Biden Says He Never Opposed Voluntary Busing After Tiff With Harris

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 27: Sen. Kamala Harris (R) (D-CA) and former Vice President Joe Biden (L) speak as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) looks on during the second night of the first Democratic presidential debate on June... MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 27: Sen. Kamala Harris (R) (D-CA) and former Vice President Joe Biden (L) speak as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) looks on during the second night of the first Democratic presidential debate on June 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. A field of 20 Democratic presidential candidates was split into two groups of 10 for the first debate of the 2020 election, taking place over two nights at Knight Concert Hall of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, hosted by NBC News, MSNBC, and Telemundo. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) MORE LESS

June 28, 2019 3:34 p.m.

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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.

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