Contrary to the cheap shot attacks that Kamala Harris launched against him in tonight’s debate, Joe Biden is both correct about his record on civil rights and, if he gets the Democratic nomination, better politically positioned in this regard for the general election.

First, Biden is right that Harris completely misrepresented comments he made about working with segregationist senators. Harris said Biden actually praised those segregationists. This is a flat-out lie. Biden said that despite his distaste for their politics, he found ways to work with them on other issues for the greater good of the American people. Most Americans recognize that he was right to do so. John Lewis recognizes it. And most understand his broader point, namely that it’s time for people in Washington to actually talk to each other and get things done.