Updated

Vice President Biden has joked about avoiding a "Blumenthal mistake," a reference to the Connecticut attorney general's frequent misstatements about serving in Vietnam.

Biden met with veterans visiting his official residence on Tuesday night and tried to joke about Blumenthal's gaffe, for which he apologized last week. The Democratic attorney general is seeking the Senate seat.

Biden said: "I didn't serve in Vietnam. I don't want to make a Blumenthal mistake here. Our attorney general from Connecticut, God love him."

He later added: "I have a bad habit of saying exactly what I think."

Blumenthal is looking to succeed Sen. Chris Dodd, a Democrat who is retiring. Republicans have been consistent in their criticism and will likely nominate wrestling executive Linda McMahon.