On the heels of a contentious exchange with Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) at Thursday’s debate, former Vice President Joe Biden defended his civil rights record during a speaking event on Friday.
“I heard and I listened to and I respect Senator Harris,” he said. “But, you know, we all know that 30 seconds to 60 seconds on a campaign debate exchange can’t do justice to a lifetime committed to civil rights. I want to be absolutely clear about my record of position on racial justice, including busing. I never, never, never ever opposed voluntary busing.”
Biden defends his record after back-and-forth with Harris pic.twitter.com/EiiY27Dznh
— TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) June 28, 2019
Along with the busing dispute, Harris also went after Biden at the debate for his comments about the “civility” he enjoyed with segregationists.
Joe, just shut up already.
What the hell does “voluntary” busing even mean?
“But, you know, we all know that 30 seconds to 60 seconds on a campaign debate exchange can’t do justice to a lifetime committed to civil rights."
True. 10 candidates and the debate format certainly doesn’t allow for it. He and his team will have to be better prepared for that in the next debate.
It feels to me like a very politician-y way of avoiding telling the real truth. You’ve got this letter to Eastland saying, “I want you to know that I very much appreciate your help during this week’s Committee meeting in attempting to bring my anti-busing legislation to a vote.” That reads pretty damning to me.