“I’m not sorry for anything that I have ever done.”
That’s what former vice president Joe Biden had to say Friday about the numerous allegations that he inappropriately touched women, making them feel uncomfortable.
“The fact of the matter is I made it clear that if I made anyone feel [uncomfortable], I feel badly about that. It was never my intention. Ever,” Biden said at the Washington Hilton on Friday after delivering a speech to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Asked by another reporter if he was “sorry,” Biden refused to apologize.
“I’m sorry I didn’t understand more,” Biden said. “I’m not sorry for any of my intentions. I’m not sorry for anything that I have ever done. I have never been disrespectful intentionally to a man or a woman. So that’s not the reputation I’ve had since I was in high school, for God’s sakes.”
Before his speech, Biden joked about the recent allegations from at least seven women who claim he touched them inappropriately.
While giving a speech at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers conference, Biden patted President Lonnie Stephenson on the shoulder as he took the stage.
“I just want you to know, I had permission to hug Lonnie,” Biden said. “I don’t know man,” he added, laughing, as the crowd cheered.
Afterward, Biden was asked if joking about the allegations was proper.
“It was not my intent to make light of anyone’s discomfort,” Biden said. “I realize my responsibility is to not invade the space of anyone who is uncomfortable.”
Meanwhile, a panel on CNN — of all places — absolutely ripped Biden for joking around.
“he doesn’t think he’s done anything wrong,” host John King said with a panel of four women. “He says he welcomes a character debate. But he says he gets it. He doesn’t get it if he’s not understanding that the women think they’re space was violated, that they were disrespected — they’re not going to find that funny.”
