By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON (AA) – Former Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday he will move away from his hallmark tactile political style after women came forward alleging the longtime politician made them feel uncomfortable in their encounters.
Biden issued a video on his personal Twitter account pledging, among other things, to be “more mindful and respectful of people's personal space ” after at least four women said Biden had made unwanted physical contact with them.
Lucy Flores, a former Nevada state lawmaker, alleged an encounter with Biden in 2014 left her feeling “uneasy, gross and confused ” when she said Biden kissed her on the back of the head.
At least three other women have come forward with stories of unwanted physical contact.
Biden acknowledged that he has made some “gestures of support ” that he said have made some men and women uncomfortable during his political career, saying he has always tried to make a “human connection ” as a politician.
“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, ” he said. “I've never thought of politics as cold and antiseptic. ”
Biden acknowledged that social norms are beginning to change, particularly in a post #MeToo-era in America, and said the “boundaries of respecting personal space have been reset. ”
“I get it. I hear what they're saying. I understand it, and I'll be much more mindful. That's my responsibility, ” he said.
