Jill Biden Reportedly Furious with Kamala Harris Over Debate Attack on Joe Biden
Alex Brandon/AP
Kamala Harris allegedly angered First Lady Jill Biden when she criticized Joe Biden’s record on busing and his ties to segregationist senators during a 2019 Democratic debate. According to Politico, Jill Biden expressed her frustrations in a phone call with supporters a week later, reportedly telling them that Harris could “go f— herself.”
The incident, detailed in Edward-Isaac Dovere’s book, occurred after Harris attacked Joe Biden’s opposition to federally mandated interracial busing to desegregate schools. At the time, Harris was not yet Biden’s running mate. Joe had given a speech reflecting on his early days in politics, where he highlighted his experience working with senators, even those he strongly disagreed with, including segregationists.
As reported by CNN, Jill Biden, furious at Harris’ remarks, is quoted as saying, “With what he cares about, what he fights for, what he’s committed to, you get up there and call him a racist without basis? Go f— yourself.” During the debate, Harris directly confronted Biden, saying, “I do not believe you are a racist, and I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground, 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.”
The criticism stemmed from remarks Biden had made at a New York City fundraiser about his time working with senators who supported segregation. Biden referenced his working relationship with senators like James O. Eastland, saying, “He never called me ‘boy,’ he always called me ‘son.’ Well, guess what? At least there was some civility. We got things done.”
Harris, who is biracial, pointed out that Biden’s opposition to busing had personally affected her. “There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bused to school every day. That little girl was me,” she said during the debate.
Biden defended himself, calling Harris’ statements a “mischaracterization” of his position and rejecting any praise for segregationists. After the debate, as reported by ABC News, Biden, clearly frustrated, turned to fellow candidate Pete Buttigieg and said, “Well, that was some f—ing bullshit.” Despite the tension, Biden eventually chose Harris as his vice-presidential running mate, and they went on to win the 2020 election together.
