Biden target of hopefuls in second night of debates

DETROIT -- The ideological divisions gripping the Democratic Party intensified Wednesday as presidential candidates waged an acrimonious battle over health care, immigration and race.

Biden, who found himself the target of criticism from nearly half the candidates on the debate stage, was forced to defend his decades-old political record on multiple fronts as other White House hopefuls sought to tear him down. One of his chief rivals, California Sen. Kamala Harris, charged Biden's past work with segregationists in the Senate could have prevented Barack Obama from becoming the nation's first black president and stopped her and fellow presidential candidate Cory Booker, both of whom are black, from becoming senators.

"Had those segregationists had their way, I would not be a member of the United States Senate, Cory Booker would not be a member of the United States Senate, and Barack Obama would not have been in a position to nominate" Biden to become vice president.

When pressed, Biden repeatedly leaned on his relationship with Obama.

"We're talking about things that occurred a long, long time ago," Biden said. He added: "Everybody's talking about how terrible I am on these issues. Barack Obama knew who I was."

Biden and Harris also had a spirited exchange over health care, with Harris saying Biden's plan was too timid and the former vice president saying the senator's plan was vague and far too expensive. But it was the discussion of race marking an escalating rift in the Democratic primary.

This is an internal fight many Democrats do not want, fearing it could alienate some white voters they would like to reclaim from President Donald Trump in 2020. For Biden's struggling competitors, however, they see no better way to undermine his candidacy than raising questions about his commitment to black voters.

While Biden took many hits on the stage, there were multiple opponents aiming for Harris as well. Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard tore into Harris' record as a prosecutor and attorney general in California.

Biden, who leads virtually all early polls, was considered the leading moderate onstage. In addition to Harris, Booker and Gabbard, his more progressive opponents include New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, former Obama administration housing chief Julian Castro, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and entrepreneur Andrew Yang.

The evening opened with a spirited exchange over the future of health care. Biden charged Harris' plan would cost taxpayers $3 trillion even after two terms in office and would force middle-class taxes to go up, not down. He said that would put Democrats at a disadvantage against Trump.

"You can't beat President Trump with double talk on this plan," he said.

Harris slapped back Biden was inaccurate. "The cost of doing nothing is far too expensive," Harris said. She added: "Your plan does not cover everyone in America."

There were also tense exchanges on immigration pitting the 76-year-old Biden against a younger slate of more diverse candidates. There were no candidates of color onstage in the first wave Tuesday night. On Wednesday night, there were four.

Biden was flanked by Harris on one side and Booker on the other. As Biden greeted Harris onstage moments before the opening statements, he quipped, "Go easy on me, kid."

Biden suggested some of his rivals favor immigration laws far too forgiving. Castro, for example, would decriminalize illegal border crossings.

"People should have to get in line. That's the problem," Biden charged.

Castro shot back: "It looks like one of us has learned the lessons of the past and one has not."

While the first primary votes won't come for six more months, there is a sense of urgency for the lower-tier candidates to break out. More than half the field could be blocked from the next round of debates altogether -- and possibly pushed out of the race -- if they fail to reach new polling and fundraising thresholds implemented by the Democratic National Committee.

The dire stakes have forced many Democrats to turn against one another in recent weeks. But they also blasted the impact of the Trump administration on American life.

Biden said Trump was tearing at the "fabric of America" and highlighted the value of diversity in his opening statement.

"Mr. President, this is America," Biden said of the diverse slate of candidates on stage.

Harris also referenced Trump's divisive presidency.

"This becomes a moment we must fight for the best of who we are," Harris said. "We are better than this."