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Joe Biden says having a woman as 2020 running mate would 'help' campaign

Former Vice President was asked if he'd consider Kamala Harris as running mate. He responded: 'I don't even have the nomination'

Victoria Gagliardo-Silver
New York
Friday 05 July 2019 15:14 EDT
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Joe Biden has hit out at Donald Trump over his hard-line view on immigration while unveiling several proposals in a new Op-Ed.
Joe Biden has hit out at Donald Trump over his hard-line view on immigration while unveiling several proposals in a new Op-Ed. (Getty Images)

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2020 Democrat and former Vice President Joe Biden has said it would be “great” to have a female deputy if he won the nomination.

In an interview which aired on Friday at CNN, Mr Biden said, “I think it helps having a woman on the ticket.”

Despite this, Mr Biden has not named or publicly considered any potential running mates.

When asked during the interview if he would consider Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor and California senator who is also vying for the presidency, Mr Biden said he was not going to get into specifics because “I don’t even have the nomination”.

Ms Harris brought up Mr Biden’s questionable history regarding integration via busing and working with segregationists like James Eastland during the Democratic debates.

The California senator said: “I do not believe you are a racist,” to Mr Biden.

She continued: “And I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground.”

“But it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and careers on the segregation of race in this country.”

She cited her own experience as a young girl who was part of the second wave of students integrating her childhood school, to much applause.

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Ms Harris beat her previous highest fundraising record in the 24 hours after the debate as she surged in the polls.

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