How Bad is Bidens Behavior Really? Facebook Friends Respond

The great liberal hero has been sabotaged by a great liberal movement. Youve all seen the photos and videos. Joe Biden groping and kissing women and girls. (Ive written about this previously). He creeps out most people once they know about it. And few did until recently but now its Bidens #MeToo moment. Because hes running for president hes getting a lot more scrutiny than hes gotten in the past. Hes being held to higher standards than he was when he just Uncle Joe" President Obamas sidekick. And because hes about to announce his run and hell be a frontrunner other Democrats who want to run are dredging this up behind the scenes. But what does this mean for the rest of us? How will this affect hugging or greeting people with a kiss on the cheek? Will it make people hesitate to engage in those types of behaviors? I posted about it on Facebook and was surprised to see all the folks who defended some level of touching. I personally dont like it when men kiss me on both cheeks to greet me but I wouldnt object if they did or try to get the practice stopped. Regardless I think most can agree that Bidens groping and kissing was excessive and unnecessary especially with the young girls.

Bidens Lecherousness

A friend who was the most offended by Bidens actions said he is familiar with Bidens type of behavior and sees it as that of a predator. He said he was preyed upon when he was 7 or 8 and it scarred him for life. He also opined Im more upset with the parents Joe doesnt have enough security if that was my son." One female Facebook friend cut to the chase: Biden is a sexual predator. He loves to touch little kids and women. One day the truth will be exposed." Similarly Why havent charges been brought against him or has he just paid people off?" Along those lines another friend commented As a man I think its creepy. Perhaps not rising to a level of aggression just creepy." A second friend echoed Hes really creepy." A woman added Ive seen all those videos of him being what he thinks is playful with girls and women but is really just him being what I would call a dirty old man very very creepy dude!" Another woman blurted out He is gross!" A male Facebook friend exclaimed Pervert bigtime. Seeing him fondle children is sickening."

Nuanced Criticism

Some were more nuanced in their criticism. I believe the intent of the person doing the touching needs to be considered but the feelings of the person being touched are far more important." He went on I do not believe that what Biden said was the norm has ever been the norm in this country." A woman agreed with him. I do not mind at all if a man kisses my cheek will touch my shoulder etc. However I am a very physically affectionate person. Everyone should use discretion. Not all people are comfortable with physical affection and we should probably all assume if we dont know someone that we shouldnt touch them at all." Another man similarly reacted The way he grabs them and pulls them in close for control." One Facebook friend recommended All male politicians should do what Mike Pence does." Another responded Which means they get mocked by mainstream media for being a prude." To which the former replied Thats OK. No worries about women coming forward with stories." A few friends seemed to defend Biden. Joe doesnt comprehend things I did in the late 60s and 70s within societal norms today would get me arrested minimally in trouble" one wrote.

I think the problems are with the women. Back in the day Id make an unwanted advance and my date would have set behavioral limits. Are women today so traumatized by mens comments stares or a shoulder/neck/hair touch they cant set limits? I thought women were strong and independent? Seems theyre showing weak and dependent instead.

Another man appeared to also defend him What exactly in legal terms are these women accusing him of?" I responded and told him sexual harassment.

Is Hugging Still OK?

Next I posted an item saying that this will put a damper on regular hugging. Some werent so concerned. One said Innocent hugging from someone like you is no issue its the creepy dude sticking his face into his victims face or hair that is the problem." Another expressed a similar sentiment He feels these women up!" Help us champion truth freedom limited government and human dignity. Support The Stream Similarly Im pretty sure you dont smell peoples hair feel them up and kiss them unwantingly" one friend commented. Another woman observed His arent kisses on cheek upon greeting…" One man admitted hes cautious about hugging now. Ive gone totally to fist bumps even the nieces that are close to us only get very LOOSE hugs." A woman opined I have no problem with hugs if they come in front. Joe Biden only comes in from behind." Another woman was even less open to hugs I doubt care who it is dont invade my personal space unless you have my prior permission."

What About Greeting People With Kisses on the Cheeks?

Lastly I brought up greeting someone with a kiss on both cheeks which many men do. One woman did not defend the practice observing The European way in the greeting is to kiss the air beside each cheek not the cheek." Another woman thought it was fine He is doing the kissing … no one has to kiss back that doesnt want to." Another agreed but added a distinction. Quick on the cheek is fine" she wrote. The Joe Biden kind that I am too shy to describe no thanks." Similarly a male friend opined Biden is not kissing their cheeks hes a perv." Another Facebook friend distinguished the U.S. from other countries. Americans greet by handshake and if its a male to female its polite to wait for the lady to offer her hand to shake." One man said I dont kiss women period. I dont hug many of them anymore or even touch them because of how things have become."

OK But Not OK

A man who had lived in Europe both criticized and approved of the practice. First of all I would never kiss anyone other than my wife on the neck. I have said recently I lived in France for several years and a kiss on the cheek was a common non-sexual and respectful greeting. It is hardly common in the U.S." But commenting on another post of mine he said I believe Biden has always been grandfatherly affectionate and I believe the President and many other people are also … Too bad the Democrat and other Socialist candidates are going to destroy Biden because of it." A female friend didnt seem too upset by it. A few decades ago this wouldnt have rated a comment. If a man did something offensive you told him to quit it and went about your life."

Whats Safe

Based on the responses from my Facebook friends it is safe" to say that its better to refrain from touching others unless they are relatively close family members or adults you know approve. If in doubt dont. Some women like me arent going to vocalize their discomfort. Its unfortunate that Bidens behavior has put a chill over regular hugging and greeting. But maybe its not so bad if it stops a few lecherous men from taking advantage of women too polite to speak up.   Reprinted from The Stream. Follow Rachel on Twitter at Rach_IC. Send tips to [email protected].