Democratic White House front-runner Joe Biden has come under ferocious attack for his record on race in a televised debate with nine rivals. Senator Kamala Harris assailed him for touting his past work with racist senators and having once opposed a policy to foster diversity in schools.
He said she had “mischaracterised” his position, insisting he had entered politics to champion civil rights. The candidates are vying to take on Donald Trump in next year’s election. The clash of the night unfolded as the issue of racial profiling and policing was discussed during last night’s forum in Miami, Florida.
Miss Harris – the only black woman in the crowded Democratic field of 20 – talked over the debate moderators to insist: “I would like to speak on the issue of race.” Turning to Mr Biden she pilloried him for citing his past work with fellow Democratic senators who favoured segregation of the races.
