Biden: Airport Pat-Downs Intrusive but ‘Necessary’

Many Americans aren’t too happy with the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) new pat-down method of screening air passengers, especially those who have felt their private parts groped by TSA screeners. But Vice President Joe Biden, who isn’t subject to the policy himself, defends it as necessary, The Hill reports.

He admits that the pat-downs and use of full-body scanners are intrusive, but maintains they are important in preventing a terrorist attack like last year’s attempted Christmas Day airline bombing. That terrorist hid explosives in his underwear.

"Well look, Larry, maybe it’s because I spend so much time every morning dealing with the threat assessment that's out there and the fact that it's real. I understand people's frustration, but unless there's a new technology that comes along pretty quickly, I think it's a necessary policy," Biden said on CNN's "Larry King Live." show.

"I think it will have the effect of saving lives, intercepting explosives."