This is a great statement from Joe Biden

[bigtree]

...a response to allegations of improper physical contact, which I would note, is the right tone and content for such a sensitive subject.

No lashing out at rival political groups and individuals, just taking responsibility as much as he feels he can.

Here it is:

Bill Russo @BillR
Statement from @JoeBiden this morning.

[Chemisse]

1. Very good statement. n/t

[hlthe2b]

2. Yes, it is.

[defacto7]

43. an excellent statement of reasonable and appropriate resposibility.

without falling into the tabloid trap.

[trueblue2007]

70. thank you Vice President Bide, you're a national treasure.

[shanny]

3. how hard is it to say:

"I'm sorry if I acted inappropriately. I never intended to give offense."

[SFnomad]

6. You mean the non-apology apology? I'm glad Biden didn't give that load of crap n/t

[shanny]

7. ???

that's exactly what he did do: "I never believed I acted inappropriately..." As if his belief was what mattered, and somehow the woman/women who objected were at fault for misconstruing his actions.

Just apologize, Joe.

[SFnomad]

11. No, they're different ... the "I'm sorry if you were offended" is the classic non-apology apology

And yes, both their beliefs do matter. His "I never believed I acted inappropriately.." isn't an apology, it's a rationalization.

The rest of the comment surrounding that is an apology ... not a strong direct one, but it is one. And it's not the "I'm sorry if you were offended" variety.

[SCVDem]

35. Like dump apologizes?

Kiss them, grab them and still get elected?

Screw that bullshit!

[qazplm135]

45. so...if I

a. don't believe I did what I am accused of
b. certainly don't remember events the way the other person says they happened

What's the appropriate way to respond?

[DownriverDem]

91. Maybe

it's because you don't like Biden that you see it your way. I don't see it your way.

[LakeArenal]

20. Because he doesn't believe he did anything inappropriate .

He doesn’t remember it that way. As do the event coordinators. Or me.

I repeat: anytime Biden, Obama, Al Franken, Pelosi, Hillary, RBG or any other icon at a huge celebratory rally, in front of cameras and other human beings wants to grab me for a hug or a kiss on the head, please do. It would be a thrill of a lifetime!!!!

[shanny]

36. And my point is that it isn't HIS belief that counts,

or yours, for that matter. Lots of people do lots of things they don't consider inappropriate, but that in fact, are. In this case it is up to the women he does it to. Some are or would be fine with it, including many here. I for one wouldn't be, and it is not up to Biden, other pols, event coordinators or you to make that call on my behalf.

[LakeArenal]

40. Then at the time she should have turned quietly with a big smile and said...

Stop. That’s what SHE should have done.

[shanny]

84. No argument.

Thing is, she's not the only one.

[LakeArenal]

86. That was an odd comment.

Then any “other” should have said stop.

Folks act like we have been Steppford wives until recently. In 197O I was told to speak up. Say stop. If women can’t turn politely and tell anyone to stop... I don’t get it. If there is some pressure and arguement then it becomes a problem.
It’s not like Joe was going to keep up the..
What is it? ...harassment ? Abuse?

[shanny]

131. Yes, any other who felt uncomfortable should have.

What's odd about that? Do you think--seriously--this is the first and only woman Biden did this to? Not likely. And it is not likely she is the only one who objected...and given the era, didn't say anything. That era is gone, imo. That patriarchial, patronizing attitude is passe. imo Biden is passe also, the product and embodiment of another, past era. It is one, but only one, of the reasons he will (would) not be my pick in the primaries. We need to move on.

[LakeArenal]

132. Biden remains the most qualified both nationally and globally.

That’s why I support him.

That’s not passé to me. It’s common sense.

Passé as all of this, is in the eye of the beholder.

You make a lot of assertions about other incidents. Ms Flores, the “she” you are referring to? Ms Flores did nothing at the time.

[shanny]

133. ...

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=11972355

[LakeArenal]

134. Sigh... try to convert someone else.

Biden remains the most qualified both nationally and globally.

We aren’t going to eat our own.

Bernie Show your taxes.

Goodnight and get some rest.

[shanny]

135. Lol

Whoosh.

[whathehell]

107. I agree...If I receive an unwanted or unexpected touch, I just

naturally back away.. It's not like he had her in a 'clutch' or bear hug, something she had to struggle against.

The quickest way to get someone "off your back", so to speak, is to turn around and face them.

[qazplm135]

46. that would be fine if he said

yeah I did that, but I don't think it was inappropriate.

