Biden faces new scrutiny from Dems over behavior with women
Associated PressWASHINGTON — Former Vice President Joe Biden on Sunday defended his interactions with women, saying he doesn’t believe he’s ever acted inappropriately. Jay Inslee said, “I believe it’s important to listen and take seriously any incident like this.” White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Flores was “quite bold” to “go up against the highest levels of her political party” with the allegations and suggested that Biden should consider apologizing to Flores. “He proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head.” Biden spokesman Bill Russo said the former vice president doesn’t remember kissing Flores. Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist who worked on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, said Biden’s team needs to answer a key question before launching a White House bid: “Do they feel confident in their ability to understand this electorate and campaign in 2020, which is already different than 2016?” Even before Flores made her allegations, some Democrats were wondering whether Biden was meant for this moment. Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz said that while Flores’ descriptions may feel familiar to those who have watched Biden hug and hold hands with women for years, she put the focus on the women who were on the receiving end of his affections.