Photo Credit: Marc Nozell via Flickr
By: Tylaisha Davis
Former Vice President Joe Biden has recently been accused of touching people in ways that made them feel uncomfortable.
Lucy Flores, former Nevada Assembly member, accused Biden of “demeaning and disrespectful” behavior in an article published in the New York Magazine. Flores recalled a political event in 2014 where the 2020 presidential candidate placed his hands on her shoulders, smelled her and kissed the back of her head.
“Just before the speeches, we were ushered to the side of the stage where we were lined up by order of introduction,” Flores told New York Magazine. “As I was taking deep breaths and preparing myself to make my case to the crowd, I felt two hands on my shoulders. I froze. Why is the vice-president of the United States touching me?”
Though Biden has since apologized for his unwanted touches, a spokesperson for Biden said the former vice president does not recall kissing Flores on the back of her head.
More women came forward and told their piece of their interactions with Biden in the New York Times. Freelance writer Amy Lappos claims Joe Biden rubbed noses with her.
59-year-old D.J. Hill said he put his hands on her shoulders and did weird things to her back, and 22-year-old Caitlyn Caruso said Biden put his hand on her thigh and gave her a lingering hug.
Hill and Caruso didn’t say anything to Biden at the time, but both stressed that they did not like or welcome the touching.
President Trump took a jab at Joe Biden at a dinner with Republican lawmakers saying “Are you having a good time Joe?”.
Since these allegations, videos of Biden engaging in creepy behavior with women and children have surfaced on social media.
On April 3, Biden released a video speaking about being more aware of changing social norms, and respecting personal space. He said in his career he has tried to make personal connections with people by hugging them, putting his hand on their shoulder or shaking their hand. Biden added that he will be more mindful of people’s personal space in the future.
Joe Biden became the vice president of the United States when democratic nominee Barack Obama selected him as a running mate for the 2008 election, and the pair entered office in January 2009.
Former Vice President Joe Biden has since argued that he is the most qualified person to be President and has declared his campaign for the 2020 election.