But he's not said that, another person who is friends with both says there were plenty people around both at all times, and no one else says anything like she alleges.

An accusation is not iron clad evidence...PARTICULARLY when there are other people who are or can be witnesses.

[luvtheGWN]

79. But isn't the REAL question

why she comes out with this allegation now? If it bothered her SO very much, why sit on it until now? This smacks of GOP underhandedness, just like they pulled off with Al Franken. She may say she's a Democrat, and maybe she was, but is there any guarantee that she hasn't been paid off/blackmailed by Repubs? It's happened before, folks, and it will surely happen again. The Repubs are scared of Biden's popularity. I've not doubt they have plans to take down (by smearing the reputation of) every single Democratic contender who tops (or nudges the top of) the polls.

[rampartc]

114. +1

but this accusation vs biden invites comparison with the pussy grabber in chief, and may well backfire on them.

[shanny]

83. This is not the only instance.

It's not even "news", really. It is a pattern, a pattern from another time and back then it was probably considered harmless.

But this is another time. My 2 cents.

[shanny]

95. I am sure it is very comforting for some to think

that this was the one and only incident, ever, and the only person who ever objected.

[qazplm135]

98. given the vast majority of time

he's been a glad-handling politician...not a whole lot of people actually have objected.

[True Blue American]

103. You are making up stories

To feed what you think.

[Cha]

108. Exactly.. without any proof.

[True Blue American]

111. I am really getting disgusted

With those who use their imaginations to feed what they want to think.

I just listened to a clip on Casey Hunts show where Flores went from holding her shoulder, planting a kiss on the back, top of her head to it being a wet, juicy kiss.

Then Casey asked her if she felt molested she said she never felt sexually molested.

Me thinks Flores 15 minutes are over.

[Cha]

112. Flores is trying to cram as much gaslighting as

she can in those 15 minutes. And, still no evidence other than her evolving story.

And, there is evidence of her trying to smear Hillary in 2017.. so I'm going with Vice President Biden's statements.

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

I know you saw this, TBA.. just posting the tweets for this thread, too.

Event organizer: Biden, accuser were never alone together

“I have thoroughly reviewed photographic documentation from the event, and spoken to nearly every principle in attendance, as well as staff associated with the event. To the best of our recollection, at no time were Lucy Flores and Vice President Biden alone,” Henry Munoz, co-founder of Latino Victory Project, said in a statement.

“Lucy is my good friend and a good friend to Latino Victory, which has strongly supported her political career. I also firmly believe that women need to be supported and heard and that there is a reckoning in our culture that is long overdue. Vice President Biden is also my close friend, to the degree that he presided over my own marriage. These are both individuals that I love and respect,” he said.

“Yet at no time were these two leaders alone together and I, and the organization I cofounded and those in attendance, do not believe that circumstances support allegations that such an event took place,” he added.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1287&pid=44281

[True Blue American]

113. NBC

Had in their scroll yesterday they had not verified the allegations yet they still had her on to tell her changing story.

The Democrats attacking Democrats is playing right into the hands of right wingers and the media.

Yet I am guilty,too because I do not like Bernie, have never liked him and do not believe he is a Democrat. Sorry, but that is how I feel. I refuse to lie.

[Cha]

118. I hope this Backfires

And, BS needs to be vetted.. they all do. Just No RF smears like David Sirota has a history of making.

[True Blue American]

119. Your picture did a good job of refuting her story..

[shanny]

123. lol

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=11972355

[defacto7]

52. but aren't you calling for people to lose an opportunity

they desire because you want an innocent human response generally stopped? You perceive it in a way that's difficult for you, you see it as inappropriate, therefore others should be denied. I'm really sorry it's a difficult situation for you. I respect your personal feelings and space but there are a lot of other women out there who feel differently.
There are really important boundaries that must be protected. I think we should focus on those. This really isn't one of them.

[Silver Gaia]

65. Yes. I agree.

THIS isn't one of them.

[shanny]

81. I thank you for your thoughts

but I am not calling for other people to do anything. I am just saying how I feel about how people should treat others, and what is appropriate.

Joe Biden is a good man, and lightyear's better than anyone on the other side of the aisle. But for me that is not enough, not a good enough reason to pick him over all the other good candidates on our side. The next generation will make mistakes too, but I hope they will be different ones.

[shanny]

94. calling for people to lose an opportunity....

like I have some kind of superpower? others can respond to such overtures however they want. All I am saying is that the individual doling out the hugs and whispers and kisses ought to be Very Sure that they are welcome. That's it. Apparently Joe Biden is prepared to listen to such concerns so I don't see why so many here Just Don't Get It.

