Former Vice President Joe Biden is catching heat for what his reaction to claims that he acted inappropriately toward women lacked — an apology.
A short time after Biden posted a brief video on Twitter on the heels of four women coming forward to say he was inappropriate with them in public settings, the social media network lit up with reactions.
Journalist Erin Biba:
"He didn't apologize. He kept bringing up how he touches men, which essentially ignored the fact that these problems are being brought up exclusively by women. And he said that the desire not to be touched is "new" rather then simply that women finally feel safe to speak up."
Writer and humorist Jason O. Gilbert:
"Everyone needs to cut Joe Biden some slack. He comes from a different time, when you had to sniff a woman’s hair to make sure it was not concealing a sword."
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.:
"I know [Joe Biden] very well … I think whatever he did, it may have been inappropriate, but it was not driven by malice or misconduct."
Journalist Naomi Fry:
"i bet joe biden gives a great shoulder massage."
Journalist Ryan Teague Beckwith:
"Biden Announces New Personal Space Force."
Democratic strategist Waleed Shahid:
"It isn't just about norms changing. The problem with 'centrists' like Biden is that they have the privilege of choosing convenience over what's always been right. It's true of behavior toward women and his stances on desegregation, crime, Iraq, & more."
Journalist Ella Dawson:
"I respect that Joe Biden is trying to listen and learn, but I think it's worth underscoring that power dynamics are not a matter of social norms. That it's less socially acceptable to violate the personal space of women doesn't mean it wasn't already exploitative in the past."
Biden is expected to announce a presidential run in the near future.