Biden has plummeted in post-debate polls but remains in a precious first place for the Democratic presidential nomination. Even though Biden has referred to himself as the “most progressive” Democrat running for president, he has supported many conservative policies throughout his long political career, including support for traditional marriage and the 1994 “three strikes” crime bill that he authored.

His record on race relations was not always so simple and often reflected the values of a border state with racially divided history. Biden has called segregation a source of “black pride.” (RELATED: Ocasio-Cortez Blames Biden For Giving Segregationists A Pass)

The issue has campaign surrogates of Biden and Harris sparring on Twitter. Biden campaign communications director  Kate Bedingfield lashed out at Harris, tweeting that it is “disappointing that Senator Harris chose to distort Vice President Biden’s position on busing — particularly now that she is tying herself in knots trying not to answer the very question she posed to him!”

It’s disappointing that Senator Harris chose to distort Vice President Biden’s position on busing — particularly now that she is tying herself in knots trying not to answer the very question she posed to him! https://t.co/kiYYk5kg3m

— Kate Bedingfield (@KBeds) July 4, 2019

Harris communications director Lily Adams shot back, suggesting Biden was always changing his positions, as he had recently with the Hyde Amendment that prohibits public funding for most abortions. “Remind me what his position on Hyde was a month ago?” she asked.

Remind me what his position on Hyde was a month ago?

Honestly – this is very simple.

The Q from the debate remains. Does the VP regret working with segregationists against busing in the 1970s or does he not?

Then we can all get back to our July 4 BBQs! https://t.co/xs8KZzVLN0

— Lily Adams (@adamslily) July 4, 2019