The founder of the #MeToo movement defended presidential candidate Joe Biden as he faces an allegation of sexual assault by a former aide.
Tarana Burke, who was named Time’s Person of the Year in 2017 along with other female activists in the #MeToo movement, addressed the “inconvenient truth” about the claim against Biden on Tuesday in a thread of tweets.
“The inconvenient truth is that this story is impacting us differently because it hits at the heart of one of the most important elections of our lifetime. And I hate to disappoint you but I don’t really have easy answers,” she said
“She should have been able to come forward in a process where she was treated fairly, in a trusted system. Instead, like other public survivors before her, she had to rely on journalists in order to be heard — precisely because the systems for survivors are not in place,” Burke said of the accuser. “The defense of Joe Biden shouldn’t rest on whether or not he’s a ‘good guy’ or ‘our only hope.’ Instead, he could demonstrate what it looks like to be both accountable and electable.”
On the other hand, the defense of Joe Biden shouldn’t rest on whether or not he’s a “good guy” or “our only hope.” Instead, he could demonstrate what it looks like to be both accountable and electable.
11/14— Tarana (@TaranaBurke) April 28, 2020
Burke said Biden’s “demonstrated learning curve” as to how he must interact with women “left him open to the plausibility of these claims.”
She said her message since the formation of the #MeToo movement had never changed. “Survivors have a right to speak their truth and to be given the space to heal,” Burke said.
My stance has never wavered: survivors have a right to speak their truth and to be given the space to heal.
2/14— Tarana (@TaranaBurke) April 28, 2020
Biden was recently accused of sexual assault by Tara Reade, who was his Senate aide from 1992 to 1993. According to Reade, Biden ran his hand underneath her skirt and penetrated her with his fingers at the time. The former vice president has not yet been personally asked about the accusation despite appearances on cable news, but his campaign has vehemently denied the claim.
Still, a growing list of media personalities, progressive activists, supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and others have demanded Biden personally address the allegations.
Earlier this month, Reade filed a formal complaint with the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department regarding the incident but did not specifically mention Biden by name. As of Wednesday, police considered the case to be “inactive.”
