Vice President Harris and President Biden found themselves at odds over the issue of race during the 2020 presidential election campaign. The disagreement stemmed from comments made by Harris in 2019, where she expressed her concerns about Biden's past actions regarding race.
In a pointed statement directed at Biden, Harris stated, 'I do not believe you are a racist, but it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their careers on the segregation of race in this country.' She also criticized Biden for his opposition to bussing, a controversial issue related to desegregation efforts.
Harris emphasized the personal nature of the issue, calling for swift action within the Democratic Party to address racial disparities. Despite their differences on this topic, Harris later became Biden's running mate in the election.
In response to Harris' remarks, Biden defended his record on civil rights and refuted her claims, stating, 'I did not praise racists, that is not true.' He also expressed willingness to engage in a debate on civil rights issues, highlighting his longstanding commitment to advocating for equality and justice.
The exchange between Harris and Biden underscored the complex and sensitive nature of discussions around race and politics in the United States. While both individuals sought to clarify their positions and emphasize their dedication to civil rights, the incident highlighted the challenges of navigating such issues within the political arena.
