In early 2016, Vice President Joe Biden saw Kamala Harris as a rising star in Democratic politics and smothered her with praise as the then-California attorney general’s Senate campaign was taking off.
Now that they’re both top-tier candidates for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, their shared history is clouded by increasingly personal attacks.
During the first round of Democratic debates, Harris, 54, relentlessly criticized Biden’s record on racial issues. She slammed the 36-year Delaware senator, 76, over his opposition to school busing in the 1970s and for boasting of his cordial relations with segregationist senators.
“I will direct this at Vice President Biden, I do not believe you are a racist and I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground,” Harris said at the June 27 debate in Miami. “But I also believe and it’s personal and it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senator who is built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country.”
That’s a marked change from three years ago, Biden and President Barack Obama endorsed Harris in the 2016 California Senate race over Democratic Rep. Loretta Sanchez. The pair of women ended up facing off that fall under California’s “top two” primary system in which even members of the same party can run against each other if they finish first or second in balloting.
Biden at the California Democratic Convention talked up Harris’ career in the context of his late son Beau, who had been Delaware attorney general before his death from brain cancer on May 30, 2015, at age 46.
“I first came to know Attorney General Kamala Harris through my son Beau, when he served as attorney general of Delaware. I saw them take on big banks, lift up the voices of working people, and protect women and children from abuse and violence,” Biden said. “Beau always supported her, and I’m proud to support her candidacy for the United States Senate. I served in the Senate and have worked my entire career with senators from both parties. Today’s Senate needs people like her — leaders who will always fight to make a difference and who never forget where they come from.”
Harris’ Senate campaign was thrilled to receive the coveted backing of Obama and Biden, sending out a press release touting her record as a prosecutor who “stood up to special interests on behalf of the people of California.”
“I’m honored to receive the support of the President and Vice President, two leaders who have worked tirelessly to improve life for our families and get results for all people,” said Harris, who previously served seven years as San Francisco district attorney, after years as a line prosecutor. “They are incredible leaders for our nation, and I look forward to our continued work together in the months and years ahead.”
At the 2016 California Democratic Convention, with Harris said the “Biden family truly represents our nation’s highest ideals.”
“Joe has given so much to our country. And on top of everything he has accomplished, he gave us my dear friend Beau Biden,” Harris said.
Those kind words were returned by Biden who called Harris a “great personal friend,” and cited the relationship she built with his son Beau. In her memoir The Truths We Hold: An American Journey, Harris recounted how she’d speak with Beau “sometimes multiple times a day,” and would fly out to Washington, D.C., to meet with the vice president and his staff.
Harris went on to crush Sanchez in the fall election, securing 61.6% of the vote.
During Harris’ ceremonial Senate swearing-in ceremony in January 2017, the affection between Harris and Biden was on full display with the two giggling and exchanging multiple kisses.
“She’s the best, the very best” Biden said to Harris’ mother and father at the conclusion of the event.
Now, things are different.
“Kamala and Biden were friends and maybe still friends. She’s just doing what she needs to do to get votes,” Gwendolyn Cross of California Women 4 Women, a progressive advocacy group, told the Washington Examiner. “He’s coming out to attack her because he wants to win the California primary.”
