President Joe Biden and "apologized for a statement that did not represent the president's views," said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

"President Biden has deep respect for Governor Hutchinson and admires the race that he ran," Jean-Pierre said. "The president knows him to be a man of principle who cares about our country and has a strong record of public service."

DNC national press secretary Sarafina Chitika on Tuesday released a statement on Hutchinson ending his campaign, saying: "This news comes as a shock to those of us who could've sworn he had already dropped out."

Hutchinson, an outspoken critic of Republican frontrunner Donald Trump who struggled to gain traction, finished with just 191 votes in Monday's Iowa Republican Caucus. That placed him even below a candidate with far less notoriety: Texas businessman and pastor Ryan Binkley.

Zients and Hutchinson worked together when Zients led the White House's COVID-19 response team while Hutchinson served as governor.

Hutchinson responded to the apology on X, formerly known as Twitter: "The call from the White House was not necessary but still appreciated. We can disagree without demonizing. The bipartisan push back will hopefully lead to more focus on issues that are important to Americans."

The DNC's attempted joke upset many Trump critics − of both major parties − who pointed out the statement failed to recognize Biden is trying to appeal to moderate Republicans, like Hutchinson, in a possible rematch against Trump.

"I get that this is the usual game plan," former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., wrote on X to DNC chairman Jaime Harrison, "but I have to inform you that Joe Biden will need decent people on the center right. Gratuitous attacks on people like Asa, for no reason (he is zero threat) just makes us shake our head."

Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., wrote that he is "deeply disappointed" by the DNC statement: "While Gov Hutchinson is a conservative and holds many views with which I disagree, I have admired the way he has courageously spoken out against Donald Trump and the danger he presents to 🇺🇸."

Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly known as Twitter, @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Biden chief of staff apologizes to Asa Hutchinson for DNC comment