Eyeing 2020, Biden touts GOP ties but risks alienating Democratic voters.

OMAHA, NE — In his time before announcing the launch of his campaign, former Vice President Joe Biden is publicly highlighting and declaring his relationships with Republicans. Many believe that this move has risked alienating Democratic primary voters, and the more liberal faction of the party.

On Thursday,  Biden hailed “the character, integrity and humanity” of Chuck Hagel, at a foreign policy forum in Nebraska. Hagel is the Secretary of Defense and United States Senator. Biden also called Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, “a good guy.”

Biden’s cross-aisle compliments sparked outrage, especially after he praised Vice President Mike Pence, calling him a “decent guy.”

Left wing activist Cynthia Nixon tweeted that Biden complimented “America’s most anti-LGBT elected leader.”

Biden later walked back his remarks, expressing that there is “nothing decent about being anti-LGBTQ rights.”