WEST POINT, NY - MAY 26: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden makes his way down a row of cadets as he arrives to address to graduates of The United States Military Academy at West Point May 26, 2012 in West Point, New York. Approximately 1,000 members of the Class of 2012 will receive Bachelor of Science degrees and be commissioned as second lieutenants in the US Army. (Photo: Getty Images)
Joe Biden shared a video on Twitter on Wednesday in which he vowed to be more “mindful and respectful” of people’s personal space, following several accusations from women who have said the former vice president’s physical behavior toward them is invasive.
Biden, 76, has hugged many women and rubbed their shoulders in public events, and has explained his behavior as a “grandfather-like” way of showing affection. Nevertheless, some commentators — like a recent Huffington Post op-ed — called his actions a form of “benevolent sexism” and said his initial response to the women’s claims did not seem like a direct, formal apology.
“But I’ll always believe governing — and, quite frankly, life, for that matter — is about connecting, about connecting with people,” Biden said in the video, adding that “social norms are changing.” “That won’t change. But I will be more mindful and respectful of people’s personal space.”
Biden has been leading several recent polls of favorite 2020 Democratic presidential candidates even though he has yet to formally announce a bid.
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SLIDESHOW: TOP DEMOCRATS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN 2020
Biden’s allegations are also even more relevant in the post-“Me too” era that has seen dozens of famous men fall from grace in the wake of sexual harassment and assault allegations.
In total, four women have thus far revealed Biden’s physical interactions with them over the years made them uncomfortable: former Nevada state assemblywoman Lucy Flores, Amy Lappos, Caitlyn Caruso and D.J. Hill.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), another 2020 presidential candidate, called out Biden for his actions and said he should apologize for them. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the House Speaker, said Biden’s behavior was not disqualifying for a presidential run but that he should watch how he interacts with women in the future and be more respectful of their personal space.
Biden also teased his 2020 presidential run yet again in the video, saying: “Folks, in the coming month, I expect to be talking to you about a whole lot of issues, and I‘ll always be direct with you.“
President Donald Trump also trolled Biden on Twitter Thursday afternoon by sharing an edited version of Biden’s video, which showed the former vice president creeping up on himself and rubbing his shoulders.
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