Democratic Debates; Kamala Harris attacks Biden over his comments on segregationists, I don't believe you're a racist", but your comments were hurtful
Former vice president momentarily stunned by exchange
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kamala Harris has launched a scathing attack on Joe Biden for his comments about segregationists, saying his words were “hurtful”.
The former vice president has in recent days been trying to claim down a controversy he sparked by saying during his career in Congress, he had managed to get business done by being civil to those he disagreed with, among them two Republicans who were pro-segregation.
On Thursday evening, Ms Harris, a California senator who is African American, delivered a stern rebuke to Mr Biden, that briefly created a look of bewilderment on his face.
“I do not believe you are a racist. And I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground,” Ms Harris said, in perhaps the most dramatic exchange of the evening.
“But I also believe – and it’s personal and it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country.”
Ms Harris, a former prosecutor, went on to challenge Mr Biden’s stance on busing to desegregate public schools during the 1970s, telling the former vice president that she was bused as a child two decades after the Brown v Board decision to end the separate but equal policy in the American education system.
Mr Biden said Ms Harris was mischaracterising his position.
Ms Harris then asked Mr Biden if he agreed he was wrong to oppose busing in America.
Mr Biden said he did not oppose busing, but federal intervention in the issue.
Ms Harris then shot back: “There are moments in history where states fail to support the civil rights of people.”
She added: “There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools and she was bussed to school every day. That little girl was me.
“So I will tell you that on this subject, it cannot be an intellectual debate among Democrats. We have to take it seriously. We have to act swiftly.”
She finished by saying: “There is not a black man I know, be he a relative, a friend or a coworker who has not been the subject of profiling or discrimination.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments