2020 Elections Biden pledges in video to be more 'respectful' of personal space

Joe Biden on Wednesday posted a video on Twitter pledging to be more mindful of people’s personal space in the wake of multiple allegations from women accusing the former vice president of making them uncomfortable with his physical contact.

Biden said the contact — handshakes, hugs and shoulder grabs — was his way of showing support to others, something he appreciated during times of hardship in his own life.


But the former vice president also acknowledged that social norms have changed, and he promised to adapt his own behavior accordingly.

“But I’ll always believe governing — and, quite frankly, life, for that matter — is about connecting, about connecting with people,” Biden said. “That won’t change. But I will be more mindful and respectful of people’s personal space.”

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

Lucy Flores, a former Nevada assemblywoman who said Biden kissed her on the head during a campaign event in 2014, first came forward with allegations of unwanted contact. Amy Lappos of Connecticut also accused Biden of grabbing her head and rubbing noses with her during a 2009 fundraiser, a gesture she said made her uncomfortable.

Two other women, Caitlyn Caruso and D.J. Hill, have also expressed their discomfort with Biden‘s touching in two separate interactions.

Biden notably did not apologize for his actions in the video posted Wednesday.

“Social norms have begun to change, they've shifted, and the boundaries of protecting personal space have been reset,“ Biden said. “I get it. I get it. I hear what they're saying.“

A number of prominent women — including former Biden staffers; Valerie Jarrett, the longtime adviser to President Barack Obama; and former national security adviser Susan Rice — have expressed their support for Biden.

Some Democratic lawmakers have also come to Biden‘s defense.

The Delaware Democrat, a highly anticipated presidential candidate who is frequently leading in polling, also signaled in his video that he might soon make a formal announcement about a presidential bid.

“Folks, in the coming month, I expect to be talking to you about a whole lot of issues, and I‘ll always be direct with you,“ he began his video response.

A number of Democratic presidential candidates have said they believed the women who have come forward. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, however, has been one of the few candidates to say that Biden will have to address his actions should he enter the race.

Rebecca Morin contributed to this report.