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Social media blows up over Booker, de Blasio confrontations with Biden

September 4, 2020 /

Viewers watching Wednesday night’s Democratic presidential primary debate took to social media to weigh in on Sen. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-N.J.) and New York City Mayor Bill de BlasioBill de BlasioProtesters splash red paint on NYC streets to symbolize blood De Blasio: Robert E Lee’s ‘name should be taken off everything in America, period’ House Democratic whip pushes back on calls to defund police: We need to focus on reform MORE (D) confronting former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE (D) on immigration issues and deportations during the Obama administration.

After Biden sparred with former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro (D), who served in the Obama administration, over border crossings, de Blasio asked Biden whether he tried to slow the number of deportations when he was vice president.

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“You want to be president of the United States, you need to be able to answer the tough questions,” de Blasio said to Biden. “I guarantee you, if you’re debating Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE, he’s not going to let you off the hook.”

After Biden said he kept his recommendations “to him in private,” Booker accused Biden of trying to “have it both ways,” saying the former vice president was invoking Obama “when it’s convenient” and dodging “when it’s not.”

Booker later pressed Biden on criminal justice issues after Biden accused the former Newark, N.J., mayor of implementing stop-and-frisk policies.

“Mr. Vice President, there’s a saying in my community: You’re dipping into the Kool-Aid and you don’t even know the flavor,” Booker quipped.

Former Sen. Mike Gravel (D-Alaska), who is also running for president, tweeted: “Booker just DESTROYED Biden. Holy shit man, brutality.”

Other social media users responded to the tense exchanges during the debate.

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