Former Vice President Joe Biden released a video on Wednesday responding to several allegations of unwanted and inappropriate behavior, saying he promises to be more "mindful and respectful" of people's personal space.
Biden, who is considered a likely candidate for the White House in 2020, said he touched people to make a "human connection."
"I've never thought of politics as cold and antiseptic. I've always thought it about connecting with people, as I said, shaking hands, hands on the shoulder, a hug, encouragement, and now, it's all about taking selfies together," Biden says in the video.
But as he wrote in the caption to the video, Biden says he understands that social norms and times have changed and he plans to adjust his behavior to reflect that.
"I will be more mindful and respectful of people's personal space - and that's a good thing," Biden promises in the video.
"I’ll always believe that governing quite frankly, life for that matter, is about connecting with people," Biden continues. "That won’t change but I will be more mindful and respectful of people’s personal space— and that’s a good thing."
"I will be more mindful and respectful of people's personal space, and that's a good thing, that's a good thing," Biden promised. "I've worked my whole life to empower women. I've worked my whole life to prevent abuse, I've written, and so the idea, that I can't adjust to the fact that personal space is important, more important than it's ever been, is just not thinkable. I will. I will."
The video from Biden comes after a former member of the Nevada state Assembly, Lucy Flores, accused Biden of being "demeaning and disrespectful" after he allegedly kissed the back of her head at an event in 2014. In an essay for New York Magazine, Flores detailed the encounter:
"I felt him get closer to me from behind. He leaned further in and inhaled my hair. I was mortified," Flores wrote. "He proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head. My brain couldn’t process what was happening. I was embarrassed. I was shocked. I was confused."
Three other women have come forward, saying they too have been the subject of unwelcome attention from Biden.
Biden previously released a statement about the allegation on Sunday, saying, "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."
"I may not recall these moments the same way, and I may be surprised at what I hear. But we have arrived at an important time when women feel they can and should relate their experiences, and men should pay attention. And I will," Biden added.
Photo: Getty Images