[Thekaspervote]

41. NO Saying I'm sorry is an admission of something he says he didn't do.

Not to mention the GOPEEE will be all over that... Biden admits he... blah blah blah

[bitterross]

50. As soon as he says that, people will go straight to quit the race.

They will say, Joe admitted he acted inappropriately and must quit the race.

It's a no-win situation.

[Politicub]

82. That sounds like weasel words

He doesn’t believe he acted inappropriately. And he used the statement to reinforce his work for women.

[shanny]

92. His? I agree.

[Cha]

109. No, not Biden's.. please pay attention to

what the poster said.

The "weasel words" were your version of what Biden should have said.

[mcar]

4. This is a very good statement

[Silver Gaia]

68. Yes. It is. I agree.

There is one word in his statement that keeps getting overlooked: "intention." Since when is someone's intention of no consideration? To me, intention is one of the most important factors. (Did Trump intend to grab pussies? Damn straight and proud of it. Did Biden intend his gesture in an uncaring way, as an assault, or in any way sexual? Hell no.)

I think his statement is excellent.

I come from a family of huggy, touchy people. As a woman, I'm sure I've probably touched people who came from physically undemonstrative backgrounds, both men and women, and maybe I made some of them feel uncomfortable, but there's no way I would know that unless they told me. I'm not a mind reader, unfortunately. Did I EVER mean any of that in a sexual way? Hell no. Neither did Biden, I'm sure. I don't think that's who he is (same with Franken). I could see my Dad having done something like this, meant in a fatherly, reassuring way - NOT in ANY way sexual.

If we take sexuality out of the equation (because, come on, ALL human touch is not sexual), then we are left with a disagreement between people who touch and like to be touched and those who don't touch and dislike it. In that case, intention fucking matters.

And for the record, I'd rather live in a world where warm, caring human touch is recognized and valued than a world devoid of human touch for fear of misinterpretation.

The "me too" movement is being abused here. It is being twisted for political purposes, and it is being harmed by things like this. I can support BOTH the "me too" movement and men like Biden and Franken. I DO. Men like Trump need to be in jail for assault. There's a huge difference. Intention matters.

[Beartracks]

99. Your. Post. Rocks.

Spot on. Couldna said it better.

Thank you.

=========

[highplainsdem]

5. I agree. It's a great statement from a great man. Politically, a perfect statement from a

brilliant politician.

But I reserve the right to point out the glaring inconsistencies in the attack on him, as well as the apparent political motivations behind such attacks, because I do NOT want to see similar smears of other candidates.

One of the things I've found most maddening about this attempt to bring him down was his accusers -- starting with Flores in her initial essay/attack (something I hadn't noticed earlier because I was focused on the first part of her essay, about the incident she alleges) -- dragging in the long-debunked claim that his behavior with Stephanie Carter (while her husband, Defense Secretary Ash Carter, was speaking a few feet away), was inappropriate or creepy. Flores lied outright in saying Biden had nuzzled Stephanie Carter's neck. And in her essay, she called Biden "America's Creepy Uncle." And she did this not long after having complained about media scrutiny of misogynistic behavior in the Sanders campaign, and in her complaint suggested the media focus on other condidates.

This was a vicious attack intended to destroy Biden's political career at a time when he's leading Flores's favorite in the polls, and it should be evaluated as such, and responded to appropriately.

Biden was being gracious, and I'm glad of that.

But I don't think that means what Flores did here should be glossed over.

[still_one]

9. The fact is that those who don't want Joe Biden for whatever reason, are not going to accept what he

says.

They accomplished their purpose, and have the headlines they want, and you can believe the republicans are loving this. It would not surprise me if they aren't planning through avenues such as project veratis, etc. to do whatever they can to keep this going, and that's fine, Biden can handle it.

For those who want Biden not to run because of this, it isn't going to happen. Joe is going run.

[cannabis_flower]

87. I don't currently want Joe Biden...

but his statement is fine. I don't think he should withdraw over this. I think the whole "I was uncomfortable" idea needs to go away. So what? If you are uncomfortable with someone doing something that most people aren't uncomfortable with, then you have a problem, not the person you are accusing. I was uncomfortable with my grandma pinching my cheek, saying "you've grown so much" and hugging me. I got over it.

[still_one]

90. Understood, but for some folks this will be an issue not to vote for him

[cannabis_flower]

96. Perhaps.

I have other reasons for not voting for him in the primary, but this isn't one of them.

