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Biden Says He Was Wrong in Comments About Segregationists

Associated Press

   SUMTER, S.C. - Former Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday apologized
   for recent comments about working with segregationist senators in his
   early days in the U.S. Senate, saying he understands now his remarks
   could have been offensive to some.

   "Was I wrong a few weeks ago?" Biden asked a mostly black audience of
   several hundred during the first day of a weekend visit to South
   Carolina. "Yes, I was. I regret it, and I'm sorry for any of the pain
   of misconception that caused anybody."

   Biden's comments came as he and rival presidential candidate Kamala
   Harris were set to circle each other while campaigning Sunday in South
   Carolina, the first Southern state to vote in next year's primary and a
   crucial proving ground for candidates seeking support of black
   Democrats. Biden defended his record on racial issues and reminded
   voters of his ties to former President Barack Obama, whose popularity
   in South Carolina remains high.

   The former vice president and the California senator probably will be
   pressed on their tense debate exchange over race and federally mandated
   school busing. Though the issue is not at the forefront of the 2020
   primary, it could resonate in a state with a complicated history with
   race and segregation.

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