2020 Elections Pelosi says Biden needs to respect people’s personal space The speaker also said the allegations against him are not 'disqualifying' for a 2020 run.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday that she does not think the allegations against Joe Biden of unwelcome contact are disqualifying for a 2020 run, but that the former vice president should be more aware of others’ personal space.

"I don't think it's disqualifying,” Pelosi said during a POLITICO Playbook interview, adding, “He has to understand in the world that we're in now that people's space is important to them, and what's important is how they receive it and not necessarily how you intended it.”


Former Nevada assemblywoman Lucy Flores on Friday described in an essay how Biden kissed her on the head during a campaign event in 2014, which she said made her feel uncomfortable and was unacceptable.

Amy Lappos of Connecticut has also come out with allegations of unwanted contact against the former vice president, saying he grabbed her head and rubbed noses with her during a 2009 fundraiser.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also weighed in Tuesday, saying that ultimately it will be up to the voters to decide what they think of Biden’s behavior.

“Everyone deserves to be heard so I salute the women who have come forward to tell their stories,” Schumer said. “When asked about candidates running, I’ve always said they should run if they want to and then the voters will weight the pros and cons and decide for themselves.”

Biden's camp initially responded to Flores' allegation by offering a statement from him saying he has “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. But it was never my intention."

Biden also said that he did not recall the moment the same way, and noted he would be surprised to hear those accusations.

“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," he said.

However, following Flores' continued media appearances, Biden's spokesman Bill Russo issued a new statement aggressively pushing back against Flores' suggestion that Biden had a history of being too touchy with women and making them uncomfortable.

He also rebutted online memes involving photos of Stephanie Carter, the wife of former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, and the daughter of Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.). Stephanie Carter has since said she was not uncomfortable by Biden's actions.

“The Vice President has issued a statement affirming that in all the many years in public life that he has shaken a hand, given or received a hug, or laid his hand on a shoulder to express concern, support, or reassurance, he never intended to cause discomfort," Russo said on Monday. "He has said that he believes that women who have experience any such discomfort, regardless of intention, should speak and be heard, and that he will be among those who listen."

“But the important conversation about these issues are not advanced, nor are any criticisms of Vice President Biden validated, by the continued misrepresentation of the Carter and Coons moments, or a failure to be vigilant about a cottage industry of lies," Russo concluded.

Pelosi pushed back against the tone of former vice president's apologies.

"It is how it's received, so to say, 'I'm sorry that you were offended' is not an apology," the California Democrat said. "'I'm sorry I invaded your space,' but not, 'I'm sorry you were offended.' What's that? That's not accepting the fact that people think differently about communication."

Democrats are agonizing over how to handle the new allegations against Biden, though no party leaders have stated the former vice president is disqualified from joining the 2020 field.

Many of the 2020 Democrats have expressed sympathy for Flores, saying they believe her story, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has said Biden will need to address the accusations.

“Lucy Flores felt demeaned and that’s never OK. And if Vice President Biden decides to run for president, this is something he’s going to have to address directly with the American people,” Gillibrand said Monday evening.

Biden has yet to announce his 2020 presidential campaign, but has been leading in polling among the likely Democratic field. The 76-year-old would join one of largest and most diverse primary pools in history.

Pelosi on Tuesday shared one piece of advice with Biden: "Join the straight-arm club with me."

"I'm a member of the straight arm club ... just pretend you have a cold and I have a cold," Pelosi said. "He's an affectionate person, to children, to senior citizens, to everyone, but that's just not the way."

Marianne LeVine contributed to this report.