"Creepy uncle" or harmless, "grandad-too-touchy-for-2019"? This is the question being asked of former US vice-president, and potential 2020 Presidential candidate Joe Biden, and dividing social media.

On the one hand, the white-haired co-star of the political buddy movie that was the Obama-Biden White House era, is being accused of being a little too handsy (and hair-smell-y) towards two women who have complained of being made to feel uncomfortable – and others who seem startled by his affection in a large collection of still photos now on high internet rotation.

Former US vice-president Joe Biden is being defended vigorously as simply a man of his day. Credit:AP

On the other, naturally cuddly Mr Biden is being defended vigorously as simply a man of his day who has not learnt to keep his hands in his pockets, and his nose far enough away from women's scalps not to be able to diagnose their brand of mousse, at a time when every public figure is well aware unwanted barrier-crossing has the potential to make all concerned feel vulnerable.

Interestingly, the debate raging over just how far Mr Biden has strayed into the #MeToo no man's land is being fought along generational, not gender, lines. If you sift out the opposition henchmen sniffing blood, older commenters see more of an affectionate/avuncular thing going on, while many younger ones believe such uninvited touching crosses a line.