Democratic voters tuned into Thursday night's debate searching for the candidate who could take down Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election -- and many flipped on their television sets expecting that person to be front-runner Joe Biden.

Kamala Harris who took command of the debate stage, outshining her rivals, Americans don't want a "food fight," they want to know Democrats are "going to put food on the table," she said, CNN reports.

"Vice President Biden, I do not believe you are a racist, and I agree with you, when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground," Harris said. "But I also believe -- and it's personal -- it was actually hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country."

"But I also believe, and it's personal and I was actually very, it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country."

"And it was not only that," the 54-year-old said, "but you also worked with them [racist senators] to oppose bussing, BBC reports.

"And there was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public school and she was bussed to school every day. And that little girl was me."

His voice rising, Biden attempted to strike back, calling Harris' remarks a "mischaracterization of my position across the board."

"I did not oppose busing in America," Biden replied. "What I opposed is busing ordered by the Department of Education, that's what I opposed."

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