When Bill Clinton was given an opportunity to dispute the idea that Bernie Sanders’ claims about Hillary qualifications may be rooted in sexism, he passed.

MSNBC caught up with the former president on the rope line after his appearance in Erie, Pennsylvania on Friday.

“On these comments that Bernie Sanders has made about Hillary not being qualified — if a man with the same resume, do you think that would happen? Is gender a piece of this at all?” Clinton was asked, as he strangely chewed on his tongue.

He responded, “Well, of course it wouldn’t. But I think he walked it back today, didn’t he?”

“He did a little bit,” the reporter responded, “but for him to say it at all, do you think gender was a factor?”

“I don’t know. I’m — you guys commented — I think she’d be the best president. I think it’s obvious by a country mile,” he said, falling back into talking point mode.

“Yes, I think there are some different standards. Some are subconscious.”