Booker takes on Biden in bid to break through crowded field

WASHINGTON -- In nearly six months as a Democratic presidential candidate, Cory Booker has billed himself as many things: He's both an optimist leading with "radical love" and a fighter against political machines. He's both a supporter of "Medicare for All" and an advocate for more incremental health care policies preserving the private insurance industry.

As the New Jersey senator prepares for a pivotal turn in the spotlight at next week's debate, he's trying on a new role: Joe Biden's chief antagonist.

Ahead of an expected showdown in Detroit, Booker is blasting the former vice president as "an architect of mass incarceration." Speaking to the National Urban League on Thursday, he assailed rivals whom he portrayed as latecomers to the fight against "structural inequality and institutional racism" -- implying, without mentioning Biden's name, his opponent had embraced criminal justice reform to further his presidential candidacy.

One of two black major candidates in the Democratic contest, Booker is homing in on racial justice as he struggles to emerge from the bottom tier of most national polls. He has yet to meet the donor qualifications to participate in this fall's Democratic debate, when tougher rules are expected to winnow the crowded field. Democrats say Booker's new approach to Biden could provide a moment to lift his campaign -- or sack it with more baggage.

"There's a path that still exists for Booker, but he needs a galvanizing moment that not only boosts his hopes but also eliminates one of the opponents in front of him," said Democratic strategist Joel Payne, a veteran of Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. "It's possible, but it's a tough path ahead."

Booker's aides see him as on track to qualify for the September debate regardless of what may take place in Detroit. His campaign remains focused on an early state strategy taking him to Iowa today for the seventh time since entering the race.