Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., reacted to Lucy Flores’ #MeToo allegation against former Vice President Joe Biden, saying “one incident” shouldn’t stop a presidential candidate.
During an interview Sunday, the 2020 candidate was prompted to speak about Flores’ allegation last week that Biden inappropriately kissed her and what it might mean for Biden’s decision on whether he wants to run for president.
“I think that’s a decision for the vice president to make,” said Sanders when asked by CBS host Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation.” “I’m not sure that one incident alone disqualifies anybody.”
Sanders said he believes Flores and that no woman should ever have to face an environment of harassment.
“I think what this speaks to is the need to fundamentally change the culture of this country and to create environments where women feel comfortable and feel safe,” Sanders said.
Brennan pressed Sanders on sexual harassment allegations in his 2016 campaign and his efforts to address concerns as he takes a second tilt for the White House. “We have established the strongest protocol to prevent this from happening of any campaign in history,” Sanders said.
Biden released a statement Sunday, saying “not once – never” did he think he acted inappropriately to women.
“In my many years on the campaign trail and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support and comfort,” Biden 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.”
Flores, a 39-year-old former assemblywoman from Nevada, explained she came out with her story for political reasons and after she saw stories about other incidents in which Biden got physical with other women.
“Time passed and pictures started to surface of Vice-President Biden getting uncomfortably close with women and young girls. Biden nuzzling the neck of the Defense secretary’s wife; Biden kissing a senator’s wife on the lips; Biden whispering in women’s ears; Biden snuggling female constituents,” Flores wrote last week.
