Vice President Joe Biden said Monday that he would “like to see a woman elected”, though he refrained from endorsing Hillary Clinton for the role, CNN reported.

Speaking in an interview with Mic, which will be published in full on Tuesday, Biden stressed that both Democratic candidates are “totally qualified” to become the next president.

When asked whether Bernie Sanders’ remarks about Clinton’s qualification and judgment were tantamount to sexism, the Vice President responded with an emphatic “no.”

He went on to add that Sanders’ approach contrasts sharply with the rhetorical style of Republican front-runner Donald Trump.

Sanders last week launched his most direct attacks on the former Secretary of State and Democratic frontrunner, saying Clinton was “unqualified” for the presidency, while noting her support for the Iraq war and close connections to Wall Street.

Biden said in the interview he views both Democratic candidates as qualified, terming the war of words between them just part of the campaign.

“Look, they’re both totally qualified to be president,” Biden said. “They both get in a fight. Campaigns do this.”

The vice president pointed out that Sanders did not say Clinton is “not qualified because she’s a woman”, noted CNN.

Biden also brushed aside the notion that Clinton is held to a higher standard because she’s a woman.

“No, I don’t think she’s held to a higher standard. This country’s ready for a woman. There’s no problem. We’re going to be able to elect a woman in this country,” Biden said.

“I would like to see a woman elected,” he added, before saying, “Hillary’s overwhelmingly qualified to be president.”

Biden stressed he would not endorse a Democratic candidate, and said he and President Barack Obama want to “let the party decide.”

The White House said in January that Obama would not publicly endorse a candidate before the 2016 Democratic primaries, but would be “out there” campaigning after the primary election to help support the Democratic candidate.