Vice President Harris and President Biden clashed on the issue of race during the 2020 presidential election. The disagreement stemmed from comments made by Harris in 2019, where she expressed her concerns about Biden's past collaborations with senators known for their segregationist views and opposition to bussing.
Harris, while acknowledging that she did not consider Biden to be a racist, found his previous associations troubling and hurtful. She emphasized the need for Democrats to address racial issues seriously and take swift action.
In response, Biden refuted Harris' claims, stating that they were a mischaracterization of his overall stance on civil rights. He denied praising racists and defended his record on supporting civil rights throughout his career.
The exchange highlighted a significant point of contention within the Democratic Party regarding the approach to addressing racial inequality and historical injustices. Despite their differences on this issue, Harris would later be selected as Biden's running mate for the presidential campaign.
Both Harris and Biden underscored the importance of civil rights in their respective positions, with Biden expressing his willingness to engage in a debate on the topic if necessary. The incident underscored the complexities and sensitivities surrounding discussions of race and historical legacies in American politics.
