Former Vice President Joe Biden appeared to try to diffuse tension between he and fellow Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in Wednesday’s debate, but some don’t like his tactic.
CNN’s microphones appeared to pick up Biden telling Harris D-Calif., “Go easy on me kid,” to which the senator appeared to chuckle while giving a hearty handshake.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris just shook hands before facing off tonight on stage for a #DemDebate rematch.
— CNN (@CNN) August 1, 2019
“Go easy on me, kid,” Biden told Harris. https://t.co/UjbrSN09XU pic.twitter.com/GVSrzhFxJM
Harris blistered Biden in June’s debates when she attacked his former stance on busing.
Some felt as though Biden’s request was demeaning.
I know Bidenisms and "kid" certainly is one, but urging a 54-year-old U.S. senator and opponent "go easy on me, kid" is not a great start for his efforts to reset with this debate.
— Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) August 1, 2019
We’ve checked the audio. @JoeBiden definitely said “Go Easy on Me Kid” to @KamalaHarris … Bet you $100, she didn’t think it was funny. Wow.
— Maeve Reston (@MaeveReston) August 1, 2019
Bet Biden really regrets that "go easy on me, kid" comment now... #DemDebate
— Anna Jessurun (@annajessurun) August 1, 2019
As the previous tweet suggests, Harris did anything but comply with Biden’s wishes.
In the post-debate interview, Anderson Cooper asked if Harris was bothered by the quip.
“No. And let me tell you why: We’re both running for president, and no one is going to define me on that stage,” Harris replied.