In the general election, any of them will have my vote.

[still_one]

97. Of course

[tymorial]

8. This is exactly the type of response that was needed.

This can have a positive outcome for everyone, male and female. It is not uncommon to find ourselves engaging in routine behavior which we believe is friendly, benign, harmless etc without considering how others may respond. God knows I have been made uncomfortable by overly touchy men and women. And God knows I have been called out for my own actions. I recall an incident where I gestured to a coworker by pointing. She was in the hallway and seeing her reminded me that I had something to discuss with her regarding an employee. I pointed at her while saying something like "oh hey Michelle, I am glad I caught you" she called me out for pointing and told me that it was offensive. I certainly didnt mean to offend and I of course apologized while internally feeling quite defensive and embarrassed. In hindsight she was right to ask that I not point at her. I gesture often with my hands because that is just how my family communicates. Just because I have always done this is not an excuse to continue. So, I dont point anymore.

[highplainsdem]

10. Your coworker told you what she minded about your behavior right away, either in private or with a

small audience.

Your coworker didn't wait years and then use a national publication to not only criticize you for that incident but bring up other criticisms of you, criticisms used by your enemies in the past and debunked. And she didn't publish such an attack on you at a crucial time in your career, when she wanted a job you were after to go to someone she preferred.

That's the difference.

Flores could and should have handled this much better, if she had minded Biden's actions at that event.

[tymorial]

12. I dont discount the possibility that there is political motivation behind this

In the end he still engaged in this behavior which based upon Flores, made her uncomfortable. Also, I think it important to consider the relationship here. It is not easy to address issues like this personally when one is politically and socially lower than the offender. This really shouldnt matter and we should feel no fear in addressing these problems directly with those involved but that isnt the reality. Fear keeps people silent and I think expecting Flores to overcome her shock and embarrassment and then recover to challenge Biden immediately or even privately later is a bit of a stretch.

As for my own experience, my coworker was the head of another department and higher in the organization. There was no fear what so ever not to mention she was at least 10 to 15 years my senior.

[qazplm135]

49. no response will change minds

those who support him will love it, those who don't will not accept it, those who don't care either way, won't care either way.

Once the accusation was made, everyone retreated to their camps.

I'm voting for a woman in the Primary. No men, not anymore.
But I am not happy to see the way fans of one man seems to be going after the top men in various ways whether it is Biden or Beto (and the top woman in Harris).

I'm not seeing a lot of friendly fire from the other camps towards each other. A tiny bit, but most of the shots fired sure seem to be coming from Sanders' supporters.

[tymorial]

59. I would vote for a man but I believe age needs to be a consideration

It may come across as ageist but I have reservations about voting for any candidate that may become an octogenarian in office. Age increases the possibility of illness which may inhibit a person's ability to exercise his or her oath of office. While illness can strike anyone regardless of age, statistics are not in favor of Biden and/or Sanders. I recognize that will antagonize their supporters but so be it. I believe they can contribute to our country and I do not align with those who automatically shun "old white men" for society's problems but the presidency is not where I feel they are best suited. This country needs stable leadership.

[qazplm135]

62. I won't unless they win the primary

then of course any Dem and Bernie are better than Trump by a mile.

But in the primary? Fucking embarrassing that we haven't elected a female President yet.

It's a sexist stain on this country.

[tymorial]

69. Oh certainly.

I will go for any Democrat in the general

[UniteFightBack]

13. Heidi Heidkamp defending Joe on MSNBC. Some character witnesses here. MSNBC SHOWING

Joe, hugging, kissing Heidi in the same damn way...all on camera. Oh an he whispered in her ear as well and she answered back.

This whole thing is a fucking TRAVESTY to real claims. Sorry but we are not treating every 'infraction' the same.

And I'm sorry but if you are being touched and you don't like it then you need to say something. I don't care if you are uncomfortable saying something because you also claim you are uncomfortable with being touched....so pick your poison.

[McKim]

14. Make Sure this is The End of ths Matter

This is Biden’s statement. Accept it and dont feed this issue when the Repugs want to push it through the echo chamber. It is just another attack on a Democratic Party Candidate! Say: “He has addressed this issue END OF STORY!”

[defacto7]

55. this

[AlexSFCA]

15. The woman who is accusing Biden is making a mockery

of the entire me2 movement. And yes Joe hugs guys too. The question is, did she overcome stage fright that night? yes, she did thanks to Joe.

[SHRED]

16. My take on this

Rather than attack Joe publicly she could have contacted him directly after it happened and expressed how inappropriate it was.
If she felt worse than this she could have filed in court.

