Former Vice President Joe Biden needs to worry about his own party before courting the GOP, writes Julian Zelizer for CNNOpinion
Julian Zelizer is a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, and author, with Kevin Kruse, of the new book"Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974." Follow him on Twitter at @julianzelizer. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion at CNN.
To succeed in the primary and general election, former Vice President Joe Biden needs to demonstrate his willingness to form a broad coalition with the various factions of the Democratic Party. This week, however, he once again moved in the wrong direction, drawing sharp criticism from his presidential competition. During a fundraising event in New York on Tuesday, Biden tried to highlight his ability to reach across the aisle by referencing his work in the 1970s with Mississippi Sen. James Eastland, one of the most virulent racists of the era."I was in a caucus with James O. Eastland. He never called me 'boy,' he always called me 'son,'"Biden said.
GOP panelist: Biden's comments on segregationist senators illustrate why he won't be the nominee 06:11This is not the first time that Biden has clashed with liberal voices in his party. Other fault lines have already emerged on his changing positions toward reproductive rights , sexual harassment and crime . With the exception of his reversal on the Hyde Amendment, Biden has been pretty resolute in defending his positions.Conservatives are loving the turmoil.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
In South Carolina, Biden finds shelter from the stormFor nearly 90 minutes on a sweat-soaked stage in South Carolina on Friday night, it was almost as if Joe Biden had put the uproar surrounding his comments about segregationists behind him.
Read more »
Joe Biden Calls Cory Booker Amid Segregation Debacle, Digs a Deeper HoleThe former VP called the senator “intent on talking through tensions,” but reportedly did not offer an apology.
Read more »
Joe Biden Was Still on His Hyde Amendment Backtracking Tour at the Planned Parenthood 'We Decide' Forum
Read more »
Trump “Purges” Pollsters Who Revealed He’s Losing to BidenTrump has fired the polling firms that showed him losing 2020, despite claiming they're faking news and that he's 'winning everywhere'
Read more »
Bobby Rush rips Biden as ‘woefully ignorant’The civil rights activist’s statement to POLITICO shows how Biden is still struggling to contain the firestorm over his comments.
Read more »
Opinion | Joe Biden’s Race-Card EducationOpinion: Joe Biden preaches political civility—yet the left says he’s soft on segregation
Read more »