CNN broadcaster Van Jones breaks down in tears after Biden wins US election

'It’s easier to be a parent this morning, it's more easy to be a dad,' Mr Jones said on Saturday, his voice cracking

Broadcaster Van Jones broke down on live television as it was announced that Joe Biden had defeated Donald Trump, declaring: “It’s easier to be a parent.”

The 52-year-old journalist and writer, who is African-American, was asked to respond to news that Mr Biden had been declared the president-elect following a bitter election campaign.

“It’s easier to be a parent this morning, it's more easy to be a dad,” Mr Jones said on CNN on Saturday, his voice cracking.

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“It’s easier to tell your kids that character matters. It matters. Telling the truth matters, being a good person matters.”

Mr Jones served as President Obama’s special advisor on green jobs and is author of books such as The Green Collar Economy and Rebuild the Dream. He has been a persistent critic of the president, calling out Mr Trump for his racist language and tweets.

“It's easier for a lot of people. If you're Muslim in this country, you don't have to worry if the president doesn't want you here,” he went on, becoming visibly upset.

"You don't have to worry if the president's gonna be happy to have your babies snatched away, send back Dreamers for no reason.

"A lot of people really suffered. You know, I can't breathe. You know that wasn't just George Floyd, a lot of people felt they couldn't breathe.

"You're waking up and there are these tweets and you just don't know. You're going to the store and people who have been afraid to show their racism….it’s getting nastier and nastier to you, and you're worried about your kids, and you're worried about your sister.

"And this is a big deal for us  - just to be able to get some peace and have a chance for a reset. And the character of the country matters and being a good man matters. You know, I just want my sons to to look at this.

“It's easy to do it the cheap way and and get away with stuff, but it comes back around, and is the good thing for this country.”