This public display is suspicious. It accomplishes nothing to go public other than to tarnish Biden which appears to be the goal.

[Autumn]

21. Had she told Joe he would have done everything within his power to assure her that he had

only the best intentions and meant no harm. It's a shame she didn't. I don't see it as suspicious I think it was probably a hard thing to come out with, these things are difficult for a lot of women to discuss.

[SHRED]

23. I agree it's difficult

I've been sexually assaulted as a male by another male.
Fortunately it didn't go very far.
But yeah...it's difficult.

[Jarqui]

27. I agree. This did not hit the level that she needed to drag the man's name through

the media mud before she tried to sort it out with him first

[we can do it]

71. Thinly veiled crap from BS supporter.

[True Blue American]

104. And Jill Stein!

[Crash2Parties]

17. Ugh. He's still not getting it.

I fear that by trying to address the issue without doing so too directly (which might come across as guilt), Biden instead reveals the crux of the problem by using the somewhat vague weasel words, "intended" and "inappropriate" instead of directly naming the actions he's accused of and refuting them.

I've worked for men who sexually harass. They really do feel that for them, it is "appropriate" for them to take what they feel is owed them (ie women's bodies). That's the crux of why (in this case, male) privilege is evil. There's a similar argument for whether they "intended" to do anything wrong. Of course they didn't - it was simply their due.

[Pisces]

19. Don't know what you read, but it sounds like he's getting in better than most. The smear

Campaigns on all the Dem candidates are in full force and we are falling for the bullshit

[LakeArenal]

22. No, I think you aren't getting it.

[we can do it]

72. I'm with you. Sick of the trashing.

[qazplm135]

54. Every unwanted touch

is not a sexually harassment.

It. Is. Not.

not definitionally and not via common sense.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

18. Why didn't he apologize? He made someone feel uncomfortable.

[LakeArenal]

24. Geezus. Parse every word. He will never say exactly what You want.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

25. But it's like...basic courtesy.

[stonecutter357]

26. He made someone feel uncomfortable. lol fail !

[highplainsdem]

47. Flores was ALREADY feeling uncomfortable because of stage fright and unwashed hair.

She mentioned the unwashed hair twice in her essay attacking Biden and starting this mess, so she was obviously uncomfotable about it, and obviously wondering if Biden could have smelled that her hair wasn't clean, since she assumed he was "inhaling" her hair.

I'm concluding that she had stage fright because she mentions taking deep breaths to prepare herself to go onstage, which is something people do to counter stage fright. I'm guessing Biden would have noticed her suddenly taking deep breathhs and would have attributed that to either stage fright, which would have been bad enough, or possibly hyperventilating before a panic attack.

So he responded quickly in a way meant to be reassuring. (Putting his hands on her shoulders, and possibly kissing the top of her head, though after heaing about how many people were backstage and considering how noisy it would likely have been with audience noise as well, I'm guessing now that he could have whispered some reassurance she didn't hear because she was very self-conscious about her hair.)

It's a shame his attempt to reassure her apparently backfired, and now she's weaponized it.

But she was edgy and uncomfortable before he laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. And we know that from her own account of what she claims happened.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

48. She said his actions made her feel uncomfortable. Simple enough thing to apologize for.

[highplainsdem]

57. I don't think he needs to apologize because Flores had an inappropriate reaction and then weaponized

it.

Which IMO is what she's done.

If I were acting as if I had stage fright and someone more experienced going onstage tried to reassure me, whether with hands on my shoulders or something they said, and I felt more uncomfortable as a result, IMO that would be MY problem and not theirs.

I honestly think the main reason Flores was uncomfortable was that she was embarrassed about her unwashed hair. It might seem like a paltry detail, but it's telling that she brought it up. It bothered her that possibly Biden might have noticed that she hadn't washed her hair.

I doubt he did. But she was self-conscious, and her embarrassment turned to resentment.

And you know what? If she'd told Biden he was making her uncomfortable, he would have apologized then.

If she'd told him she was self-conscious about his face being that close to her hair because she hadn't found time to wash it, he'd have reassured her that her hair looked lovely and smelled fine.

But instead she locked in resentment...well, some level of resentment. I have to mention again that there's no sign in any of the photos taken onstage minutes later that she wasn't delighted to have him there.

And now she's rolling this accusation out, and dragging in debunked GOP smears, to try to destroy his presidential run before it begins.

If she just wanted an apology, she could have asked him for that in private, either when this happened or any time since.

