Joe Biden has apologised for comments about working with segregationist senators, after facing criticism from fellow Democratic candidates. Speaking at a campaign event in Sumter, South Carolina, the former vice-president said he regretted giving the impression that he was praising the men he had opposed.
Biden was attacked by Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, who are both African American, after discussing working with civility with two racist Democrats, James Eastland and Herman Talmadge. He said the misstep should not define his 50-year record on civil rights.
Biden's wide lead in national polls has been whittled away, with Harris now trailing by 11 points. The California senator made headlines in the first debates by attacking Biden over his past opposition to federally mandated busing.
Harris, meanwhile, proposed $100bn in federal grants to address the racial wealth gap and historical discrimination in homeownership. She said the plan would help at least 4 million families living in areas that were redlined.
The South Carolina primary is more than seven months away, but Biden and Harris appear destined for a showdown there, with both campaigns banking on the backing of black voters.
