Biden Responds To Lucy Flores Allegation: 'It Was Never My Intention' To Act Inappropriately
- 5 years ago
Joe Biden has released a statement in response to a recent allegation.
Former Vice President Joe Biden has responded to claims by a former Nevada state assemblywoman that he behaved inappropriately towards her in 2014.
"In my many years on the campaign trail and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support and comfort. And not once - never - did I believe I acted inappropriately," Biden said in a statement. "If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention."
"I may not recall these moments the same way, and I may be surprised at what I hear," he added. "But we have arrived at an important time when women feel they can and should relate their experiences, and men should pay attention. And I will. I will also remain the strongest advocate I can be for the rights of women. I will fight to build on the work I've done in my career to end violence against women and ensure women are treated with the equality they deserve."
"I will continue to surround myself with trusted women advisers who challenge me to see different perspectives than my own," Biden continued. "And I will continue to speak out on these vitally-important issues where there is much more progress to be made and crucial fights that must be waged and won."
His remarks come on the heels of an op-ed titled, "An Awkward Kiss Changed How I Saw Joe Biden."
The Cut piece was written by Lucy Flores who says that in 2014, she was a 35-year-old Democrat running for lieutenant governor in Nevada. At a campaign event, "as I was taking deep breaths and preparing myself to make my case to the crowd, I felt two hands on my shoulders. I froze. 'Why is the vice-president of the United States touching me?'" she stated.
"I felt him get closer to me from behind. He leaned further in and inhaled my hair. I was mortified," she added. "He proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head. My brain couldn't process what was happening. I was embarrassed. I was shocked. I was confused."
Flores' account has been viewed by some as a potential impediment to Biden's run for president, should he decide to formally enter the race.
Former Vice President Joe Biden has responded to claims by a former Nevada state assemblywoman that he behaved inappropriately towards her in 2014.
"In my many years on the campaign trail and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support and comfort. And not once - never - did I believe I acted inappropriately," Biden said in a statement. "If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention."
"I may not recall these moments the same way, and I may be surprised at what I hear," he added. "But we have arrived at an important time when women feel they can and should relate their experiences, and men should pay attention. And I will. I will also remain the strongest advocate I can be for the rights of women. I will fight to build on the work I've done in my career to end violence against women and ensure women are treated with the equality they deserve."
"I will continue to surround myself with trusted women advisers who challenge me to see different perspectives than my own," Biden continued. "And I will continue to speak out on these vitally-important issues where there is much more progress to be made and crucial fights that must be waged and won."
His remarks come on the heels of an op-ed titled, "An Awkward Kiss Changed How I Saw Joe Biden."
The Cut piece was written by Lucy Flores who says that in 2014, she was a 35-year-old Democrat running for lieutenant governor in Nevada. At a campaign event, "as I was taking deep breaths and preparing myself to make my case to the crowd, I felt two hands on my shoulders. I froze. 'Why is the vice-president of the United States touching me?'" she stated.
"I felt him get closer to me from behind. He leaned further in and inhaled my hair. I was mortified," she added. "He proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head. My brain couldn't process what was happening. I was embarrassed. I was shocked. I was confused."
Flores' account has been viewed by some as a potential impediment to Biden's run for president, should he decide to formally enter the race.