She doesn't want an apology. She wants to destroy his political career.

[Loki Liesmith]

61. Correct

[True Blue American]

115. 1000+

[Cha]

75. Yeah, she looks "uncomfortable"..

Link to tweet

[True Blue American]

116. Good catch! :)

[LuvNewcastle]

56. Grab 'em by the.......thing that makes them feel uncomfortable!

[Loki Liesmith]

60. Don't much care

[Guilded Lilly]

28. I totally believe Joe Biden. I totally don't back Lucy Flores' timing and motivation n/t

[Guilded Lilly]

73. Yupppp. An issue and big factor.

[True Blue American]

106. Isn't it funny that most women

Are not upset with a minor touch? They know the difference.

[vlyons]

29. It is a spot-on statement

Joe is not a creep.

[aeromanKC]

30. Biden's statement is the response that is correct

Trump's braggadocios statement, I just grab em by the pussy, I can't help myself and they let you do it, not so much.

[WeekiWater]

31. Good statement. I do believe he is listening...

But really has to pay attention to possible political ramifications. He does have strong women around him. He is also aware of the problem being discussed. They made it clear to him, I’m sure. Outside of the lack of self recognition, which I wouldn’t expect at this point, it’s a good statement.

[sellitman]

32. Joe rocked it!

What a great response!

[riversedge]

33. reposted....

But I see the oP is already here.



https://www.democraticunderground.com/100211974316

Sun Mar 31, 2019, 12:01 PM

riversedge (48,756 posts)

Statement from @JoeBiden this morning. March 31

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Omaha Steve (a host of the General Discussion forum). If you believe this was done in error, please contact Omaha Steve to appeal.




Joe Biden Offered 'Expressions Of Affection' But Denies Inappropriate Behavior

https://www.npr.org/2019/03/31/708537421/joe-biden-offered-expressions-of-affection-but-denies-inappropriate-behavior

March 31, 201912:11 PM ET

.................................

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Sunday responded to allegations that he acted inappropriately when he kissed the back of a former Nevada Democratic assemblywoman's head at a campaign event in 2014, saying his behavior has been affectionate but never unseemly.

"In many years on the campaign trail and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support and comfort. And not once — never — did I believe I acted inappropriately. If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully," Biden said in a statement released by his spokesman on Twitter.


Statement from @JoeBiden this morning.

8:03 AM - Mar 31, 2019

Link to tweet

.................Biden's remarks come two days after Lucy Flores, who was running for lieutenant governor at the time of the alleged incident, published an essay about the encounter in New York magazine, and hours before she was set to make several interview appearances on Sunday.

"I may not recall these moments the same way, and I may be surprised at what I hear," Biden said. "But we have arrived at an important time when women feel they can and should relate their experiences, and men should pay attention. And I will."

...........................

"I will fight to build on the work I've done in my career to end violence against women and ensure women are treated with the equality they deserve," Biden said.

"I will continue to surround myself with trusted women advisers who challenge me to see different perspectives than my own. And I will continue to speak out on these vitally-important issues where there is much more progress to be made and crucial fights that must be waged and won."

The statement is the first direct response from Biden to the accusations. Earlier statements came from Russo, who previously said Biden had no memory of the alleged kiss and was unaware that he had made Flores feel uncomfortable. .............................

[DallasNE]

34. Age Old Differences Between

Messages sent and messages received - especially tricky when it involves expressions of affection that can easily be misinterpreted. Joe did not use good judgement but neither is it akin to copping a feel and worse things men sometimes do. His "and I will" statement clears it up for me.

[JGug1]

37. Biden's Response

FINE. AND, I acknowledge that we live in strange times when a serial grabber, a man who clearly spent money with prostitutes....cheated on every wife he has had, bragged about grabbing women by their crotches......that guy was elected.
Nevertheless, there is a lot more about Biden to not like, though he has evolved. I think he has a great opportunity TO NOT RUN.

[rgbecker]

38. Didn't work for Franken, but maybe Biden has golden touch.

Franken:

"I’ve met tens of thousands of people and taken thousands of photographs, often in crowded and chaotic situations. I’m a warm person; I hug people. I’ve learned from recent stories that in some of those encounters, I crossed a line for some women — and I know that any number is too many.

Some women have found my greetings or embraces for a hug or photo inappropriate, and I respect their feelings about that. I’ve thought a lot in recent days about how that could happen, and recognize that I need to be much more careful and sensitive in these situations. I feel terribly that I’ve made some women feel badly and for that I am so sorry, and I want to make sure that never happens again.

