Second woman accuses Joe Biden of unwanted physical contact
What's the story
Amy Lappos, an NGO freelance worker, yesterday accused US ex-Vice President, Joe Biden of unwanted physical contact. Amy claimed that Biden touched her inappropriately at a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 2009. She is the second person in last three days to accuse him. Lucy Flores, an American politician, was the first one, who on Friday said Biden forcibly kissed her in 2014.
Details
Amy posted about the incident on a Facebook group
Amy, who posted about the incident on the 'Connecticut Women in Politics' Facebook group, described that she was in the kitchen with other volunteers when Biden approached her at the fundraiser. "It wasn't sexual, but he did grab me by the head. He put his hand around my neck and pulled me in to rub noses with me," Amy told a US daily.
Story
He was the Vice-President, I was a nobody, said Amy
The 43-year-old was an assistant to Jim Himes, a US Representative, at the time. She said, "I never filed a complaint because he was the vice president. I was a nobody." "There's absolutely a line of decency. There's a line of respect. Crossing that line is not grandfatherly. It's not cultural. It's not affection. It's sexism or misogyny," added Amy.
Statement
Not once did I believe I acted inappropriately, defends Biden
When media reached out to the 76-year-old for his reaction on the allegations, his spokesperson gave the same comment he did after the first allegation. Biden had said, "I have offered countless handshakes, hugs and expressions of affection. And not once did I believe I acted inappropriately. If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention."
Context
Earlier, ex-lawmaker accused Biden of kissing during rally
Amy's post came after Flores, Nevada's ex-lawmaker, accused Biden. Flores said that in 2014, she was Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor and was waiting for her turn to address a rally. Biden came backstage, put his hand on her shoulder and leaned in to smell her hair. "He proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head," said Flores.
Quote
I was mortified, shocked and confused, said Flores
The 39-year-old politician told the New York Magazine that she was mortified. "My brain could not process what was happening. I was embarrassed. I was shocked. I was confused. I wanted nothing more than to get Biden away from me," Flores added.
Elections
Biden might run for President in 2020, not yet confirmed
Although Biden does not recall any such incident, this could drastically affect his possible run for President in 2020. Biden, who is known for his intimate campaign style, is currently leading the Democratic presidential field in opinion polls. However, his nomination is not yet confirmed. He served as the Vice President for eight years during Barack Obama's presidential tenure from 2008-2016.
Information
Biden a supporter for women rights, says former aide Elizabeth
Many supporters of Biden have come out in his defense. A former Senate and Biden's aide in the White House, Elizabeth Alexander, wrote a column in USA Today supporting Biden and said that he has always supported women and campaigned for their rights.