Former Vice President, Joe Biden, broke his silence on Wednesday after several allegations of inappropriate physical contact were made against him.
Biden tweeted, “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.”
Along with the tweet, Biden posted a video to discuss the allegations further, saying his gestures were of support and encouragement.
“In my career, I’ve always tried to make a human connection,” Biden stated. “That’s my responsibility, I think. I shake hands, I hug people, I grab men and women by the shoulders and say ‘you can do this.’ And whether they’re women, men, young, old, it’s the way I’ve always been. It’s the way I’ve tried to show I care about them and I’m listening.”
The former Vice President furthered explained how politics is about connecting with the people and how he plans on adapting to social norms. Although Biden feels that connecting with people is important, he said he would ensure that he’s mindful of one’s personal space.
“You know, social norms begin to change, they’re shifted, and the boundaries of protecting personal space have been reset, and I get it. I get it,” Biden said. “I hear what they’re saying. I understand it. And I’ll be much more mindful, that’s my responsibility. My responsibility and I’ll meet it.”
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