And let me say again to Minnesotans that I’m sorry for putting them through this and I’m committed to regaining their trust."

[LiberalLovinLug]

51. If only the party would have given Al the same respect and deference as Joe will get

Where is Gillibrand? Where is her standards? Why is she not calling for Joe's head on a platter? After all, Al squeezed waists! made a rude gesture once! Surely this reaches that same level! Where is her demand that Joe be thrown out of the party without even an ethics review? .....Oh right, because it wouldn't do her any good. Its one thing to take down a more junior Senator like Franken, but she'd never attempt something like that against Joe or she'd be crucified.

[LakeArenal]

67. Yes, but Harris Booker and Sanders are on the same train that railroaded Al.

All have doubled down on this. But, yes, Gillibrand has tripled down numerous times. And of course they, won't bash Joe like Al. Now it's too politically obvious. Do it once shame on you, do it twice, shame on Democrats that eat their own.

[LiberalLovinLug]

77. You are right. Others piled on.

Way too much knee jerk reaction. It was not well thought out. No one wanted to be left off the train. But it happens too often.

If you boil it down, Democrats strategy is to make sure to bend over backwards, snuffing out all hints of impropriety, and the lint off of the hints as well. In doing so they box themeselves into corners of their own making. Stumbling over each other to be the first on the dog pile. Their assumption is that its better to be overly cautious and PC just to cover every and all bases, even if that means there are times they may overreach. That is the price they are willing to pay. Trouble is, the Rethugs see that as a way to take advantage.

Republicans strategy, maybe its just dumb luck (literally), is to go full hog, both barrells blazing with their own alternate facts, and accusations. It makes no difference if later some or all of it is "proven" wrong by the few Fake News channels like CNN. THEY know it is all made up deep state propaganda anyways. And that Democrats have done the same thing only WORSE!. Their assumption is its better to be overly chaotic and recklessly accusatory of unproven charges against Democrats, and when, the next day the MSM and Democrats are reeling from those charges and on the defensive, Trump is busy tweeting out the latest outrage that will keep them busy in denial the next few days once they've finished with the latest. On and on. Creating a toxic atmosphere so that no one believes anyone.

[LakeArenal]

85. Which leads to folks posting crap on DU

But if we stay confident in our candidates and not let others crap on any of the candidates. We win.

Stop eating our own people.

I don’t support Harris, Gilli and Booker because of Franken.

But I’ll be damned before I think the crap
I’ve heard about Harris (I’m not repeating here) is anymore than crap.

[True Blue American]

117. Same here

And, much as I admire Brown we had a few email exchanges about it. At least he answers, but I was unhappy with him for joining in.

[sandensea]

39. Sounds like the GOPee is trying to Frankenize him.

Let me guess: The claims came from anonymous sources, and the story has Republican links .

[DirtEdonE]

42. +1 nt

[Renew Deal]

53. It comes from a Sanders supporter

[highplainsdem]

58. It comes from a Sanders supporter who's also harking back to debunked GOP smears to try to hurt

Biden.

[jalan48]

44. Good statement. No need for another Franken moment.

[ohtransplant]

63. This is an excellent, well reasoned statement from a leading (potential) Dem candidate for POTUS

and addresses all the appropriate points. I'm not a J.R.B. supporter at this point and am undecided.

A few thoughts for context;

- We can't continue to eat our own at every accusation made. If and/or when these accusations are supported in any way, that could be different.
- Throughout the primaries we must remember our common goal if there is any hope of winning in 2020. The stakes are so high I can't exaggerate the importance of focusing on the end game.
- Joe maintains his respect for for women, their rights and surrounds himself with female advisers to challenge his perspectives. I respect that.
- No candidate will be faultless to everyone in every way. (That does not mean I minimize this accusation in any way.)
- I support our Dem candidates being on offense and not continually playing defense against the GOP inspired PR machine.

[onecent]

66. I LOVE Joe BIden....

[Frustratedlady]

74. Good reply.

[underpants]

76. Well stated and there's no question on sincerity

[samnsara]

78. i love Joe!

[NBachers]

80. It never will end, will it?

[cilla4progress]

88. Only a dem could speak like that.

I've been violated and I've forgiven. I can see that there are different ways of being and an evolutionary arc. I've evolved and hopefully still am.

[zentrum]

89. However, it's really hard to get over

....how he treated Anita Hill.

I think it's naive to assume those videos of the Anita Hill hearings won't be replayed and used against him during all phases of the election. He was really demeaning towards her.

