Washington (CNN) Former Vice President Joe Biden is "causing a lot of frustration and even pain" through his recent comments on race, Democratic presidential candidate Cory Booker said Sunday.

"Right now, the vice president to me is not doing a good job at bringing folks together. In fact, he's caused -- and I've heard this from people all around the country -- he's causing a lot of frustration and even pain with his words," Booker told NBC's Chuck Todd on "Meet the Press."

In his interview, the New Jersey senator cast doubt on Biden's ability to "talk openly and honestly" about race in America, citing comments Biden has made recently about race.

"Whoever our nominee is going to be, whoever the next president is going to be, really needs to be someone who can talk openly and honestly about race with vulnerability because none of us are perfect. But really call this country to common ground, to reconciliation," Booker said. "I'm not sure if Vice President Biden is up to that task given the way this last three weeks have played out."

Biden has faced criticism after he recently pointed to his ability to work with two late segregationist senators , saying such work was accomplished during an era where "at least there was some civility" in the Senate.