Bloomberg
Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden
Former Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday pledged to be “more mindful” after a number of women have complained about unwanted physical contact.
At least four women, starting with former Nevada lieutenant governor nominee Lucy Flores, have brought up the issue of what they felt was inappropriate contact.
In a video, Biden said he was trying to “make a human connection” by shaking hands and hugging people. “It’s the way I have always been,” he said. Biden pledged to be “more mindful” about respecting personal space in the future.
Social norms are changing. I understand that, and I’ve heard what these women are saying. Politics to me has always been about making connections, but I will be more mindful about respecting personal space in the future. That’s my responsibility and I will meet it. pic.twitter.com/Ya2mf5ODts
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 3, 2019
Biden also alluded to the possibility of declaring his presidential candidacy in April, saying “in the coming month I expect to be talking to you about a whole lot of issues.”
It’s not clear how the controversy will impact Biden’s standing in polls since Flores’ essay was published on Friday. The RealClearPolitics average of polls puts Biden out front with 28.8% support, ahead of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders by 8 points and California Sen. Kamala Harris by 19 points.