[LibDemAlways]

101. The video compilations on Youtube of

Joe getting handsy with young girls at Congressional swearing in ceremonies will receive heavy airplay as well, with the girls' faces pixillated out of privacy concerns. The R's will do everything in their power to take him down, even if the gestures were entirely innocent and he meant nothing by them. It's the public perception that counts.

[YOHABLO]

93. This is just not the truth.

[napi21]

100. I'm a woman & I've fought all my life for women's rights and safety. I'm 75 now, and I lived

through the eras of first time approval of "the Pill, Roe v Wade, women finally accepted in many positions they never were, etc. Especially public awareness of inappropriate advances on them. All of the advancements were wonderful. However, when we as women view a hand on your shoulder, or a kiss on the back of the head, I think we are reducing the importance of real crimes of sexual harassment. Far too many innocent acts are being called harassment, and soon none are going to taken seriously.

[True Blue American]

105. Thank you

I feel the same way. It has gone much too far and does great harm to those who have really been molested!

I, too have gone through it all. I knew from a very early age to know what was right and wrong because my Mother sat me down and made me listen. I was bored but the words stuck.

[Texin]

126. I agree. I started work in the '70s and saw enormous changes in the workplace environment

between the sexes. I worked for an international corporation that had wild Christmas parties - at midday with booze flowing freely and behaviors that included the professional men playing Santa Clause and having the female employees sitting on their laps like children at Macy's telling Santa what they wanted under the Christmas tree. By the twenty first century, this was unheard of.

I think the notion that every behavior that "violates" personal space is not always an implicit act of sexuality. Women (and men too) should be taught from an early age the difference between the behaviors. For goodness sake, when a person can no longer hug a colleague, pat them on the back or put their hand on someone's shoulder is out of bounds and is as cold as the grave.

[democratisphere]

102. Perfect statement.

Now let's get back to the tasks of being elected POTUS.

[True Blue American]

110. Flores said on Casey Hunt

In answer to a question that she never felt sexually assaulted. Before that he story went from, touching her shoulder and kissing the back, top of her head to it being a long, juicy kiss.

Decide for yourself.

[louis c]

120. Flores sits on the Board of Directors for "Our Revolution"

enough said.

There are too many (not all, mind you) of BS supporters that don't give 2 shits about the Democratic Party or whether Trump gets re-elected or not.

I believe Flores, but the action itself is not the same as harassment or assault. And, please excuse me if I think the timing is a bit suspect.

[LongtimeAZDem]

122. Not any more. I belive she's still pro-Sanders, but she did leave the board last year

[louis c]

124. Big deal that she left last year...

...her heart's still with the "tear down the Democratic Party if we don't get everything we want" group.

[LongtimeAZDem]

129. Agreed.

[MrModerate]

121. This is what Franken should have said. n/t

[Texin]

125. Biden's been in the spotlight FOR YEARS since this. He was VP of the United States for eight of them

Why was there no accuser stepping forth during all this time - UNTIL NOW?

This reeks of yet another organized hit job on a prominent Democratic man who is a viable contender for the nomination and a more than possible candidate who may have had the best shot at defeating Shitler. The tRump camp have already made comments to the effect that they believe Biden is their most dangerous threat. When Franken was getting so much traction in those early investigatory hearings, that's when they decided to silence him and Gillibrand was the first pol to jump on him and take him out, even after he had asked that the Senate open an investigation into the allegation(s). That should have been allowed to take place. As a woman who has had her fair share of inappropriate behaviors visited on me throughout the years, I was never in a situation in which I couldn't back away, step aside or make it known that I wasn't welcoming the physical attention and my actions made the activites cease. I didn't have to take to a press conference to address the problem.

The more dangerous tRump perceives a challenger to be, they more his automatons go into action to take them out - one lie, one hit job after another, and the Dems all begin to pile on and devour the accused. It's a defeatist strategy. They will continue to thin the herd until the most vulnerable contender for the nomination is the only one standing, and they will yet again be defeated by tRump in 2020. Bet on it.

[Otto Lidenbrock]

127. In her words it was not sexual harassment

So why not take it up with the Vice President at the time? Or relay it to a member of his staff. Joe had a female chief of staff for a while.

She is the only person with the right to deem it sexual harassment. She explicitly said it is not. Inappropriate conduct can be addressed but the timing and the manner of the story show it is a hit job knowing Joe is close to announcing his campaign.

[Scurrilous]

128. K&R

[Gothmog]

130. This is a great statement by Joe Biden