JOE: NOW I’VE GOT A FIRM GRASP OF SITUATION
Vows to nix grabbing, hugging after several women complain
Joe Biden finally gets it.
The former vice president promised Wednesday to give up his old-fashioned ways and be “more mindful” of “personal space” in light of several women accusing him of being too handsy.
Biden — who is widely expected to launch a 2020 bid for the White House — broke his silence on the misconduct allegations in a mea culpa video posted to his Twitter handle, in which he acknowledged his long-held penchant for touching people.
“I shake hands, I hug people. I grab men and women by the shoulder and say, ‘you can do this,’” Biden said.
However, the 76-year-old ex-veep said he understands that’s no longer okay.
“Now it’s all about taking selfies together. Social norms have begun to change,” he said. “The boundaries of protecting personal space have been reset, and I get it, I get it. I hear what they are saying. I understand it, and I’ll be much more mindful. That’s my responsibility.”
At least four women have accused Biden of inappropriately touching them.
Among the accusers is Caitlyn Caruso, a 22-year-old sexual assault survivor who alleges Biden rested his hand on her thigh during an event about sexual misconduct at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, even though she says she twisted in her seat out of discomfort.
Caruso, who was 19 at the time of the alleged incident, told The New York Times on Tuesday she was stunned by Biden’s behavior, especially considering the topic of the event and the ex-vice president’s work on the 1994 Violence Against Women Act.
“It doesn’t even really cross your mind that such a person would dare perpetuate harm like that,” she told the newspaper. “These are supposed to be people you can trust.”
Biden brushed off such concerns in the video and doubled down on his commitment to combating sexual misconduct.
“I’ve worked my whole life to empower women,” Biden said, “so the idea that I can’t adjust to the fact that personal space is more important than it’s ever been is just not thinkable. I will, I will.”
The allegations against Biden have prompted other
Democratic 2020 hopefuls to speak out.
“We need to listen to those who are raising their stories, who have the courage to come forward, to share their experience and also to be part of the conversation about his candidacy,” Beto O’Rourke told reporters after speaking at the National Action Network’s annual conference in Midtown Wednesday.
However, the former Texas congressman, who’s widely considered a top contender in the crowded Democratic primary field, stopped short of calling on Biden to drop his 2020 aspirations.
“Ultimately that’s going to be a decision for him to make, but I’m glad that people are willing to and have the courage to step up,” O’Rourke said. “They must be heard and listened to.”
The Democratic Party has taken a zero tolerance approach in the #MeToo era, presenting itself as a stark alternative to the GOP of President Trump, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by 23 women and frequently fields allegations of misogyny.
But some Democrats contend Biden should be cut some slack because his alleged behavior isn’t that bad.
“Certainly nothing I’ve seen or heard about Joe Biden would be anywhere remotely near disqualifying in my opinion,” long-shot presidential contender Andrew Yang told reporters after also delivering a speech at the NAN conference.
Biden has yet to announce a campaign, but is rumored to be seriously considering one.
The former right-hand man to President Barack Obama is one of the only Democratic 2020 hopefuls who’s not slated to speak at Rev. Al Sharpton’s NAN conference, which spans four days and will feature speeches from 12 presidential candidates.
O’Rourke’s Wednesday speech kicked off the marathon event, and Sharpton introduced the Texas Democrat to roaring applause as a “rock star” with a strong record of advocating for civil and voting rights.
Mayor de Blasio, on the other hand, did not get as warm of a welcome from the hometown crowd.
De Blasio’s NAN appearance came on the heels of Quinnipiac University releasing a poll showing abysmal figures for the mayor’s 2020 chances.
A whopping 76% of New Yorkers believe de Blasio should not run for president, while only 18% support his potential bid, according to the survey.
“De Blasio’s flirtation with a 2020 White House bid is prompting a rare moment of unity among New Yorkers,” said Marry Snow, an analyst for the Quinnipiac poll. “Three-quarters of them say, ‘Mr. Mayor: Don’t do it.’”
The mayor was unfazed by the voter disdain.
“Time and time again people will tell you what you can’t do. But don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Don’t let anyone talk you out of your own power,” de Blasio said. “What we have learned time and time again, we have to focus on what we can do.”