The bias the media have for Democratic politicians is more apparent than ever in light of Tara Reade’s sexual assault allegations against presidential candidate Joe Biden. In the media’s collective gaze, Biden must be protected at all costs since he represents the only chance to defeat President Trump at the polls in November. Despite the fact that this favoritism goes directly against their prized #MeToo mantra, they continue on. The ultimate goal is beating Trump, not exposing inconvenient truth.
In September 2018, Justice Brett Kavanaugh endured a grueling experience during his nomination for the high court. At the eleventh hour, allegations by Christine Blasey Ford were introduced. By the end of the charade, extra days of testimony and an FBI investigation had been added to an already contentious process. But the real issue with Kavanaugh was that he was Trump’s second nominee to the Supreme Court. The investigation into his background and the claims made by Ford revealed no evidence or contemporaneous corroboration.
As tempting as it is, politicizing sexual assault allegations is despicable behavior. There is just as little use for “believe all women” as there is for entirely disregarding a claim simply because it casts an unfavorable light on your preferred politician or nominee. The pursuit of truth, wherever it may lead, should always be the main objective. This is one reason why an investigation into Kavanaugh’s background was necessary. Everything about his past, his history as a judge on the federal bench for twelve years, interactions with women, and statements from friends made Ford’s allegations seem highly improbable.
But because character should be at least as important as experience, and probably even more so, the increased scrutiny was needed. The diversion made some Republicans furious, but it was the right thing to do both morally and politically.
On Monday, Business Insider published a report that increased suspicion about Biden and his interactions with Tara Reade thanks to contemporaneous corroboration. Though the alleged incident is now well past the statute of limitations and is in “inactive status” with the police department, more information is needed. This should be the shared sentiment between Democrats and Republicans. Unfortunately, it is not.
From the Democratic Party’s perspective, there is simply not enough evidence to assign serious blame to the elderly statesman. To some Republicans, the disturbing question mark placed on Biden after years of very public, overly affectionate behavior is enough to convict him in the court of public opinion. Both are wrong. Until such a time that further evidence or admission of guilt is made known, there can be no conclusion as to whether former Vice President Joe Biden did what is alleged. The shadow of accusation will remain until proof appears.
If there were to be evidence produced following an investigation, the likely scenario is that very few voters would change their mind regarding Biden. In the Business Insider article, Lynda LaCasse, the neighbor who says Reade told her about the alleged assault in 1995 or 1996, even states, “I personally am a Democrat, a very strong Democrat. And I’m for Biden, regardless.” It seems that most everyone’s mind is already set right now, and nothing will change it. However, that is not the point.
The facts in any situation matter most of all. Additionally, remaining consistent whether your guy is in the spotlight or not is a must. Democrats were passionate about demanding that Kavanaugh be placed under an FBI microscope for an alleged incident that is said to have occurred in high school. But now, an alleged assault that took place in the 1990s on Capitol Hill registers little to no concern.
Whether Democrat or Republican, there should not be shifting of reactions based on political whims in general, and especially as it relates to sexual assault. Legitimate victims deserve respect. The truth does, too.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
