Joe Biden twice cracked jokes during his speech, referencing complaints from women that his physical behavior made them uncomfortable
Democrat Joe Biden, who signalled Friday he was on the cusp of announcing a presidential bid, brushed offwith women by joking about hugging in his first public appearance since the accusations broke.
Over the past week, Biden has been accused of inappropriately touching women or making them feel uncomfortable with his affection.That was"never my intention," he said at an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers conference in Washington, as he sought, unsuccessfully, to defuse the turmoil. After embracing union chief Lonnie Stephenson, Biden turned to the crowd and said"I just want you to know I had permission to hug Lonnie." Further into his speech, he brought young children onstage and repeated a similar joke, before adding:"Everyone knows I like kids more than people."Biden has said that in his constant effort to make"a human connection," he shakes hands, hugs voters, and sometimes grasps their shoulders in moments of compassion or good will.
Biden addressed the concerns, saying he would likely adjust how he campaigns should he enter the race."I'm sorry I didn't understand more," Biden told reporters. "To make light of something as serious as consent degrades the conversation women everywhere are courageously trying to have," tweeted Lucy Flores of Nevada.
President Donald Trump, who himself has faced accusations of sexual misconduct, was quick to mock Biden on Twitter, dismissing him as a potential challenger in 2020.
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