What will the Democrats do about 'Uncle' Joe Biden?

Russell McDermott, columnist
Russell McDermott, columnist

What to do about Joe Biden?

That's the question many Democrats are asking themselves.

So far, only Biden knows if he's running for president. But complications have come up that have a lot of folks questioning if he could be a viable Democratic nominee in 2020.

Two women-at least so far-have said Biden made them feel uncomfortable through his well-known "touchy-feely" brand of personal politics.

Let's be clear, Biden is openly emotional. He hugs. He kisses. He touches. Always has. It's part of his political shtick, if you will.

The former senator from Delaware and vice president honed his approach among the old-line politicians who courted the Irish vote in Delaware and all across the Northeast. Such "wear your emotions on your sleeve," hands-on campaigning was nothing new. Indeed, it was more the norm in the Irish, Italian and other ethnic neighborhoods.

That's probably strange to most readers since such enclaves were much more common in the North than down here in the South. But there were a lot more immigrants who settled up there and they tended to cluster. Irish, Italians, Poles, Germans, Jews and others who came to the U.S. in large numbers felt more comfortable among their own in this new home. And so they maintained traditions and customs longer.

In the South, immigrants tended to blend in the with their neighbors and assimilate more readily. Usually by the second generation it didn't matter where your family came from. Not so much in the North where ethnic divisions lasted longer.

Does that excuse Biden? No, but it does help explain why he acts as he does. And why he never thought he was doing anything wrong.

At least until now.

With the current accusations a potential torpedo to any hopes he has for the White House, Biden issued a statement Sunday.

"In my many years on the campaign trail and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support and comfort," he said. "And not once -never-did I believe I acted inappropriately. If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention."

I think Biden is sincere. Hopefully he will learn that things are different now. But will that be enough?

Of course, Republicans see blood in the water. They are already jumping on the "creepy Uncle Joe" bandwagon and spreading lurid innuendo across social media.

As for the Democrats, they have a lot of candidates in the race and a lot of division in the ranks. Some would welcome a moderate like Biden. But others want someone much more to the left like Bernie Sanders. And there are plenty who won't be happy unless a woman or person of color-or both-gets the nomination. It was already a crapshoot for Biden. And now this?

Let's just say the timing couldn't be worse.

The #metoo movement has exposed a lot of improper, even abusive, conduct by men in powerful places. It has shown how women have had to put up with intimidation and injustice for years and years. While sexual harassment and discrimination still goes on, the movement has made many men more aware of what they should or should not say or do. Or maybe it just scared them. Either way, it's good.

But #metoo doesn't always take intent into the equation. What seems discomforting now was sometimes just part of the landscape a few years before and came with no evil intentions. Sexist, sure. But not predatory.

I think Biden is seeing the backlash firsthand. I believe him when he says he didn't think he was doing anything wrong. And I believe he is smart enough to rethink his "hands-on" style. But it doesn't matter what I believe when voters go to the ballot box.

So, does Biden's "handsy" conduct mean he should not get the nomination? No. There are levels of offense and his doesn't rise to any that would disqualify him from office. But in today's climate it will make a tough battle even harder. A lot harder.

For personal reasons, Biden didn't run for president in 2016, as many expected him too. He has said since that he believes he would have won. Maybe so. But this is a different time and it may well be too late for Uncle Joe Biden.

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